King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Listen to your father, who gave you life; and don't despise your mother when she gets old.
Berean Standard Bible:
Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
American Standard Version:
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, And despise not thy mother when she is old.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Hearken{H8085} unto thy father{H1} that begat{H3205} thee, and despise{H936} not thy mother{H517} when she is old{H2204}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 30:17
- The eye [that] mocketh at [his] father, and despiseth to obey [his] mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
Proverbs 1:8
- My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Ephesians 6:1
- ¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Ephesians 6:2
- Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
John 19:26
- When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
John 19:27
- Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own [home].
Proverbs 6:20
- ¶ My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Proverbs 23:22
The verse Proverbs 23:22, "Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old," is part of the wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible, specifically found in the book of Proverbs. This collection of sayings is attributed to Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel, renowned for his wisdom. The book of Proverbs offers guidance for living a virtuous and successful life, often through pithy statements and practical advice.
The theme of this verse is centered on the respect and honor that children owe to their parents, particularly as parents age. The historical context of this verse is rooted in a patriarchal society where family lineage and ancestry were of great importance. The instruction to "hearken unto thy father" implies not only listening to parental wisdom but also valuing the heritage and teachings passed down from one's father. Similarly, the admonition to not despise one's mother in her old age reflects the value placed on caring for elderly family members, a duty that was especially pertinent in a society without formal old-age support systems like modern retirement plans or nursing homes.
In a broader sense, this verse underscores the enduring nature of the fifth commandment in the Decalogue, "Honor your father and your mother," which is a cornerstone of family relationships and social stability in biblical tradition. It emphasizes the importance of filial piety and the respect for the wisdom that comes with age and experience. The verse serves as a moral imperative to care for and respect one's parents, a principle that transcends the historical context and remains relevant in contemporary discussions about family values and elder care.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H8085
There are 1072 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁמַע
Transliteration: shâmaʻ
Pronunciation: shaw-mah'
Description: a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.); [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. - Strong's Number: H1
There are 15773 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָב
Transliteration: ʼâb
Pronunciation: awb
Description: a primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application; chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. - Strong's Number: H3205
There are 403 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָלַד
Transliteration: yâlad
Pronunciation: yaw-lad'
Description: a primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage; bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). - Strong's Number: H936
There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בּוּז
Transliteration: bûwz
Pronunciation: booz
Description: a primitive root; to disrespect; contemn, despise, [idiom] utterly. - Strong's Number: H517
There are 387 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֵם
Transliteration: ʼêm
Pronunciation: ame
Description: a primitive word; a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively (like father)); dam, mother, [idiom] parting. - Strong's Number: H2204
There are 26 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זָקֵן
Transliteration: zâqên
Pronunciation: zaw-kane'
Description: a primitive root; to be old; aged man, be (wax) old (man).