Leviticus 19:32

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:32 issues a clear divine mandate for the Israelites to show profound respect and deference to the elderly, specifically those with "hoary heads" or grey hair, symbolizing age and wisdom. This command to "rise up" and "honour" is not merely a social custom but is deeply rooted in the "fear of God," underscoring that reverence for the Creator directly translates into righteous conduct within the community. The concluding declaration, "I am the LORD," powerfully affirms the divine authority behind this ethical instruction, linking intergenerational respect to covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19 is often referred to as the "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26), a pivotal section within the book of Leviticus that elaborates on the practical implications of God's command to "be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy" found in [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy"). This chapter specifically transitions from ritual purity to ethical and social holiness, detailing a wide array of moral and civil laws that govern Israelite daily life. It covers everything from sacrifices and Sabbath observance to justice, honesty, and compassion for the vulnerable, including the poor and foreigners, as detailed in [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Care for the Poor") and [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33-34 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Love the Sojourner"). Verse 32, therefore, fits seamlessly into this broader framework, demonstrating that true holiness is not confined to the tabernacle but extends to how one treats fellow human beings, particularly those deserving of honor due to their age and experience. It is juxtaposed with commands concerning honest weights and measures in [Leviticus 19:35-36](/leviticus/19-35-36 "Leviticus 19:35-36 - Just Weights and Measures") and immediately precedes the final summary of God's commands and His identity as the LORD.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, age was generally correlated with wisdom, experience, and authority. Elders often served as judges, counselors, and leaders within their communities, holding significant social standing. The "hoary head" (grey hair) was a visible sign of a long life, implying accumulated knowledge and a connection to the traditions and history of the people. Unlike some modern cultures that may devalue age, ancient societies often revered it, seeing it as a blessing from God and a source of guidance. This reverence was not merely a social custom but was deeply embedded in their understanding of divine order. The command to "rise up before" and "honour" the elderly was a practical expression of this societal value, reinforcing social cohesion and the transmission of wisdom across generations. It also served as a counter-cultural statement against any tendency to disregard or exploit the vulnerable, including the aged, ensuring their dignity and place within the covenant community.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 19, often called the Holiness Code, is replete with themes that define what it means for Israel to be a holy people, set apart for God. The command to honor the elderly in [Leviticus 19:32](/leviticus/19-32 "Leviticus 19:32 - Honor the Elderly") contributes significantly to several of these overarching themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Holiness in Daily Life**, demonstrating that true holiness extends beyond ritual practice to encompass ethical conduct and social relationships. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Social Justice and Compassion**, as God consistently commands His people to care for and respect the vulnerable within their community, including the poor, the sojourner, and the aged, as seen in [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for the Poor and Sojourner") and [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33-34 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Love the Sojourner"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Intergenerational Wisdom and Continuity**, highlighting the value of accumulated experience and the importance of transmitting traditions and knowledge across generations. Finally, and most fundamentally, it ties all these ethical commands back to the **Sovereignty and Character of God**, culminating in the recurring divine self-attestation, "I am the LORD," which asserts God's authority as the source and standard of all righteousness and the ultimate reason for Israel's obedience, a theme pervasive throughout [Leviticus 19](/leviticus/19 "Leviticus 19 - The Holiness Code").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honour (Hebrew, _hâdar'_):** From H1921, a primitive root meaning "to swell up" (literally or figuratively, active or passive); by implication, "to favor or honour, be high or proud." In this context, it signifies a deep, active deference and esteem shown to someone, implying the recognition of their dignity and worth. It's more than mere politeness; it's an internal attitude of reverence expressed outwardly through actions.
* **Old Man (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** From H2205, meaning "old." This term refers to an aged person, an elder. It encompasses not just chronological age but also the wisdom, experience, and authority often associated with those who have lived long. The "face of the old man" (Hebrew, _pânîym zâqên'_) emphasizes showing honor directly to the person themselves, acknowledging their individual identity and accumulated life.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3372, a primitive root meaning "to fear"; morally, "to revere." In this theological context, "fear" does not primarily denote terror but rather a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God. It signifies acknowledging God's sovereignty, holiness, and absolute authority, which then serves as the fundamental motivation for obedience to His commands, including the ethical treatment of others.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, "the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is the covenant name of God, YHWH, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. Its inclusion here underscores that the command to honor the elderly is not a mere human custom but a divine mandate from the sovereign God who establishes moral order and demands obedience from His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head":** This command dictates a physical act of deference. To "rise up" (Hebrew, _qûwm_, H6965) implies standing in the presence of an elder, a gesture of respect and acknowledgement of their status and wisdom. It signifies giving them priority and recognition, acknowledging their dignity and the value of their presence, and potentially making way for them or yielding to them.
* **"and honour the face of the old man":** This complements the previous clause, moving beyond a mere physical gesture to an internal attitude and outward expression of esteem. To "honour the face" (Hebrew, _hâdar pânîym_, H1921, H6440) means to show favor, respect, and dignity to the person themselves, recognizing their inherent worth and the accumulated experience that comes with age. It's about valuing their personhood, their contributions, and their ongoing role within the community.
* **"and fear thy God":** This crucial phrase connects the social obligation directly to one's spiritual life. The proper treatment of the elderly is not merely a cultural norm but a divine command rooted in one's reverence and awe for the Lord. It implies that one's relationship with God is intrinsically linked to how one treats others, especially the vulnerable or those deserving of honor, making ethical conduct an act of worship and faithfulness.
* **"I [am] the LORD":** This concluding declaration is a powerful self-attestation by God, reinforcing the divine authority and absolute nature of the preceding commands. It serves as a reminder that these are not suggestions but mandates from the sovereign God of Israel, who establishes the moral order and demands obedience from His covenant people. It grounds the ethical imperative in His very being and identity as YHWH, the covenant-keeping God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:32 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Direct Command**, as God issues clear, imperative instructions ("Thou shalt rise up," "honour," "fear"). This highlights the non-negotiable nature of the divine law and the absolute authority of the Lawgiver. The phrase "hoary head" functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, where the physical characteristic (grey hair) stands in for the entire person (the elderly individual), emphasizing the visible sign of age as a trigger for respect and wisdom. The structure of the verse also demonstrates **Juxtaposition**, placing the social command to honor the elderly immediately alongside the spiritual command to "fear thy God." This close proximity underscores the inseparable link between horizontal (human-to-human) and vertical (human-to-God) relationships, revealing that ethical conduct is an expression of piety. Finally, the concluding declaration, "I am the LORD," serves as a **Divine Formula** or **Self-Attestation**, a recurring motif throughout Leviticus and the Pentateuch, which powerfully asserts God's ultimate authority and validates the divine origin of the law, imbuing the command with ultimate weight and significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:32 encapsulates a profound theological truth: that true reverence for God (the "fear of God") is inextricably linked to how one treats fellow human beings, particularly those who are vulnerable or deserving of honor. This verse elevates the respect for the elderly from a mere social custom to a divine imperative, demonstrating that holiness is not just about ritual purity but also about righteous and compassionate living within the community. It highlights God's concern for the dignity of every individual, especially those who have lived long and accumulated wisdom. The command reflects a societal value where age signifies a repository of experience, tradition, and guidance, essential for the continuity and well-being of the covenant people. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that honoring parents and elders is a foundational aspect of a just and godly society, reflecting the very character of God who values life at every stage.

* [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "The Fifth Commandment: Honor Your Father and Mother")
* [Proverbs 16:31](/proverbs/16-31 "Hoary Head as a Crown of Glory")
* [1 Timothy 5:1-2](/1_timothy/5-1-2 "Respect for Elders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often prioritizes youth, novelty, and speed, Leviticus 19:32 stands as a timeless and counter-cultural reminder of the enduring value and dignity of the elderly. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of active respect, not merely passive tolerance, towards those who have lived long and gathered a wealth of experience and wisdom. "Rising up" before them and "honoring their face" translates into practical actions: listening attentively to their stories and counsel, seeking their perspective, providing care and support, and ensuring their voices are heard and valued in our families, churches, and communities. Our treatment of the aged is a direct barometer of our spiritual health; it reveals the depth of our "fear of God." When we honor the elderly, we acknowledge God's design for intergenerational wisdom transfer, we affirm the sanctity of life at every stage, and we participate in building a society that reflects divine justice and compassion. This command challenges us to move beyond superficial politeness to genuine reverence, recognizing the sacredness of every human life, especially those who bear the marks of time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I practically "rise up" and "honour the face" of the elderly in my daily life and community?**
* **In what ways does my treatment of older individuals reflect my "fear of God"?**
* **What wisdom or insights might I be missing by not actively seeking out or valuing the perspectives of the elderly around me?**
* **How can my church or community better integrate and honor its older members, fostering true intergenerational relationships?**

### FAQ
**Why is honoring the elderly connected to "fearing God" in this verse?**

Answer: The connection between honoring the elderly and "fearing God" is central to the ethical framework of the Old Testament. It signifies that respect for human dignity, particularly for those who represent wisdom and experience, is not merely a social custom but a direct expression of one's reverence for God. God is the ultimate source of life and wisdom, and by valuing those who have lived long and accumulated knowledge, we acknowledge His sovereignty and His design for human society. This linking of social ethics to divine worship underscores that true holiness extends beyond ritual to encompass all aspects of life, including how we treat our fellow human beings. It demonstrates that our vertical relationship with God is inseparable from our horizontal relationships with others, as seen throughout the Holiness Code in [Leviticus 19](/leviticus/19 "Leviticus 19 - The Holiness Code").

**What does "hoary head" specifically refer to?**

Answer: "Hoary head" (Hebrew, _sêybâh_, H7872) literally refers to grey or white hair. It is a **metonymy** for old age itself. In ancient cultures, and throughout the Bible, grey hair was often seen as a sign of wisdom, experience, and a long life, which was considered a blessing from God. For example, [Proverbs 16:31](/proverbs/16-31 "Proverbs 16:31 - A Crown of Glory") states, "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness." Therefore, the command to "rise up before the hoary head" is a call to show respect and deference to those who have attained old age and the wisdom that often accompanies it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Leviticus 19:32 provides a foundational ethical command for the Old Covenant people, its deepest fulfillment and spiritual amplification are found in Christ. Jesus perfectly embodied the principle of honoring all individuals, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized. His life demonstrated radical compassion and respect for every person, regardless of age or social standing. The New Testament, building on this Old Testament foundation, extends the principle of honor and respect to all believers within the body of Christ, emphasizing mutual submission and love, as seen in [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Submit to One Another") and [Romans 12:10](/romans/12-10 "Romans 12:10 - Outdo One Another in Showing Honor"). Specifically, the New Testament church is exhorted to show particular respect and care for its elders, both in age and in spiritual leadership, as instructed in [1 Timothy 5:1-2](/1_timothy/5-1-2 "1 Timothy 5:1-2 - Respect for Elders") and [Titus 2:2-5](/titus/2-2-5 "Titus 2:2-5 - Instructions for Older and Younger Men and Women"). Christ's teaching on love for neighbor in [Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself") and His example of humility in [Philippians 2:3-8](/philippians/2-3-8 "Philippians 2:3-8 - Christ's Humility") elevate the command to honor the elderly from a mere social custom to an expression of Christ-like love. Ultimately, in Christ, the "fear of God" is transformed into a loving reverence that compels believers to serve and honor all people, reflecting the very heart of the Father who values every life He has created and redeemed through His Son.

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

1 Timothy 5:1

¶ Rebuke not an elder, but intreat [him] as a father; [and] the younger men as brethren;

Proverbs 16:31

¶ The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.

Lamentations 5:12

Princes are hanged up by their hand: the faces of elders were not honoured.

Proverbs 20:29

¶ The glory of young men [is] their strength: and the beauty of old men [is] the gray head.

Job 32:4

Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they [were] elder than he.

Job 32:6

¶ And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I [am] young, and ye [are] very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.

1 Peter 2:17

Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.