Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the act of cursing one's parents is considered a grave sin, reflecting a deep disrespect for the God-ordained family structure. The Bible provides clear directives regarding the consequences for such behavior, emphasizing the seriousness with which God views the honor due to parents.
Old Testament LawThe Mosaic Law explicitly addresses the issue of cursing one's parents, prescribing severe penalties for such actions. In
Exodus 21:17, the law states, "Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death." This command underscores the gravity of the offense and the importance of maintaining respect and reverence within the family unit.
Similarly,
Leviticus 20:9 reiterates this command: "If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. He has cursed his father or mother; his blood shall be upon him." The repetition of this law in different books of the Torah highlights its significance in the covenant community of Israel.
Wisdom LiteratureThe wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses the consequences of dishonoring parents.
Proverbs 20:20 warns, "Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness." This metaphorical language suggests that such behavior leads to a life devoid of guidance and blessing, symbolized by the extinguishing of one's lamp.
Proverbs 30:17 further illustrates the disdain for this sin: "As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it." This vivid imagery serves as a stark warning of the natural and divine consequences of disrespecting one's parents.
New Testament PerspectiveWhile the New Testament does not prescribe the same legal penalties as the Old Testament, it upholds the principle of honoring one's parents. Jesus Himself affirms the commandment to honor father and mother in
Matthew 15:4, where He criticizes the Pharisees for allowing traditions that nullify God's command: "For God said, 'Honor your father and mother' and 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.'"
The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of this commandment in
Ephesians 6:1-3, where he instructs children to obey their parents "in the Lord, for this is right." He reminds believers that honoring one's parents is the first commandment with a promise, linking it to a life of blessing and well-being.
Theological ImplicationsThe biblical mandate to honor parents is rooted in the recognition of the family as a foundational institution established by God. Cursing one's parents is seen as a direct challenge to God's authority and order. The severe penalties prescribed in the Old Testament reflect the need to maintain societal stability and reverence for God's commandments.
In a broader theological context, the punishment for cursing parents serves as a reminder of the holiness and justice of God. It underscores the importance of obedience and respect within the family, which is a microcosm of the larger community of faith. The biblical teaching on this subject calls believers to uphold the sanctity of the family and to instill values of respect and honor in future generations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 21:15And he that smites his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.
Torrey's Topical TextbookMark 7:10
For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother; and, Whoever curses father or mother, let him die the death:
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing
... detestable oaths and blasphemies: and our very children, "out of ... and scoffed at by
unrighteous and wicked men ... shows they are intended for the punishment of evil ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the heinous sin of profane.htm
"Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. "
... every man of valor, and will give children to be ... good and rich; but war and wicked
rulers bring to ... it is practised so freely, without punishment, without shame ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt honor thy father.htm
Second Sunday after Epiphany
... perseverence in the parable of the wicked judge (Luke 18 ... Reproof and punishment greatly
differ from cursing and ... the Jews a generation of vipers, children of the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm
Instruction for the Ignorant:
... 'Wo unto the wicked, it shall ... according to age, but sin; so that whether they be
men or children, the greater sin, the greater punishment; 'For there ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm
Concerning Balaam the Prophet and what Kind of Man He Was.
... their return be agreeable to their children and wives ... he resolved in earnest to inflict
punishment on him ... instead of hindering them from such wicked actions, as ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning balaam the.htm
Ninth Commandment
... every civilized nation visits it with heavy punishment. ... Parents should begin with
their children while they are ... but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/ninth commandment.htm
Sunday after Ascension Day
... pastors and preachers, or to their children, into whose ... to indolent, useless monks
and shameless, wicked knaves, impostors ... and it is a just punishment from God ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/sunday after ascension day.htm
The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ...
... world; and the hope of the wicked takes an ... then be the instrument of their punishment
for yielding to ... and cries of their damned companions; children crying out ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vi the misery of.htm
Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
... and Jonathan, [3360]503; among the wicked, [3361]412. ... in mercy, [3395]485; why He
defers punishment, [3396]486 ... may be benefited by their children's virtue, [3621 ...
/.../homilies on the epistles to.htm
On the Wedding Garment
... not having a wedding garment?" he proceeds thus: "The punishment of whom ... Do no parents
thus persecute their children? ... as the devil, and yet be as wicked as he. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 120 on the wedding.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus loves the little children? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians discipline their children? What does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about disobedient children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
