Commentaries:
Honor means "to give high regard, respect, and esteem to; to bring respect or credit to; an outward token, sign, or act that manifests high regard." Respect means "to have deferential regard for, to treat with propriety and consideration; to regard as inviolable." This honor and respect, though primarily intended by God to be given to parents, are not limited to them. In spirit it includes civil, religious, and educational authorities as well. Elisha calls Elijah his father, though they were not related (I Kings 19:20; II Kings 2:12). In I Corinthians 4:14-15, Paul speaks of himself as their father because he had begotten them to God.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Fifth Commandment (1997)
Honor means "to give high regard, respect, and esteem to; to bring respect or credit to; an outward token, sign, or act that manifests high regard." Respect means "to have deferential regard for, to treat with propriety and consideration; to regard as inviolable." This honor and respect, though primarily intended by God to be given to parents, are not limited to them. In spirit it includes civil, religious, and educational authorities as well. Elisha calls Elijah his father, though they were not related (I Kings 19:20; II Kings 2:12). In I Corinthians 4:14-15, Paul speaks of himself as their father because he had begotten them to God.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Fifth Commandment (1997)
Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing 2 Kings 2:12:
2 Kings 2:12