Mark 7:10

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

In Mark 7:10, Jesus directly quotes and upholds two critical aspects of the Mosaic Law concerning family relationships, laying the foundation for His critique of the Pharisees' traditions. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring commands versus human interpretations that can nullify divine truth.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse in Mark chapter 7 where Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes about their strict adherence to human traditions (like ceremonial handwashing) while neglecting the weightier matters of God's law. Jesus uses the example of honoring parents to expose their hypocrisy, specifically referencing their practice of 'Corban' (Mark 7:11-13), which allowed individuals to dedicate possessions to God, thereby avoiding financial responsibility for their aging parents.

Key Themes

  • The Authority of God's Law: Jesus emphasizes that the commandments of Moses are not mere suggestions but divine decrees that carry ultimate authority. He contrasts this with man-made rules that, however well-intentioned, can undermine God's clear instructions.
  • Honoring Parents: The first part of the verse, "Honour thy father and thy mother," is the fifth of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16). This command signifies not only respect and reverence but also practical care and provision for parents, especially in their old age.
  • Gravity of Disrespect: The second part, "Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death," highlights the extreme seriousness with which God viewed disrespect towards parents in ancient Israel. Cursing (which could involve verbal abuse, wishing harm, or even active defiance) was considered an act of profound rebellion against the foundational societal and divine order, punishable by capital punishment (Leviticus 20:9).

Linguistic Insights

The term "Honour" (Greek: timaō) implies not just respect but also valuing and providing for. It's a comprehensive term for demonstrating esteem. The phrase "curseth" (Greek: kakologeo) means to speak evil of, revile, or malign. This is more than a casual insult; it suggests deep-seated malice or open contempt. "Let him die the death" is a strong Hebraism, echoing Old Testament legal language (e.g., "surely die"), underscoring the absolute certainty and severity of the prescribed punishment under the Law.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring importance of family, particularly the respect and care due to parents. While the specific capital punishment for cursing parents is part of the Mosaic Law's legal code for ancient Israel, the underlying principle of honoring and providing for parents remains a core biblical value for believers today (Ephesians 6:2-3). Jesus' teaching here also challenges us to examine our own religious practices and traditions, ensuring that they truly align with and uphold God's written Word rather than nullifying its intent. It calls us to prioritize genuine obedience and love over external rituals or convenient loopholes.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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