Leviticus 20:9
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)
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While "cursing" sounds like just angry words, the ancient understanding encompassed any speech that contemptuously belittled or dishonored a parent, suggesting a far broader scope of disrespectful communication that could violate this command. The stark repetition "he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood is upon him" emphasizes that the individual bears the full responsibility for their actions and the severe consequences that follow.
This verse falls within a section of Leviticus that details severe penalties for various sins, following the commandment to honor parents. It directly addresses the gravity of disrespecting one's parents, a violation rooted in the earlier Ten Commandments. The consequence for this specific sin, cursing one's father or mother, is declared as death, emphasizing the severe societal and spiritual implications of such an act.
We know we're supposed to honor our parents, but Leviticus takes this commandment to an extreme. Why such a severe penalty?
This passage reveals the profound seriousness with which God views the parent-child relationship. It's not just about basic respect; it's about recognizing the God-ordained authority and dignity inherent in a parent's role.
Beyond Disrespect
The Hebrew word for 'curse' here implies more than just angry words. It speaks to bitter reproaches, contempt, or even imprecations – a profound act of defiance against the one God placed in authority over you.
A Foundation for Society
Honoring parents was foundational to Israel's social and spiritual order. It pointed to a larger principle: respecting God's established authorities and the structure He created.
The verse states, 'his blood is upon him.' What does this chilling phrase mean for the one who curses their parent?
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This phrase, 'his blood is upon him,' signifies personal culpability and the gravity of the offense. It means the individual bears the responsibility for the fatal consequence they face.
Self-Inflicted Judgment
It wasn't that the community or God was arbitrary in executing the punishment; rather, the perpetrator's own actions brought about the inescapable penalty. They sealed their own fate through their defiant act.
A Reflection of Divine Justice
This severe consequence underscores that such a fundamental violation of God's created order wasn't to be tolerated. It was a stark reminder that sin has serious, sometimes deadly, repercussions.
Understand the original words
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 passage also prescribes the death penalty for cursing one's parents, reinforcing the severity of this offense within the Mosaic Law.
Proverbs 20:20This proverb warns against cursing or striking parents, echoing the severe consequences outlined in Leviticus, emphasizing the deep disrespect and rebellion involved.
Matthew 15:4Jesus quotes this very commandment from Exodus (which is echoed in Leviticus), highlighting the enduring importance of honoring parents and the dire consequences of failing to do so.
Ephesians 6:1-3This New Testament passage directly references the commandment to honor parents, showing its continued relevance and linking obedience to parents with God's blessing.
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 "cursing" sounds like just angry words, the ancient understanding encompassed any speech that contemptuously belittled or dishonored a parent, suggesting a far broader scope of disrespectful communication that could violate this command. The stark repetition "he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood is upon him" emphasizes that the individual bears the full responsibility for their actions and the severe consequences that follow.
This verse falls within a section of Leviticus that details severe penalties for various sins, following the commandment to honor parents. It directly addresses the gravity of disrespecting one's parents, a violation rooted in the earlier Ten Commandments. The consequence for this specific sin, cursing one's father or mother, is declared as death, emphasizing the severe societal and spiritual implications of such an act.
This verse falls within a section of Leviticus that details severe penalties for various sins, following the commandment to honor parents. It directly addresses the gravity of disrespecting one's parents, a violation rooted in the earlier Ten Commandments. The consequence for this specific sin, cursing one's father or mother, is declared as death, emphasizing the severe societal and spiritual implications of such an act.
"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 "cursing" sounds like just angry words, the ancient understanding encompassed any speech that contemptuously belittled or dishonored a parent, suggesting a far broader scope of disrespectful co…
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