Questions 61–70The Fifth, Sixth & Seventh Commandments

English text of 1647

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Wikisource transcription of the 1647 English text; source edition not documented; formatting and a known Q85 omission are normalized. Source: Wikisource transcription.

The catechism was first published in 1647; this edition reproduces its historical English text. Rights evidence. Verified 2026-07-14.

What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?

The fourth commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations^a.

Scripture proofs

aNeh. 13:15-22; Isa. 58:13-14; Amos 8:4-6

What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment?

The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God's allowing us six days of the week for our own employments^a, his challenging a special propriety in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the sabbath day^b.

aEx. 20:9; 31:15; Lev. 23:3

bGen. 2:2-3; Ex. 20:11; 31:17

Which is the fifth commandment?

The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.^a

aEx. 20:12; Deut. 5:16

What is required in the fifth commandment?

The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honor, and performing the duties, belonging to everyone in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals^a.

aRom. 13:1, 7; Eph. 5:21-22, 24; 6:1, 4-5, 9; I Pet. 2:17

What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?

The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing anything against, the honor and duty which belongeth to everyone in their several places and relations^a.

aMatt. 15:4-6; Rom. 13:8

What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?

The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is, a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment^a.

aEx. 20:12; Deut. 5:16; Eph. 6:2-3

Which is the sixth commandment?

The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.^a

aEx. 20:13; Deut. 5:17

What is required in the sixth commandment?

The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life, and the life of others^a.

aEph. 5:28-29

What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour, unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto^a.

aGen. 9:6; Matt. 5:22; I John 3:15

Which is the seventh commandment?

The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.^a

aEx. 20:14; Deut. 5:18