Mark 7:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} Moses {G3475} said {G2036}, Honour {G5091} thy {G4675} father {G3962} and {G2532} thy {G4675} mother {G3384}; and {G2532}, Whoso curseth {G2551} father {G3962} or {G2228} mother {G3384}, let him die {G5053} the death {G2288}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For Moshe said, `Honor your father and your mother,' and `Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.'

Berean Standard Bible

For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’

American Standard Version

For Moses said, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, He that speaketh evil of father or mother, let him die the death:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 7:10, Jesus directly quotes and affirms two foundational commands from the Mosaic Law concerning the sacred duty of children toward their parents: the positive command to honor them and the severe negative consequence for cursing them. This verse is central to Jesus's broader critique of the Pharisees and scribes, demonstrating how their human traditions, specifically the practice of "Corban," effectively nullified God's clear and authoritative word, thereby exposing their hypocrisy and misdirection of true piety.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a significant discourse in [Mark chapter 7](/mark/7 "Mark 7 - Clean and Unclean"), where Jesus confronts the religious leaders of Israel. The preceding verses (Mark 7:1-9) establish the Pharisees' preoccupation with external ritual purity, specifically the tradition of ceremonial handwashing, which they elevate above God's written commands. Jesus challenges their legalistic adherence to human traditions by highlighting their neglect of the weightier matters of the Law. Mark 7:10 serves as the specific Old Testament command that Jesus uses to expose their hypocrisy, immediately followed by the detailed explanation of "Corban" in [Mark 7:11-13](/mark/7-11-13 "Mark 7:11-13 - The Corban Tradition"). This structural arrangement emphasizes Jesus's argument that their traditions not only fail to align with God's word but actively undermine it, rendering it void.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, honoring parents was a cornerstone of society, reflecting both divine command and practical necessity. The family unit was the primary social and economic structure, and elderly parents were dependent on their children for care and provision. The fifth commandment, "Honour thy father and thy mother," was understood to encompass not just respect but also practical support, especially in old age. The practice of "Corban" (Hebrew for "a gift dedicated to God") allowed an individual to declare their property or resources as consecrated to God, thereby making them unavailable for other uses, including supporting their parents. While seemingly pious, the Pharisees' interpretation permitted this dedication to override the direct command to care for one's parents, effectively creating a loophole that absolved children of their filial responsibilities. This practice reflected a broader tendency among some religious leaders to prioritize external, self-serving interpretations of the Law over its intrinsic moral and ethical demands.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 7:10 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Authority of God's Law versus Human Tradition**. Jesus unequivocally upholds the divine origin and binding nature of the Mosaic Law, contrasting it sharply with the fallibility and potential for corruption inherent in man-made rules. This highlights the theme of **True Piety and Obedience**, emphasizing that genuine righteousness stems from an internal commitment to God's revealed will, not from external rituals or self-serving legal interpretations. The verse also underscores the **Sanctity of the Family Unit** and the **Importance of Filial Duty**, portraying the care and respect for parents as a fundamental aspect of godliness, echoing the broader Old Testament emphasis on family and intergenerational responsibility found in passages like [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment") and [Deuteronomy 5:16](/deuteronomy/5-16 "Deuteronomy 5:16 - The Command to Honor Parents").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honour (Greek, _timáō'_):** From G5091, this verb means "to prize, i.e. fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere." It signifies more than mere respect; it implies valuing someone highly, providing for them, and actively demonstrating esteem through actions and provision. In the context of parents, it encompasses practical care, financial support, and respectful deference, especially as they age.
* **Curseth (Greek, _kakologéō'_):** From G2551, this compound verb means "to revile," or "to speak evil of." It denotes a deep-seated malice, verbal abuse, or open contempt, going beyond a casual insult to a profound act of disrespect that undermines parental authority and dignity. It implies a wish for harm or an active denigration.
* **Die the death (Greek, _teleutáō'_ + _thánatos'_):** This phrase combines G5053, "to finish life (by implication, of βίος), i.e. expire (demise)," with G2288, "death (literally or figuratively)." It is a strong Hebraism (a Semitic idiom common in the Septuagint and New Testament Greek) that emphasizes the absolute certainty and severity of the prescribed punishment. It means "he shall surely die" or "he shall certainly be put to death," signifying capital punishment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother;":** Jesus introduces His argument by appealing directly to the authority of Moses, the Lawgiver, thereby establishing the divine origin of the command. The first part of the quote is the positive command from the Decalogue ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")), emphasizing the moral and practical obligation to show respect, care, and provision for one's parents. This command is foundational to societal order and reflects God's design for family relationships.
* **"and, Whoso curseth father or mother,":** This clause presents the negative counterpart to the command to honor. It specifies the egregious act of "cursing" parents, which, as analyzed above, implies severe verbal abuse, reviling, or open defiance. This act was considered a profound violation of the divine and social order, striking at the heart of the family unit and disrespecting God's appointed authority within the home.
* **"let him die the death:":** This final clause states the prescribed penalty under the Mosaic Law for such an offense. The Hebraic idiom "die the death" underscores the extreme gravity with which God viewed this sin. It was a capital offense, reflecting the foundational importance of parental authority and the severity of its subversion in ancient Israelite society. Jesus cites this severe penalty to highlight the stark contrast between God's absolute command and the Pharisees' tradition that effectively nullified it.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 7:10 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Quotation**, as Jesus directly cites the Mosaic Law from [Exodus 21:17](/exodus/21-17 "Exodus 21:17 - Penalty for Cursing Parents") (or [Leviticus 20:9](/leviticus/20-9 "Leviticus 20:9 - Penalty for Cursing Parents")) and the fifth commandment from the Decalogue ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")). This direct quotation establishes the irrefutable authority of God's Word as the basis for Jesus's critique. The phrase "let him die the death" is a clear **Hebraism**, a Semitic idiom that emphasizes the certainty and severity of the outcome, reinforcing the absolute nature of the divine judgment. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Contrast** within the broader narrative of Mark 7, setting God's clear and uncompromising command against the Pharisees' self-serving and tradition-bound interpretations. This contrast highlights the theme of **Hypocrisy**, as Jesus exposes the religious leaders' outward piety masking an inward disregard for fundamental divine principles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 7:10 profoundly impacts our understanding of divine authority, human responsibility, and the nature of true righteousness. Jesus's affirmation of the Mosaic Law, even its most severe penalties, underscores the enduring holiness and justice of God's commands. It reveals that God's will is not merely a set of external rules but a reflection of His character, designed to foster right relationships—first with Him, and then with others, beginning with the family. The theological implication is that human traditions, no matter how ancient or well-intentioned, must always be subservient to and tested by the revealed Word of God. When traditions undermine or nullify God's commands, they become an affront to divine authority and lead to a distorted, externalized form of religion that lacks true spiritual substance.

* [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")
* [Ephesians 6:2-3](/ephesians/6-2-3 "Ephesians 6:2-3 - The Commandment with Promise")
* [Matthew 15:3-6](/matthew/15-3-6 "Matthew 15:3-6 - Jesus Condemns Pharisaic Tradition")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 7:10 serves as a timeless call for believers to examine their priorities and practices, ensuring that their devotion is genuinely rooted in God's revealed Word rather than superficial customs or convenient loopholes. The command to "honor thy father and thy mother" remains a foundational ethical and spiritual imperative, extending beyond mere verbal respect to practical care and provision, especially as parents age. This challenges us to consider how we are actively supporting and valuing our parents, both emotionally and materially, and whether our "spiritual" commitments ever inadvertently detract from these fundamental responsibilities. Furthermore, Jesus's confrontation with the Pharisees prompts us to critically evaluate our own religious traditions, church practices, and personal convictions: Do they truly align with and amplify the clear teaching of Scripture, or do they, perhaps subtly, nullify its intent or diminish its weight? True faith is demonstrated not by outward show or clever interpretations, but by sincere obedience that flows from a heart devoted to God's whole truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I better "honor" my parents or parental figures in my life, considering their current needs and circumstances?**
* **Are there any "traditions" or personal conveniences in my life that, upon honest reflection, might be subtly undermining a clear biblical command or principle?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that prioritizes genuine obedience to God's Word over external appearances or self-serving interpretations?**
* **What does Jesus's emphasis on the severity of cursing parents teach me about the sanctity of family relationships and the importance of respectful communication?**

### FAQ
**Is the capital punishment for cursing parents still applicable to believers today?**

Answer: While Mark 7:10 quotes the Mosaic Law, which prescribed capital punishment for cursing parents in ancient Israel, this specific judicial penalty is part of the Old Covenant's legal code for the nation of Israel and is not directly applied as a civil law for New Covenant believers. The New Testament emphasizes the enduring moral principle of honoring parents ([Ephesians 6:2-3](/ephesians/6-2-3 "Ephesians 6:2-3 - Commandment with a Promise")) and condemns disrespect and disobedience, but it does not institute capital punishment for such offenses within the church or Christian society. Jesus's purpose in quoting this severe penalty was not to reinstitute it for His followers but to highlight the extreme gravity with which God views disrespect towards parents and to expose the Pharisees' hypocrisy in nullifying such a foundational command through their traditions. The underlying principle of reverence and care for parents remains a timeless ethical and spiritual obligation for all believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 7:10, though rooted in the Mosaic Law, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the re-establishment of its judicial penalties, but in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Jesus perfectly embodies the command to honor God the Father, demonstrating absolute obedience and submission to His will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). He also perfectly honored His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, growing in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man ([Luke 2:51-52](/luke/2-51-52 "Luke 2:51-52 - Jesus's Childhood Obedience")). By exposing the Pharisees' tradition of "Corban" as a means of nullifying God's command, Jesus reveals the true spirit of the Law, which is love and genuine obedience, not external ritual or self-serving legalism. He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), both by His perfect life of obedience and by bearing the curse of the Law for those who could not keep it ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ enables believers, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to live out the righteous requirements of the Law, including the command to honor parents, not out of legalistic compulsion but out of a transformed heart of love and gratitude ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Righteousness of the Law Fulfilled in Us")). Thus, Jesus is the ultimate example and the divine enabler for living a life that truly honors God and others, including our parents.

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.

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.

Deuteronomy 5:16

Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in 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.

Matthew 15:4

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

Mark 10:19

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

Proverbs 20:20

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