Matricides
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Matricide, the act of killing one's mother, is a grievous sin that stands in stark contrast to the biblical commandment to honor one's parents. The Bible, while not explicitly mentioning the term "matricide," provides clear teachings on the sanctity of family relationships and the severe consequences of violating them.

Biblical Commandments and Teachings

The Fifth Commandment, as given in Exodus 20:12, states: "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This commandment underscores the importance of respecting and valuing one's parents, a principle that is foundational to a godly life. The act of matricide is a direct violation of this commandment and is seen as a rebellion against God's ordained order for family and society.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates the importance of honoring one's parents. In Ephesians 6:1-3, he writes: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" This passage highlights the blessings associated with honoring one's parents and the inherent righteousness of such behavior.

Consequences of Disobedience

The Bible provides numerous examples of the consequences of disobedience to parental authority. While specific instances of matricide are not detailed, the broader principle of rebellion against parents is addressed. In Deuteronomy 21:18-21, the law prescribes severe consequences for a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his parents, illustrating the seriousness with which such disobedience is regarded.

Proverbs 30:17 warns of the dire fate awaiting those who mock or scorn their parents: "The eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures." This vivid imagery serves as a stark warning against the contempt of parental authority.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, family was the fundamental unit of society, and the well-being of the family was paramount. The act of matricide would have been seen not only as a personal crime but as a threat to the social order. The biblical emphasis on honoring parents reflects the broader cultural understanding of the family as a sacred institution.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, matricide represents a profound rejection of God's commandments and the natural order He established. It is an act that disrupts the divinely ordained structure of the family, which is meant to reflect God's relationship with His people. The family is often used as a metaphor for the relationship between God and His covenant community, with God as the Father and believers as His children. Thus, the act of matricide is not only a personal sin but also an affront to the divine order.

Redemption and Forgiveness

Despite the gravity of matricide, the Bible also offers hope for redemption and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The message of the Gospel is one of reconciliation and restoration, even for the most grievous of sins. In 1 John 1:9, it is written: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This promise of forgiveness is available to all who repent and turn to Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of God's grace.
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1 Cor. Ix. 24
... to law, and arms those who on the highway lie in wait day and night, and persuades
men to forget nature, and makes parricides and matricides, and introduces ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxiii 1 cor ix.htm

Thesaurus
Matricides (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Matricides (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 1:9 having
known this, that for a righteous man law is not set, but ...
/m/matricides.htm - 6k

Lawbreakers (2 Occurrences)
... for a righteous man law is not set, but for lawless and insubordinate persons, ungodly
and sinners, impious and profane, parricides and matricides, men-slayers ...
/l/lawbreakers.htm - 6k

Men-slayers (1 Occurrence)
... for a righteous man law is not set, but for lawless and insubordinate persons, ungodly
and sinners, impious and profane, parricides and matricides, men-slayers ...
/m/men-slayers.htm - 6k

Matri's (1 Occurrence)

/m/matri's.htm - 6k

Matri (1 Occurrence)

/m/matri.htm - 7k

Parricides (1 Occurrence)
... for a righteous man law is not set, but for lawless and insubordinate persons, ungodly
and sinners, impious and profane, parricides and matricides, men-slayers ...
/p/parricides.htm - 6k

Persons (156 Occurrences)
... for a righteous man law is not set, but for lawless and insubordinate persons, ungodly
and sinners, impious and profane, parricides and matricides, men-slayers ...
/p/persons.htm - 38k

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Concordance
Matricides (1 Occurrence)

1 Timothy 1:9
having known this, that for a righteous man law is not set, but for lawless and insubordinate persons, ungodly and sinners, impious and profane, parricides and matricides, men-slayers,
(YLT)

Subtopics

Matricides

Related Terms

Lawbreakers (2 Occurrences)

Men-slayers (1 Occurrence)

Matri's (1 Occurrence)

Matri (1 Occurrence)

Parricides (1 Occurrence)

Persons (156 Occurrences)

Matri: A Benjamite
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