Leviticus 20:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For every {H376} one {H376} that curseth {H7043} his father {H1} or his mother {H517} shall be surely {H4191} put to death {H4191}: he hath cursed {H7043} his father {H1} or his mother {H517}; his blood {H1818} shall be upon him.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'A person who curses his father or mother must be put to death; having cursed his father or his mother, his blood is on him.

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. He has cursed his father or mother; his blood shall be upon him.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 20:9 pronounces a severe judgment: anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death, with the declaration that their blood is upon them, signifying self-inflicted guilt. This decree profoundly underscores the sanctity of filial piety and parental authority within ancient Israelite society, viewing such a transgression not merely as a verbal offense but as a profound act of rebellion against the divinely ordained social order and, by extension, against God Himself. The law highlights the foundational importance of the family unit as the bedrock of the community and the gravity with which God regards disrespect towards those entrusted with authority and the transmission of faith and values.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 20 is a critical component of the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), a section of the Torah meticulously detailing the laws and regulations designed to distinguish Israel as a holy nation set apart for Yahweh. Following chapters that establish the purity required for worship and prohibit illicit sexual relations and child sacrifice, Chapter 20 specifically enumerates various capital offenses, reinforcing the stringent moral and ritual sanctity demanded of God's covenant people. This particular verse, addressing the extreme penalty for cursing parents, is situated among other severe judgments for offenses such as adultery, incest, bestiality, and cultic prostitution, collectively underscoring the profound seriousness of sins that defile both the individual and the community. It serves as a stark reminder that the call to holiness extends beyond ritual purity to encompass every aspect of interpersonal conduct and the maintenance of a just and ordered society.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a theocratic society, the family was not merely a social unit but the foundational institution for the transmission of faith, values, identity, and the covenant heritage. Parental authority was deeply revered, viewed as an extension of God's own authority and a vital component of the covenant community's stability and perpetuation. To "curse" one's father or mother (a concept far more profound than mere verbal abuse, implying a profound act of contempt, rejection, or wishing evil upon them) was thus considered an egregious act of rebellion, striking at the very heart of the divine order and the fabric of society. This law reflects the patriarchal and familial structure of the time, where the honor of parents was intrinsically linked to the honor of God, as explicitly articulated in [the Fifth Commandment](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment"). The severe penalty of death for such an offense highlights the extreme gravity with which God viewed any act that undermined the integrity of the family, challenged legitimate authority, or threatened the moral and social cohesion necessary for a holy nation.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 20:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing that God's people must reflect His character in their conduct, not just their worship. The severe penalty underscores the importance of **Divine Authority** and the respect due to those God has placed in positions of leadership, particularly within the family. It highlights the **Sanctity of the Family Unit** as the foundational building block of society and the primary sphere for the transmission of covenant values. Furthermore, the phrase "his blood [shall be] upon him" powerfully conveys the theme of **Personal Responsibility** and the direct, self-inflicted consequences of sin, illustrating that certain transgressions carry an inherent judgment. This verse, therefore, is not merely about interpersonal dynamics but about the nature of sin as rebellion against God's established order and the high cost of such defiance in a holy community, echoing the broader call to obedience found throughout the law, such as in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **curseth (Hebrew, _qâlal'_):** This verb (H7043) signifies "to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.); abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet." In this context, it implies a profound act of devaluing, despising, or wishing evil upon someone, effectively stripping them of their honor and authority. It represents the antithesis of the honor and respect due to parents, a direct challenge to their God-given position and the divine order.
* **put to death (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** This verb (H4191) is a primitive root meaning "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill; [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise." The repetition of the root in the Hebrew (`môth yûmath`) creates an emphatic statement, often translated as "shall be surely put to death" or "shall certainly die," underscoring the absolute certainty and non-negotiable nature of the penalty.
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** This noun (H1818) refers to "blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshed (i.e. drops of blood); blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent." In the legal idiom "his blood [shall be] upon him," it signifies that the individual's death is a direct, just consequence of their own sin, and therefore, the community (or those who execute the judgment) is free from bloodguilt. It unequivocally places the culpability for the death squarely on the offender, emphasizing personal accountability before God and the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For every one that curseth his father or his mother":** This opening clause establishes the universal scope of the law ("every one") and precisely defines the transgression: an act of profound disrespect, reviling, or devaluing directed towards either parent. The inclusion of both "father" and "mother" highlights the equal importance of both paternal and maternal authority in God's eyes and the foundational nature of this relationship within the covenant community.
* **"shall be surely put to death":** This phrase unequivocally states the absolute and non-negotiable consequence for the transgression. The emphatic repetition inherent in the Hebrew construction (`môth yûmath`) underscores the extreme gravity of the offense and the unyielding nature of the divine judgment, leaving no room for leniency or doubt regarding the prescribed penalty. It signals that this is a capital crime.
* **"he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood [shall be] upon him":** This concluding clause serves as both a reaffirmation of the transgression and a definitive legal declaration of culpability. The repetition of the offense ("he hath cursed his father or his mother") reinforces the direct causal link between the act and its severe consequence. The powerful legal formula "his blood [shall be] upon him" definitively assigns full responsibility for the death to the offender, absolving the community of any bloodguilt and underscoring that the death is a just and deserved outcome of their own actions, not an act of murder by the community.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 20:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with maximum impact and clarity. **Repetition** is a key feature, notably in the reiteration of the phrase "curseth his father or his mother." This serves to emphasize the specific nature of the offense, ensuring there is no ambiguity about the forbidden act, and simultaneously underscores its extreme gravity. The certainty of the consequence is also reinforced through **Emphatic Language**, specifically the Hebrew construction `môth yûmath` (translated as "shall be surely put to death"), which powerfully conveys the absolute and non-negotiable nature of divine justice. Furthermore, the verse utilizes a powerful **Legal Formula** in "his blood [shall be] upon him." This idiom, common in Old Testament legal contexts, functions as a declaration of **Culpability** and **Self-Inflicted Judgment**, explicitly stating that the offender's death is a direct and just consequence of their own actions, thereby absolving the community from any bloodguilt. This device highlights the principle of personal responsibility before God. While not strictly hyperbole, the severity of the death penalty for a verbal act also functions as a form of **Hyperbolic Emphasis**, dramatically illustrating the profound importance of filial piety and the sanctity of the family unit within the theocratic society, serving as a powerful deterrent and a clear statement of God's values regarding authority and social order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 20:9 profoundly connects to the broader biblical themes of divine authority, the sanctity of life, and the foundational importance of the family unit within God's covenant community. This severe law is a direct echo and amplification of [the Fifth Commandment](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment") to "Honor your father and your mother," revealing the depth of God's concern for the established social order and the respect due to those He places in positions of authority. To curse one's parents was seen as an act of profound rebellion against God Himself, undermining the very fabric of a society built on covenant and obedience. The principle of "his blood [shall be] upon him" also underscores the theme of personal responsibility and the direct, self-inflicted consequences of sin, illustrating that certain transgressions carry an inherent, just judgment. This verse, therefore, is not merely about family dynamics but about the nature of sin as rebellion against divine order and the high cost of such defiance in a holy community, emphasizing that true holiness extends to every sphere of life, including the most intimate relationships.

* [Exodus 21:17](/exodus/21-17 "Exodus 21:17 - Penalty for Cursing Parents")
* [Deuteronomy 27:16](/deuteronomy/27-16 "Deuteronomy 27:16 - Curse for Dishonoring Parents")
* [Proverbs 30:11](/proverbs/30-11 "Proverbs 30:11 - Those Who Curse Their Parents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific civil penalty of capital punishment for cursing parents belongs to the judicial laws of the Old Covenant, designed for ancient Israel as a theocratic nation, the underlying moral principle of honoring and respecting authority, particularly parental authority, remains profoundly relevant and eternally significant for believers today. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's high regard for respect, order, and the sanctity of family relationships, which are foundational to societal well-being and spiritual health. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards those in authority, whether parents, elders, spiritual leaders, or even civil authorities, recognizing that disrespect or rebellion against legitimate authority can be seen as a serious offense in God's eyes. The gravity of the Old Testament law compels us to cultivate a heart of honor, not just in outward actions but in our inner disposition, understanding that true honor flows from a recognition of God's design and sovereignty. It calls us to reflect on the profound implications of our words and attitudes, understanding that they carry immense weight and can either build up or tear down, ultimately reflecting our alignment with or rebellion against divine order and the principles of love and respect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our modern understanding of respect and authority, particularly within the family and broader society?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might we, as believers, "curse" or dishonor those in authority, whether parents, elders, or spiritual leaders, in our words or attitudes?**
* **What does the phrase "his blood [shall be] upon him" teach us about personal responsibility for our actions and their spiritual and relational consequences, even in the absence of civil penalties?**

### FAQ
**Why was the penalty so severe for a verbal offense like cursing parents?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, words were not merely abstract sounds but were understood to carry immense power, capable of creating or destroying, blessing or cursing. To "curse" (Hebrew, _qâlal'_) someone, especially a parent, was far more than a casual insult; it was a profound act of devaluing, wishing evil upon, or rejecting their God-given authority and very existence. This was seen as a direct affront to the divine order and the foundational unit of society. Parents were God's primary representatives in the home, responsible for raising children in the covenant and transmitting faith. Therefore, rebellion against parents was considered tantamount to rebellion against God Himself, a direct violation of the covenant relationship. The severity of the death penalty underscored the absolute importance of filial piety, the sanctity of the family, and the maintenance of social and moral order within a holy nation. It served as a stark deterrent to preserve the integrity of the community and its covenant relationship with God, as seen in other severe penalties for offenses that undermined the nation's spiritual and social fabric, such as child sacrifice or idolatry (e.g., [Leviticus 20:2](/leviticus/20-2 "Leviticus 20:2 - Penalty for Child Sacrifice")).

**Does this law apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While the civil penalty of capital punishment for cursing parents was part of the Old Covenant's judicial law specifically for ancient Israel as a theocracy, it is not directly applied to Christians in the New Covenant era. The New Testament clarifies that believers are not under the Mosaic Law as a system of salvation or civil governance (e.g., [Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Not Under Law, But Under Grace")). However, the underlying moral principle—the command to honor and respect parents—remains eternally valid and profoundly relevant. The New Testament reaffirms this principle, for example, in [Ephesians 6:1-3](/ephesians/6-1-3 "Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children, Obey Your Parents"), where honoring parents is linked to a promise of blessing. While the specific legal consequence has changed with the advent of Christ and the New Covenant, the spiritual gravity of disrespecting authority, particularly parental authority, has not diminished. Christians are called to live lives of honor and respect, recognizing that all legitimate authority ultimately derives from God. The severity of the Old Testament law serves as a powerful reminder of how seriously God views rebellion and dishonor, prompting believers to cultivate a heart of reverence and submission to His established order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 20:9, with its severe penalty for cursing parents, powerfully highlights humanity's profound inability to perfectly uphold God's righteous standards and the dire consequences of rebellion against divine authority. This law, like all of the Old Covenant, points to our desperate need for a Savior. Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the law's demands, living a life of absolute obedience and honor, not only to His earthly parents but, supremely, to His Heavenly Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience and Humiliation")). He is the true Son who never cursed His Father but always glorified Him, declaring, "I always do what pleases Him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). Moreover, Christ bore the curse of the law for us, becoming a curse on our behalf, so that we might be redeemed from its condemnation ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). The phrase "his blood [shall be] upon him" finds its ultimate reversal and profound fulfillment in Christ, whose innocent blood was shed for us on the cross, taking our guilt upon Himself so that our blood would not be upon us, but rather His righteousness would be imputed to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, we are reconciled to God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of honor and obedience, not out of fear of condemnation but out of grateful response to His immeasurable grace ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ Through the Spirit")). He is our perfect example and the divine source of our ability to truly honor God and those He has placed in authority over us.

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

Exodus 21:17

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

Deuteronomy 27:16

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

Mark 7:10

For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

Matthew 15:4

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

Proverbs 20:20

¶ Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

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.

2 Samuel 1:16

And David said unto him, Thy blood [be] upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.