that it may be well with you
This phrase is a promise of well-being and prosperity. The Greek word for "well" is "eu," which implies a state of goodness, happiness, and prosperity. In the context of Ephesians 6:3, it reflects the blessings that come from obedience to God's commandments, specifically the commandment to honor one's parents. Historically, this promise is rooted in the Old Testament, where obedience to God's laws was often associated with tangible blessings and a prosperous life. The phrase encourages believers to trust in God's promises, knowing that He desires their well-being and will reward their faithfulness.

and you may live long on the earth
The promise of longevity is tied to the concept of honoring one's parents, as originally stated in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12). The Greek word for "live" is "zao," which means to enjoy real life, to have true life worthy of the name. The phrase "on the earth" emphasizes the tangible, earthly blessings that come from living a life in accordance with God's will. In a historical context, this promise was particularly significant in ancient cultures where family and land were central to one's identity and survival. Spiritually, it underscores the principle that God's commandments are designed for our benefit, leading to a fulfilling and enduring life.

(3) That it may be well with thee . . .--The quotation is but slightly varied from Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16. But by the omission of the limiting words, "which the Lord thy God hath given thee," St. Paul at once generalises the application and determines it to the earth, and not to "the good land" of heaven. The words so interpreted are, therefore, a promise that obedience "in the Lord" to the great natural law on which society rests, shall bring with it reward on earth; just as our Lord tells us of "meekness" that it shall "inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5), and St. Paul of "godliness" that it "has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come" (1Timothy 4:8). The visible exemplification of this law is, indeed, as in all other cases, obscured by the disorder brought in by sin, and, moreover, is affected by the consideration that this life, being a discipline for heaven, must present, in the true sense of the word, "imperfection" or incompleteness, if viewed alone. But it is still a natural law, and is still accordingly fulfilled in actual experience. The promise is not to us so important as to them of old; but it is ours still.

(3, 4) Ephesians 6:21-24 form the conclusion of the Epistle, in commendation of Tychicus' salutation and blessing. The extreme brevity and generality of this section here--in contrast with St. Paul's practice in every other Epistle, except the Second Epistle to the Corinthians and the Epistle to the Galatians (both of which have the abruptness of indignation) and especially with the parallel Epistle to the Colossians--seem to bear on the question of the encyclical character of this Epistle. . . .

Verse 3. - That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. A free rendering (after the manner of the apostle) of the reason annexed to the fifth commandment, "that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." While the Decalogue was an expression of the will of God on matters of moral and indefeasible obligation, it had a local Hebrew element here and there. In the present ease the apostle drops what is specially Hebrew, adapting the promise in spirit to a wider area. The special promise of long life in the land of Canaan is translated into a general promise of prosperity and longevity. As before, we must not suppose that the apostle excludes exceptions. The promise is not for each individual; many good and obedient children do not live long. But the general tendency of obedience to parents is towards the results specified. Where obedience to parents is found, there is usually found along with it temperance, self-control, industry, regular ways of life, and other habits that tend towards prosperity and longevity. In Christian families there is commonly affection, unity, prayer, mutual helpfulness, reliance on God, trust in Christ, and all that makes life sweet and wholesome. The spirit of the promise is realized in such ways, and it may be likewise in special mercies vouchsafed to each family.

Parallel Commentaries ...


“that
Ἵνα (Hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

it may go
γένηται (genētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

well
εὖ (eu)
Adverb
Strong's 2095: Well, well done, good, rightly; also used as an exclamation. Neuter of a primary eus; well.

with you
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

and [that]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

you may have
ἔσῃ (esē)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

a long life
μακροχρόνιος (makrochronios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3118: Long-timed, long-lived. From makros and chronos; long-timed, i.e. Long-lived.

on
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

earth.”
γῆς (gēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 6:3 That it may be well with you (Ephes. Eph. Ep)