Respect is a fundamental principle woven throughout the Bible, shaping how we treat God, those in authority, our families, neighbors, and even our opponents.
It requires humility, empathy, and a willingness to see others as bearers of God’s image.
By honoring those around us, we participate in the peace and unity God desires for His people.
The concept of respect resonates deeply because it mirrors the heart of God, who shows no partiality and calls us to love one another.
Whether in our homes, workplaces, or places of worship, these verses underscore the value of honoring others.
They remind us that our actions and attitudes toward people should flow from our reverence for the Lord, who commands us to treat others with kindness and dignity.
In a world where respect can sometimes be overlooked, these scriptures shine as beacons of wisdom.
They guide us toward compassion, fairness, and thoughtfulness in all our interactions.
Bible Verses About Respect
1. 1 Peter 2:17 – Honor Everyone
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
2. Romans 12:10 – Devotion and Honor
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
3. Ephesians 5:21 – Submitting to One Another
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
4. 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 – Esteem Church Leaders
“Now we ask you… to acknowledge those who work hard among you… Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.”
5. Matthew 7:12 – The Golden Rule
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…”
6. 1 Timothy 5:3 – Respect for Widows
“Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.”
7. Ephesians 6:2 – Honoring Parents
“Honor your father and mother…”
8. Philippians 2:3 – Valuing Others Above Yourself
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
9. Leviticus 19:32 – Respect for the Elderly
“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.”
10. 1 Peter 3:7 – Respect in Marriage
“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives… showing them respect… as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life.”
11. Hebrews 13:7 – Respecting Spiritual Leaders
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
12. Luke 6:31 – Do Unto Others
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
13. Titus 2:7–8 – Modeling Respect
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good… so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
14. Proverbs 31:31 – Honoring the Virtuous
“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise…”
15. Romans 13:1 – Respect for Authority
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities…”
16. 1 Corinthians 10:31–33 – Respect in Everyday Actions
“…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God… not seeking my own good but the good of many…”
17. 2 Corinthians 8:21 – Doing What Is Right
“For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”
18. 1 Timothy 5:17 – Honoring Elders
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor…”
19. Romans 14:13 – Not Causing Others to Stumble
“…make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
20. Proverbs 24:21 – Fearing the Lord and the King
“Fear the Lord and the king, my son, and do not join with rebellious officials.”
21. 1 Peter 3:15–16 – Gentleness and Respect
“…Always be prepared to give an answer… But do this with gentleness and respect…”
22. Matthew 6:12 – Forgiveness and Respect
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
23. Acts 10:34 – God Shows No Partiality
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism…’”
24. James 2:1 – No Favoritism
“…you must not show favoritism.”
25. Galatians 6:2 – Bearing One Another’s Burdens
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
26. 1 Corinthians 12:25–26 – Caring for One Another
“…its parts should have equal concern for each other.”
27. Ephesians 4:1–2 – Humility and Patience
“…walk in a manner worthy of the calling… Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
28. Colossians 3:12 – Clothe Yourself with Compassion
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
29. Philippians 2:4 – Looking to the Interests of Others
“…not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
30. 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 – Living Quietly and Earning Respect
“…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands… so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders…”
31. Proverbs 11:12 – Understanding over Ridicule
“Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.”
32. Titus 3:1–2 – Subject to Authorities, Gentle to All
“…be obedient, be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate…”
33. James 1:19 – Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak
“…everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
34. 2 Timothy 2:24–25 – The Lord’s Servant Must Be Kind
“…the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone… Opponents must be gently instructed…”
35. 1 Peter 5:5 – Clothing Ourselves in Humility
“…All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”
Our Thoughts On What The Bible Says About Respect
The Bible paints a multifaceted portrait of respect—one that encompasses our duties to those in authority, our responsibilities toward the vulnerable, and our everyday interactions with friends, family, and even strangers.
At its core, respect is inseparable from love, as it recognizes the divine image in every individual.
These verses call us to approach each relationship with humility, empathy, and integrity, reflecting the heart of God Himself.
When we practice this level of honor and consideration, we foster unity and kindness within our communities.
Above all, respecting others is an overflow of our reverence for the One who first honored us with His unconditional love.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us what true respect looks like through Your Word.
We confess our moments of pride and impatience that sometimes cause us to overlook the value of others.
Please soften our hearts and help us see people as You see them—worthy of love and dignity.
Grant us the humility to submit where needed, the courage to stand for what is right, and the grace to handle disagreements in a spirit of gentleness.
Remind us that when we show respect, we reflect Your character to the world. May our words and actions always honor You and uplift those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.