What is forbidden in the Fifth Commandment?

The Fifth Commandment primarily addresses the relationship between children and their parents, as well as the broader application to authority figures such as teachers and government leaders. It commands respect and honor toward parents, which is foundational to societal structure and God’s design for family and authority.

Therefore, the aspect that is specifically forbidden is disobeying or dishonoring parents and authorities. This command emphasizes the importance of parental guidance and the responsibility of children to honor their parents, which reflects a larger principle of respecting authority in various forms, including the government and other leaders. The intention behind this admonition is to foster a society built on respect and obedience, ultimately leading to peace and order.

The other options relate to different commandments. Stealing pertains to theft, lying relates to the command against bearing false witness, and coveting is about desiring what belongs to others. While all these actions are prohibited in the Biblical context, they do not specifically fall under the Fifth Commandment's directive to honor one's parents and authorities.