Proverbs 20:20

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

Whoso curseth {H7043} his father {H1} or his mother {H517}, his lamp {H5216} shall be put out {H1846} in obscure {H380}{H380} darkness {H2822}.

Whoever curses his father or mother -his lamp will go out in total darkness.

Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.

Whoso curseth his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.

Proverbs 20:20 delivers a stark warning about the severe consequences of dishonoring one's parents, using vivid imagery to convey the gravity of such an offense in ancient Israelite society.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient wisdom sayings, offering moral and practical instruction for living a righteous and prosperous life. This particular proverb falls within a section that often contrasts wise and foolish behaviors, highlighting the importance of proper conduct within the family and community. Respect for parents was a cornerstone of Israelite society and a fundamental tenet of the Mosaic Law, explicitly commanded in the Ten Commandments. Dishonoring parents was not merely a social faux pas but a serious transgression against divine order.

Key Themes

  • Filial Piety and Respect: The verse underscores the profound importance of honoring and respecting one's father and mother. This is not just a cultural norm but a moral imperative with spiritual implications.
  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: The phrase "his lamp shall be put out" symbolizes a severe, often divinely ordained, consequence. A lamp in biblical thought represents life, prosperity, guidance, and hope for the future. To have one's lamp extinguished means a loss of these blessings, leading to a life devoid of light, purpose, or even a premature end.
  • Obscure Darkness: "Obscure darkness" emphasizes the utter hopelessness and despair of such a fate. It signifies a life without divine favor, direction, or a positive future, leading to spiritual or existential gloom.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "curseth" is qalal (קלל), which carries a strong sense of treating someone lightly, contemptuously, or even wishing ill upon them. It's more than just verbal abuse; it implies a deep-seated disrespect and a disdain for parental authority and honor. The "lamp" (Hebrew: ner, נֵר) is a recurring biblical symbol for life, posterity, prosperity, and divine guidance, as seen in Psalm 119:105 where God's word is a lamp to the feet. The phrase "put out" (Hebrew: da`ak, דָּעַךְ) means to be quenched or extinguished, emphasizing a complete cessation. "Obscure darkness" (Hebrew: 'ĕshkāh, אֶשְׁכָּה) highlights a thick, impenetrable gloom, signifying a complete lack of light or hope.

Practical Application

While modern societies may not enforce the same literal penalties as ancient Israel (where cursing parents could be punishable by death), the principle remains profoundly relevant. This proverb serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of honoring those who gave us life and nurtured us. The "lamp being put out" can be understood today as a life diminished by a lack of blessing, broken relationships, spiritual barrenness, or a loss of purpose and direction. True honor involves not just avoiding direct curses but also demonstrating respect, gratitude, and care for our parents, fostering healthy family structures and a life that reflects God's ordered design.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 21:17

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

  • Proverbs 30:11

    [There is] a generation [that] curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

  • Proverbs 24:20

    For there shall be no reward to the evil [man]; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

  • Jude 1:13

    Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Matthew 15:4

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

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