Deuteronomy 27:16

KJV

Cursed [be] he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cursed {H779} be he that setteth light {H7034} by his father {H1} or his mother {H517}. And all the people {H5971} shall say {H559}, Amen {H543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'A curse on anyone who dishonors his father or mother.'All the people are to say, 'Amen!'

Berean Standard Bible

‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

American Standard Version

Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:16 is one of twelve curses pronounced by the Levites on Mount Ebal, forming a solemn covenant ceremony where the Israelites affirmed their commitment to God's laws upon entering the Promised Land. This particular verse condemns the act of treating one's parents with contempt or disrespect, highlighting the profound spiritual gravity of such an attitude and its direct violation of divine order. The communal "Amen" signifies the people's collective agreement with the justice of this pronouncement and their shared responsibility to uphold the sanctity of family and filial honor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 27:16 is situated within a pivotal section of Deuteronomy (chapters 27-28) that outlines the covenant renewal ceremony to be enacted upon Israel's entrance into Canaan. Immediately preceding this verse, Moses commands the people to set up large stones covered with plaster on Mount Ebal, on which the words of the law are to be inscribed. Following this, the tribes are divided, with six standing on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings for obedience and six on Mount Ebal to declare curses for disobedience. Verses 15-26 enumerate specific curses, each addressing a particular transgression, often those committed in secret or that undermine societal foundations. This verse, dealing with filial disrespect, is part of a series of fundamental moral and social laws, emphasizing that God's covenant extends to the most intimate relationships and hidden attitudes. The repeated phrase "And all the people shall say, Amen" underscores the communal assent and solemn commitment to these divine decrees.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The covenant ceremony at Shechem, between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, was a profoundly significant event for ancient Israel, symbolizing their transition from wilderness wanderers to a settled nation bound by God's law. In ancient Near Eastern societies, respect for elders and parents was paramount, often enshrined in legal codes and cultural norms. Parents were seen as the primary educators and transmitters of cultural and religious heritage, and their authority was divinely sanctioned. Disrespecting parents, therefore, was not merely a family matter but an offense against the social fabric and divine order itself. The public, communal nature of the curses and blessings, with the entire nation participating in the "Amen," was a powerful pedagogical tool, reinforcing corporate responsibility and ensuring that every individual understood the severe consequences of covenant infidelity, even for sins that might escape human detection.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It reiterates the **sanctity of the family unit** as foundational to Israelite society, echoing the Fifth Commandment to [honor your father and your mother](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment"). The emphasis on "setting light by" parents underscores the theme of **internal disposition versus outward action**, revealing that God judges not only overt acts but also the heart's attitude of contempt or disdain. This speaks to the **all-encompassing nature of divine law**, which penetrates beyond human sight into the hidden corners of the heart, a theme also seen in other curses against secret sins like idolatry or moving a neighbor's landmark (e.g., [Deuteronomy 27:15](/deuteronomy/27-15 "Deuteronomy 27:15 - Curse on Idolatry") and [Deuteronomy 27:17](/deuteronomy/27-17 "Deuteronomy 27:17 - Curse on Moving a Landmark")). Finally, the communal "Amen" highlights the theme of **corporate responsibility and covenant accountability**, where the entire community assents to and upholds the standards of God's righteous judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Setteth light by (Hebrew, _qalah'_):** The Hebrew verb קָלָה (_qalah_) literally means "to be light," "to treat lightly," "to make light of," or "to despise." It conveys an attitude of contempt, disdain, or treating someone as insignificant, worthless, or of no account. This is more than mere disobedience; it signifies an internal disposition of profound disrespect that devalues the person, authority, and wisdom of the parents. It suggests a flippant disregard for the foundational command to honor one's father and mother, implying a deep-seated rebellion against God's established order within the family.
* **Amen (Hebrew, _amen'_):** The Hebrew word אָמֵן (_amen_) is an affirmation meaning "so be it," "truthfully," "certainly," or "let it be established." In this context, the people's collective "Amen" is not just a passive agreement but an active, solemn vow. It signifies their full assent to the justice and truth of the curse, their acceptance of its implications, and their commitment to upholding the principle it defends. It transforms the curse from a mere declaration into a binding communal oath, acknowledging the severity of the transgression and the righteousness of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cursed [be] he that setteth light by his father or his mother."**: This clause pronounces a divine curse upon any individual who demonstrates contempt or disrespect towards their parents. The phrase "setteth light by" emphasizes an internal attitude of devaluation, treating parents as insignificant or worthless, rather than merely an outward act of disobedience. This transgression is considered so severe that it warrants a divine curse, indicating that it is an affront to God's established order and a foundational breakdown of societal and familial integrity. It underscores the profound importance of filial honor as a cornerstone of the covenant relationship.
* **"And all the people shall say, Amen."**: This second clause mandates the communal response to the curse. The entire assembly of Israel is required to affirm the pronouncement with a resounding "Amen." This collective affirmation serves several critical purposes: it signifies the people's understanding and acceptance of the curse's validity and justice; it binds the community together in shared responsibility for upholding this moral standard; and it acts as a powerful deterrent, impressing upon every individual the gravity of the command and the consequences of its violation, even in secret.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is the **Curse Formula**, which is a direct, declarative pronouncement of divine judgment against a specific transgression. This formula, repeated throughout Deuteronomy 27:15-26, serves as a solemn warning and a legal decree within the covenant. The use of **Antithesis** is implicit, as these curses stand in stark contrast to the blessings promised for obedience on Mount Gerizim (Deuteronomy 28:1-14), highlighting the binary choice between life and death, blessing and curse, that Israel faces. The communal "Amen" functions as a form of **Call and Response**, engaging the entire congregation in a binding oath and reinforcing corporate accountability. This public, participatory element transforms the abstract law into a lived, communal commitment. Furthermore, the focus on "setting light by" parents, rather than just overt disobedience, utilizes **Synecdoche**, where a part (the inner attitude of contempt) represents the whole (a complete disregard for parental authority and the Fifth Commandment).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:16 profoundly underscores the theological significance of honoring parents, positioning it not merely as a social custom but as a divine imperative with covenantal implications. This command is foundational to the Mosaic Law, serving as a cornerstone for societal stability and individual righteousness. Disrespecting parents, whether overtly or through an internal attitude of contempt, is presented as a direct affront to God, who established the family unit and delegated authority to parents. The curse highlights that God sees and judges hidden attitudes and private sins, emphasizing His omniscience and the comprehensive nature of His moral demands. This divine judgment serves as a powerful deterrent, reinforcing that filial impiety has severe spiritual consequences that transcend human legal systems. The communal "Amen" further emphasizes that upholding this honor is a shared responsibility, vital for maintaining the integrity of the covenant community.

* [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")
* [Proverbs 23:22](/proverbs/23-22 "Proverbs 23:22 - Listen to Your Father and Mother")
* [Ephesians 6:1-3](/ephesians/6-1 "Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children Obey Your Parents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:16, while rooted in an ancient covenant ceremony, carries timeless spiritual and ethical weight for believers today. It challenges us to move beyond mere outward obedience to our parents and cultivate a genuine attitude of honor and respect in our hearts. This verse reminds us that God is concerned not only with our actions but also with our inner dispositions. In a world that often promotes individualism and challenges traditional authority, this passage calls us back to the foundational principle of honoring those God has placed in authority over us, starting with our parents. It encourages us to reflect on our attitudes, words, and actions towards our parents, whether living or deceased, and to seek reconciliation or express appreciation where needed. Furthermore, it broadens our understanding of respect for authority in general, reminding us that a healthy society, and indeed a healthy church, is built upon a foundation of honor and submission to God-ordained structures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "honor" my parents, moving beyond mere obedience to a genuine attitude of respect and appreciation?**
* **Are there any hidden attitudes of contempt or "setting light by" that I need to confess and repent of in my relationships with authority figures, especially my parents?**
* **How does the communal "Amen" in this passage challenge me to uphold God's standards not just individually, but also within my family and community?**
* **Considering the emphasis on God seeing hidden sins, how does this verse encourage me to live with greater integrity in my private life?**

### FAQ
**What does "setteth light by" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "setteth light by" (from the Hebrew _qalah_) goes beyond simple disobedience. It signifies treating someone with contempt, disdain, or as if they are insignificant and worthless. It's an attitude of profound disrespect that devalues the person, authority, and wisdom of the parents. It suggests a flippant disregard for their position and a deep-seated rebellion against the divine command to honor them. This implies that the sin is not just an outward act but an internal disposition of the heart, which God sees and judges.

**Why was disrespecting parents considered such a serious offense, warranting a curse?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite society, and indeed in many cultures, honoring parents was a cornerstone of social order and religious piety. Parents were seen as God's appointed authorities within the home, responsible for transmitting the covenant and moral values to the next generation. Disrespecting them was therefore an affront not only to the parents themselves but also to God who instituted the family and delegated their authority. It undermined the very foundation of society and the covenant community. The seriousness of the offense is reflected in its inclusion as the Fifth Commandment ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")), and the severe consequences for persistent disobedience, such as in [Deuteronomy 21:18-21](/deuteronomy/21-18 "Deuteronomy 21:18-21 - The Stubborn and Rebellious Son"), which highlight the gravity of filial rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:16, with its solemn curse against dishonoring parents, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus perfectly embodied the principle of honor and obedience, living a life of complete submission to His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, and supremely to His Heavenly Father. He never "set light by" any authority, even when it meant suffering, demonstrating perfect filial piety (e.g., [Luke 2:51](/luke/2-51 "Luke 2:51 - Jesus's Obedience to His Parents")). Second, the curse itself points to the reality of humanity's failure to uphold God's perfect standards, including the command to honor parents. All have fallen short, deserving the curse. However, Christ became the curse for us, bearing the full weight of God's righteous judgment against all sin, including our contempt for authority and our own parents (as seen in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Through His atoning sacrifice, the curse pronounced on Mount Ebal is absorbed, allowing those who believe in Him to receive blessing instead. Finally, in Christ, a new family is formed, where spiritual kinship transcends earthly ties, yet the principle of honor remains, now directed towards God as our ultimate Father and towards one another in the body of Christ ([Ephesians 6:1-3](/ephesians/6-1 "Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children Obey Your Parents") and [Mark 3:35](/mark/3-35 "Mark 3:35 - Jesus's True Family")). Thus, Deuteronomy 27:16, while a stark warning, ultimately magnifies the grace and redemptive work of Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the law and bore its curse, enabling us to live in the freedom of His grace and walk in renewed honor.

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

Leviticus 19:3

Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I [am] the LORD your God.

Exodus 21:17

And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.

Deuteronomy 21:18

¶ If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and [that], when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:

Deuteronomy 21:21

And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

Exodus 20:12

¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Leviticus 20:9

For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood [shall be] upon him.

Ezekiel 22:7

In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.