Which commandment is commonly interpreted as requiring obedience to governing authorities?

• A. The Fourth Commandment
• B. The Ninth Commandment
• C. The Eighth Commandment
• D. The Tenth Commandment

Answer: (A)

Honoring authority is the idea behind this question. In many biblical traditions, the commandment that tells us to honor our father and mother is seen as establishing a pattern of respect for legitimate authority in general. Since parents are an authority figure and civil rulers are likewise placed in authority by God to maintain order, this commandment is commonly interpreted as requiring obedience to governing authorities as part of honoring authority overall.

This view also fits the broader biblical pattern: leaders and rulers are to be respected because they serve God’s purposes in keeping order, though obedience to earthly authorities should never override obedience to God’s higher commands.

Other commandments address specific moral actions (like honesty, theft, or murder) rather than the relationship of a believer to civil authority, so they don’t convey the idea of obedience to governing authorities in the same way.