What does Ephesians 6:1 mean?

Verses 1 through 3 offer a brief set of instructions for children. This verse offers a summary clearly written to children still living under the authority of their parents. The emphasis here is on godly obedience. This is not blind or mindless cooperation (Acts 5:39). Rather, this is submission grounded in a love for God.

For children to obey their parents is specifically referred to as "right." God often presents clear moral instructions in Scripture. Children obeying parents is one of these non-negotiable mandates. It should not be unusual to expect children to follow the instruction of their parents. Not only are the parents responsible for bringing the child into the world, they have a much better view of what is best for the child. Even when a parent's instructions are hard to understand, children do well to trust and obey. In this way, the parent-child dynamic is meant to be a powerful allegory for the relationship between each of us and God.

Here, Paul's command is given under the expectation that parents love and protect their children, and that children obey them until they are old enough to live independently.