Leviticus 19:32

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I [am] the LORD.

Complete Jewish Bible:

"'Stand up in the presence of a person with gray hair, show respect for the old; you are to fear your God; I am ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible:

You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD.

American Standard Version:

Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man, and thou shalt fear thy God: I am Jehovah.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Thou shalt rise up^{H6965} before^{H6440} the hoary head^{H7872}, and honour^{H1921} the face^{H6440} of the old man^{H2205}, and fear^{H3372} thy God^{H430}: I am the LORD^{H3068}.

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Commentary for Leviticus 19:32

Leviticus 19:32 is part of the Holiness Code in the Book of Leviticus, which outlines various laws and ethical instructions for the Israelite community. The verse reflects the broader themes of respect, honor, and reverence that permeate the code. In its historical context, the command to "rise up before the hoary head" likely referred to a cultural practice of standing in the presence of an elder as a sign of respect. The "hoary head" is a poetic way of referring to the gray hair of the elderly, symbolizing wisdom and longevity.

The instruction to honor the face of the old man emphasizes the importance of showing deference and esteem to the elderly within the community. This command is not only about respecting individuals for their age but also acknowledges the value of their experience and the wisdom they have accumulated over time. The verse connects this social duty to a religious one by linking it to the fear, or reverence, of God. The phrase "and fear thy God" suggests that honoring the elderly is an expression of one's relationship with God, implying that such respect is both a social obligation and a divine command.

The final statement, "I [am] the LORD," serves as a seal of authority, reminding the people that these commands come directly from God, who is the ultimate source of moral and ethical authority. This declaration reinforces the idea that the directives are not merely suggestions but are binding on the community that seeks to live in accordance with God's will. In summary, Leviticus 19:32 encapsulates the dual command to honor the wisdom that comes with age and to revere God, underscoring the interconnectedness of social ethics and religious piety in ancient Israelite society.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6965
   There are 596 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קוּם
   Transliteration: qûwm
   Pronunciation: koom
   Description: a primitive root; to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative); abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising).
   
2. Strong's Number: H6440
   There are 1890 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּנִים
   Transliteration: pânîym
   Pronunciation: paw-neem'
   Description: plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from פָּנָה); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.); [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you.
   
3. Strong's Number: H7872
   There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֵׂיבָה
   Transliteration: sêybâh
   Pronunciation: say-baw'
   Description: feminine of שֵׂיב; old age; (be) gray (grey hoar,-y) hairs (head,-ed), old age.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1921
   There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: הָדַר
   Transliteration: hâdar
   Pronunciation: haw-dar'
   Description: a primitive root; to swell up (literally or figuratively, active or passive); by implication, to favor or honour, be high or proud; countenance, crooked place, glorious, honour, put forth.
   
5. Strong's Number: H2205
   There are 171 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: זָקֵן
   Transliteration: zâqên
   Pronunciation: zaw-kane'
   Description: from זָקֵן; old; aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3372
   There are 305 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָרֵא
   Transliteration: yârêʼ
   Pronunciation: yaw-ray'
   Description: a primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten; affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing).
   
7. Strong's Number: H430
   There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
   Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
   Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
   Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.
   
8. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.