Deuteronomy 21:20

KJV

And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son [is] stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; [he is] a glutton, and a drunkard.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall say {H559} unto the elders {H2205} of his city {H5892}, This our son {H1121} is stubborn {H5637} and rebellious {H4784}, he will not obey {H8085} our voice {H6963}; he is a glutton {H2151}, and a drunkard {H5433}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and say to the leaders of his town, 'This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious, he doesn't pay attention to us, lives wildly, gets drunk.'

Berean Standard Bible

and say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he does not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.”

American Standard Version

and they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 21:20 presents the severe accusation brought by parents against a persistently defiant and morally corrupt son before the city elders. This legal provision from ancient Israel's civil code highlights the ultimate recourse for parents dealing with an incorrigible child who has rejected their authority and societal norms, characterizing him as utterly unmanageable, given to gluttony and drunkenness. The verse underscores the profound importance of parental respect, family order, and community stability, where such extreme disobedience was considered a threat not merely to the household but to the wider social fabric.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 21:20 is situated within a broader section of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) known as the Deuteronomic Code, which outlines a series of laws governing Israelite life. Specifically, this verse is part of a cluster of civil and criminal statutes found in [Deuteronomy 21](/deuteronomy/21 "Deuteronomy 21 - Laws Concerning Various Matters"), immediately following laws concerning unsolved murders and marriage with female captives. The "stubborn and rebellious son" law (verses [18-21](/deuteronomy/21-18 "Deuteronomy 21:18-21 - Law of the Stubborn and Rebellious Son")) is presented as a final, extreme measure for parents facing a child whose persistent defiance threatened the very foundations of family and community order. Its placement among other laws dealing with social stability underscores its significance in maintaining a righteous society.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the family was the foundational unit of society, and parental authority was divinely sanctioned, deeply interwoven with the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Fifth Commandment, "Honor your father and your mother" ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")), was paramount. Disobedience to parents was not merely a domestic issue but a profound breach of divine and social order. The involvement of the city elders (often representing the community's judicial authority) indicates that the problem of an incorrigible son transcended the private sphere, becoming a public concern that jeopardized the community's moral integrity and economic stability. Such a son, characterized by gluttony and drunkenness, was seen as squandering family resources and bringing shame, thus threatening the lineage and the collective well-being.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. It powerfully emphasizes the theme of **Parental Authority and Obedience**, framing persistent rebellion as a direct affront to God's established order and the covenant. The description of the son as "stubborn and rebellious," coupled with "glutton" and "drunkard," highlights the theme of **Moral Degeneration and Self-Control**, indicating a lifestyle of unchecked appetites and a profound lack of discipline that leads to societal disruption. Furthermore, the legal process involving the elders underscores the theme of **Community Accountability and Justice**, demonstrating that the well-being of the family was inextricably linked to the moral health of the entire Israelite community, requiring communal intervention in extreme cases to uphold divine standards and social order, as seen in other communal judgments in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stubborn (Hebrew, _sorer'_):** This term (סוֹרֵר) denotes one who is unruly, intractable, or who turns aside from the right path. It conveys a deep-seated, unyielding defiance, suggesting a character that is not merely disobedient in a single instance but habitually resistant to instruction, correction, and authority. It implies a deliberate turning away from the expected and righteous course of action.
* **Rebellious (Hebrew, _moreh'_):** The word (מֹרֶה) signifies insubordination, defiance, or one who rejects instruction and authority. Paired with "stubborn," it intensifies the description of the son's character, emphasizing an active and persistent rejection of parental and societal norms. This is not passive resistance but an outright refusal to submit, often implying a challenge to the established order.
* **Glutton and Drunkard (Hebrew, _zolel'_ and _sove'_):** These terms (זוֹלֵל and סֹבֵא) describe a lifestyle characterized by excessive self-indulgence and lack of self-control. A "glutton" (_zolel_) implies one who is wasteful, dissolute, or given to excessive eating and prodigal living, often squandering resources. A "drunkard" (_sove'_) refers to one who drinks to excess, frequently associated with carousing and irresponsible behavior. These vices are presented not just as personal habits but as outward manifestations of a deeper moral decay that brings shame and economic burden upon the family and community, as warned against in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 23:20-21](/proverbs/23-20 "Proverbs 23:20-21 - Warnings Against Gluttony and Drunkenness").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall say unto the elders of his city,"**: This opening clause establishes the formal and public nature of the accusation. The parents, having exhausted all private means of discipline, are compelled to bring their son before the established judicial authority of the community, indicating that the son's behavior has escalated beyond a private family matter into a concern for the entire city's moral and social order.
* **"This our son [is] stubborn and rebellious,"**: This is the core accusation, describing the son's fundamental character flaw. It signifies a profound and persistent refusal to submit to parental authority and divine instruction. The repetition of these two strong adjectives emphasizes the deep-seated nature of his defiance, implying that he is beyond ordinary correction or persuasion.
* **"he will not obey our voice;"**: This clause clarifies the practical manifestation of his stubbornness and rebellion. It is not merely an priori attitude but a concrete refusal to heed parental commands, advice, or discipline. This direct disobedience is a violation of the foundational principle of honoring parents, which was central to Israelite covenant life.
* **"[he is] a glutton, and a drunkard."**: These final charges describe the outward, destructive behaviors that accompany the son's internal rebellion. Gluttony and drunkenness represent a lack of self-control and a propensity for wasteful, dissolute living. These vices were not only personally destructive but also economically burdensome and socially shameful, further demonstrating the son's rejection of responsible living and his contribution to the family's decline.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 21:20 employs several literary devices to convey the gravity of the situation. The language is **Prescriptive** and **Legalistic**, typical of the Deuteronomic Code, laying out a specific accusation within a judicial framework. The use of strong, descriptive adjectives like **"stubborn"** and **"rebellious,"** followed by the concrete examples of **"glutton"** and **"drunkard,"** creates vivid **Imagery** of a character completely devoid of discipline and respect. This progression from internal character (stubborn, rebellious) to external behavior (glutton, drunkard) serves as a form of **Climax**, building the case against the son. The parents' direct address to the elders ("This our son...") functions as a form of **Direct Speech**, lending immediacy and authenticity to their desperate plea. Furthermore, the passage uses **Juxtaposition** by implicitly contrasting the ideal obedient Israelite child, who honors parents and upholds the family, with this son who actively undermines these foundational values.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 21:20, while presenting a specific legal case, resonates with profound theological and thematic truths about human nature, divine order, and community responsibility. The law underscores God's high regard for parental authority and the sanctity of the family unit, viewing persistent rebellion and self-destructive behavior as an affront to His established order. It reflects the principle that unchecked sin, particularly that which undermines foundational social structures, cannot be tolerated within a covenant community striving for holiness. The charges of gluttony and drunkenness highlight the destructive nature of unrestrained appetites and the spiritual decay that accompanies a lack of self-control, themes frequently addressed throughout biblical wisdom literature. Ultimately, this passage serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of rejecting divine and human authority, emphasizing the need for obedience, discipline, and moral integrity for individual and communal flourishing.

* [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")
* [Proverbs 23:20-21](/proverbs/23-20 "Proverbs 23:20-21 - Warning Against Gluttony and Drunkenness")
* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28-32 - The Consequences of Rejecting God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the severe judicial penalty prescribed in the Old Testament for the stubborn and rebellious son is not directly applied in modern contexts, the underlying principles of Deuteronomy 21:20 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers and society. This passage compels us to reflect on the enduring importance of parental responsibility in nurturing children in discipline and instruction, guiding them towards self-control and respect for authority. It challenges individuals to examine their own hearts for areas of stubbornness, rebellion, or unchecked appetites, recognizing that such dispositions can lead to spiritual and relational decay. For the church community, it serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to uphold biblical standards of conduct, to offer guidance and accountability, and to seek restoration for those who stray, recognizing that individual moral health contributes to the vitality of the entire body of Christ. The verse ultimately calls us to cultivate a spirit of obedience, humility, and self-discipline, honoring God and those He has placed in authority over us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might unchecked appetites (like gluttony or drunkenness) manifest in modern life, and what spiritual dangers do they pose?**
* **How can parents effectively cultivate a spirit of obedience and respect for authority in their children, balancing discipline with grace?**
* **What is the church's role in addressing persistent rebellion or destructive behavior within its community, moving beyond judgment to restoration and discipleship?**

### FAQ

**Was the "stubborn and rebellious son" law commonly enforced in ancient Israel?**

Answer: While the law for the stubborn and rebellious son in [Deuteronomy 21:18-21](/deuteronomy/21-18 "Deuteronomy 21:18-21 - Law of the Stubborn and Rebellious Son") appears extremely harsh, there is no historical or archaeological evidence to suggest it was commonly, if ever, enforced. Many scholars view this law, and others like it in the Deuteronomic Code, as a hyperbolic legal deterrent, designed to emphasize the utmost seriousness of parental authority and the sanctity of the family unit in Israelite society. Its primary purpose was likely to underscore the gravity of persistent, incorrigible disobedience and its threat to the social fabric, rather than to prescribe frequent executions. The stringent conditions for its application—requiring both parents to agree, bringing the son before the elders, and specific charges of gluttony and drunkenness—made it an exceptionally rare, last-resort measure, highlighting the value placed on life and the family.

**What is the significance of the son being described as a "glutton and drunkard"?**

Answer: The description of the son as a "glutton and drunkard" ([Deuteronomy 21:20](/deuteronomy/21-20 "Deuteronomy 21:20 - The Stubborn and Rebellious Son")) is highly significant because it moves beyond mere disobedience to characterize a lifestyle of self-indulgence, wastefulness, and a profound lack of self-control. In ancient Israel, such behaviors were not just personal vices but had severe economic and social consequences for the family, potentially squandering their inheritance and bringing public shame. This characterization suggests a son who was not only defiant of authority but also economically unproductive and morally dissolute, embodying a comprehensive rejection of responsible living within the covenant community. It painted a picture of a destructive force within the family and society, reinforcing the severity of the parents' accusation. Wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 23:20-21](/proverbs/23-20 "Proverbs 23:20-21 - Warning Against Gluttony and Drunkenness"), frequently warns against these very excesses.

**How does this law relate to the Fifth Commandment to "honor your father and mother"?**

Answer: The law concerning the stubborn and rebellious son in [Deuteronomy 21:18-21](/deuteronomy/21-18 "Deuteronomy 21:18-21 - Law of the Stubborn and Rebellious Son") serves as a stark illustration of the extreme consequences of violating the Fifth Commandment, "Honor your father and your mother" ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")). While the Fifth Commandment calls for respect, obedience, and care for parents, the stubborn and rebellious son represents the antithesis of this ideal. His persistent defiance, refusal to obey, and self-destructive lifestyle directly dishonor his parents and undermine their God-given authority. The severity of the prescribed punishment underscores how foundational parental honor was to the stability and moral order of Israelite society, viewing persistent rebellion against parents as a direct affront to God's established covenant order and a threat to the community's well-being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The law of the stubborn and rebellious son in Deuteronomy 21:20, like all Old Testament law, serves to highlight humanity's profound need for a Savior and points forward to the person and work of Jesus Christ. This law reveals the depth of human sinfulness—the inherent tendency towards rebellion, self-indulgence, and rejection of authority—which ultimately is a rebellion against God Himself. In stark contrast to the defiant son, Jesus is the perfectly obedient Son, who always did the will of His Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does the Father's Will")). Where the Old Testament law could only condemn the rebellious, Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, offers forgiveness and transformation for those who were once "stubborn and rebellious" in their sin ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). He came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), demonstrating the perfect obedience that humanity could not achieve and bearing the curse of the law on our behalf ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). Furthermore, the parable of the Prodigal Son in [Luke 15:11-32](/luke/15-11 "Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son") provides a New Testament echo of this Old Testament scenario, but with a profound twist: instead of condemnation, it illustrates the Father's boundless grace and readiness to welcome back the repentant, once-rebellious child, showcasing the very heart of the Gospel that Christ embodies. Through Christ, those who were once spiritual gluttons and drunkards, consumed by their own desires, can find true freedom, self-control, and adoption into God's family, becoming obedient children of the heavenly Father ([1 Peter 1:14](/1_peter/1-14 "1 Peter 1:14 - Obedient Children")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 20:1

¶ Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Proverbs 23:19

¶ Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

Proverbs 23:21

For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe [a man] with rags.

Proverbs 23:29

¶ Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

Proverbs 23:35

They have stricken me, [shalt thou say, and] I was not sick; they have beaten me, [and] I felt [it] not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Proverbs 29:17

¶ Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

Proverbs 19:26

¶ He that wasteth [his] father, [and] chaseth away [his] mother, [is] a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.