“‘Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Deuteronomy 27:16
What does Deuteronomy 27:16 mean?
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Deuteronomy 27:16
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The curse isn't just for outward actions but for the inner contempt: "setting light by" his parents includes secretly despising them in his heart, not just open rebellion. This highlights how God's law and curses address the hidden attitudes and disrespect that fuel outward disobedience.
“‘Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a solemn ceremony where the Israelites, upon entering the Promised Land, are to stand on Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. As Moses and the priests read aloud curses for disobedience, the people are to respond "Amen," publicly acknowledging that these curses apply to anyone who breaks God's law and affirming their commitment to obeying it. This particular curse directly follows the prohibitions against idolatry and precedes curses related to neighborly interactions and sexual purity, highlighting the broad scope of God's commands.
Imagine standing on a mountain, hearing a divine pronouncement of 'cursed!' for a specific sin. This wasn't just a warning; it was a solemn declaration of God's judgment.
In Deuteronomy 27, the Israelites were commanded to gather at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Half the tribes would proclaim blessings for obedience, and the other half would proclaim curses for disobedience.
This verse, 'Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother,' is one of those pronouncements. The word 'dishonor' here can mean to treat lightly, despise, or disregard. It's not just about outward disrespect but also a contempt in the heart. The immediate 'Amen' from all the people signifies their agreement and acceptance of God's righteous judgment against such sin.
What's the difference between a private thought and a public pronouncement? In God's eyes, even hidden disrespect can carry a heavy consequence.
The ancient commentators noted that 'setting light by' or dishonoring parents could range from secret contempt to open cursing. While open, notorious disrespect could lead to the death penalty (as seen in Leviticus 20:9), this curse specifically addresses even the hidden contempt.
This teaches us that God sees not only our outward actions but also the attitude of our hearts. Dishonoring parents isn't merely a social faux pas; it's a sin against the order God established, and even 'secret' disrespect is known to Him and falls under His judgment.
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Why did all the people have to say 'Amen' to these curses? It wasn't just an echo; it was a powerful statement of communal agreement.
The repetition of 'And all the people shall say, Amen' after each curse is significant. It shows that these weren't just individual sins; they represented a violation of the covenant that bound the entire nation together.
By saying 'Amen,' the people affirmed their understanding that these curses were just and righteous. It was a public confession that disobedience had severe consequences and a commitment to uphold God's law. This concept of corporate responsibility is vital – the sins of individuals affected the whole community, and the community agreed with God's judgment against those sins.
Understand the original words
arur · Hebrew Adjective
A state of being under divine judgment or separation from God due to disobedience or violation of His law, invoking His righteous condemnation.
maqleh · Hebrew Verb
To treat with lack of reverence, value, or esteem; specifically, failing to provide the respect and care commanded by God for one's parents.
amen · Hebrew Interjection/Adverb
A Hebrew word of affirmation, meaning 'truly,' 'it is true,' or 'so be it,' used to express agreement and commitment to the truth or the binding nature of a statement.
This command comes from a pivotal moment where Israel is about to enter the Promised Land. The public recitation of these curses served as a solemn covenant renewal, reminding them that their presence in the land was conditional upon their obedience to God's law, with family honor being a foundational aspect of their society and their relationship with God.
~1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Following the Exodus, the Israelites under Joshua conquered the land of Canaan. This marked the beginning of their national life in the Promised Land.
c. 1400-1000 BC
Period of the Judges
A tumultuous era characterized by cycles of disobedience, oppression, and divine deliverance. This period highlighted the need for covenant faithfulness and established order.
~1000 BC
Establishment of the Monarchy
Saul, David, and Solomon established a unified kingdom. This era brought greater political stability but also saw growing moral and religious compromises.
c. 970 BC
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's reign, the unified kingdom split into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
c. 930 BC— this verse
Establishment of the Curses
Moses, before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, directed that they stand on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. Six tribes were to pronounce blessings for obedience, and six tribes were to pronounce curses for disobedience.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel, exiling its people and marking a significant divine judgment.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and the Southern Kingdom
The Babylonian Empire conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, and exiled the people. This was the ultimate consequence of prolonged disobedience.
This verse directly relates by being the commandment that Deuteronomy 27:16 is enforcing, highlighting the foundational importance of honoring parents in God's law.
Proverbs 30:17This proverb illustrates the severe consequences of disrespecting parents, showing that such actions are not only sinful but lead to a shameful end, echoing the curse pronounced in Deuteronomy.
Ephesians 6:1-3This passage from the New Testament reinforces the Old Testament command to honor parents, linking obedience to parents with the promise of blessing, thus framing dishonor as deserving of curse.
Colossians 3:20Similar to Ephesians, this verse reiterates the command for children to obey their parents in everything, as this is 'pleasing in the Lord,' implying that disobedience and dishonor are displeasing and thus subject to divine displeasure, akin to a curse.
Galatians 3:10This New Testament passage directly quotes the principle that 'all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse,' which powerfully connects to Deuteronomy's pronouncements of curses for violating God's commands, including honoring parents.
gillDeuteronomy 27:16: "Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen."
Cursed be he that setteth light by his father, or his mother,.... That secretly despises them in his heart, and by looks and gestures mocks at them in a private manner, unseen by others, Proverbs 30:17 ; for if he publicly cursed them, that was cognizable by the civil magistrate, and he was to be put to death, Leviticus 20:9 . This follows next, as in the order of the ten comman…
clarkeDeuteronomy 27:16: "Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen."
Setteth light by his father or his mother - See the note on Exodus 20:12 .
The curse isn't just for outward actions but for the inner contempt: "setting light by" his parents includes secretly despising them in his heart, not just open rebellion. This highlights how God's law and curses address the hidden attitudes and disrespect that fuel outward disobedience.
This verse is part of a solemn ceremony where the Israelites, upon entering the Promised Land, are to stand on Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. As Moses and the priests read aloud curses for disobedience, the people are to respond "Amen," publicly acknowledging that these curses apply to anyone who breaks God's law and affirming their commitment to obeying it. This particular curse directly follows the prohibitions against idolatry and precedes curses related to neighborly interactions and sexual purity, highlighting the broad scope of God's commands.
This verse is part of a solemn ceremony where the Israelites, upon entering the Promised Land, are to stand on Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. As Moses and the priests read aloud curses for disobedience, the people are to respond "Amen," publicly acknowledging that these curses apply to anyone who breaks God's law and affirming their commitment to obeying it. This particular curse directly follows the prohibitions against idolatry and precedes curses related to neighborly interactions and sexual purity, highlighting the broad scope of God's commands.
"“‘Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’" — The curse isn't just for outward actions but for the inner contempt: "setting light by" his parents includes secretly despising them in his heart, not just open rebellion. This highlights how God's l…
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Last reviewed October 2026