Leviticus 20:9
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While the text states a stark penalty for cursing a parent, the emphasis isn't just on the act itself, but on the profound violation of the foundational covenant relationship that honoring parents represents. The repetition, "he has cursed his father or his mother," highlights the inescapable reality and personal responsibility for this grave offense, underscoring that the consequence—their own blood being upon them—is a direct result of their choice.
For anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death; he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood is upon him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears in a section of Leviticus detailing severe penalties for specific sins, following the earlier commands to honor parents. It specifies the dire consequence—death—for those who curse their father or mother, emphasizing the gravity of this offense within the covenant community and that the individual bears responsibility for their own demise. This instruction immediately precedes laws concerning incest and adultery, underscoring a pattern of severe repercussions for violations of familial and sexual purity.
When God says 'curse,' what exactly is He talking about? Was it just any harsh word, or something more severe?
This passage in Leviticus addresses more than just a child's bad attitude or a fleeting angry outburst. The Hebrew word used here points to deep-seated contempt, bitter reproaches, or even imprecations—wishes for harm to come upon someone. It signifies a profound disrespect that strikes at the very heart of the parent-child relationship, which God designed to reflect His own authority and care.
This verse carries a heavy penalty: 'his blood shall be upon him.' What does this stark phrase reveal about the gravity of dishonoring parents?
The declaration 'his blood shall be upon him' is a powerful statement in ancient Israelite law. It signifies that the individual bears the full responsibility for the severe consequence—death—that falls upon him. This wasn't a statement of God's direct action, but a legal and spiritual declaration that the offender had committed a capital offense, making himself liable for the penalty. The commentaries suggest this often meant stoning. It underscores that the sin wasn't just a minor infraction, but a fundamental rebellion against God's established order, which placed immense value on the family structure and the respect due to parents.
Understand the original words
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qalal · Hebrew Verb
To speak evil of or call down judgment upon someone, specifically in this context an act of extreme disrespect that violates the social and moral order ordained by God.
dam · Hebrew Noun
The life of a person; in this context, the phrase signifies that the individual is responsible for their own death due to their grave sin, placing the guilt of their demise solely upon themselves.
This verse, part of the Ten Commandments, commands children to honor their parents, establishing the foundational principle of respect for parents that Leviticus 20:9 enforces with a severe penalty for its violation.
Proverbs 20:20This proverb directly echoes the severity of Leviticus 20:9 by stating that a curse upon one's parents will lead to ruin and darkness, reinforcing the idea that such disrespect brings dire consequences.
Matthew 15:4Jesus quotes Exodus 20:12 (and by extension, Leviticus 20:9's principle) to rebuke the Pharisees, showing that honoring parents is a commandment of God that transcends human traditions, highlighting its enduring importance.
Ephesians 6:1-3This passage calls children to obey their parents in the Lord, directly connecting to the honor commanded in Leviticus and showing its application within the Christian faith, which is described as right and blessed.
bensonLeviticus 20:9: "For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him."
Leviticus 20:9 . Curseth — This is not here meant of every perverse expression, but of bitter reproaches or imprecations. His blood shall be upon him — He is guilty of his own death: he deserves to die for so unnatural a crime.
gillLeviticus 20:9: "For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him."
For everyone that curseth his father or his mother,.... Here begins the account of the penalties annexed to the several laws in the preceding chapter; and that respecting the fear and honour of parents being the first, Leviticus 19:3 , is here begun with: shall surely be put to death; the Targum of Jonathan adds,"by casting of…
While the text states a stark penalty for cursing a parent, the emphasis isn't just on the act itself, but on the profound violation of the foundational covenant relationship that honoring parents represents. The repetition, "he has cursed his father or his mother," highlights the inescapable reality and personal responsibility for this grave offense, underscoring that the consequence—their own blood being upon them—is a direct result of their choice.
This verse appears in a section of Leviticus detailing severe penalties for specific sins, following the earlier commands to honor parents. It specifies the dire consequence—death—for those who curse their father or mother, emphasizing the gravity of this offense within the covenant community and that the individual bears responsibility for their own demise. This instruction immediately precedes laws concerning incest and adultery, underscoring a pattern of severe repercussions for violations of familial and sexual purity.
This verse appears in a section of Leviticus detailing severe penalties for specific sins, following the earlier commands to honor parents. It specifies the dire consequence—death—for those who curse their father or mother, emphasizing the gravity of this offense within the covenant community and that the individual bears responsibility for their own demise. This instruction immediately precedes laws concerning incest and adultery, underscoring a pattern of severe repercussions for violations of familial and sexual purity.
"For anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death; he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood is upon him." — While the text states a stark penalty for cursing a parent, the emphasis isn't just on the act itself, but on the profound violation of the foundational covenant relationship that honoring parents re…
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Last reviewed October 2026
