Leviticus 19:32

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

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}.

"'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.

You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD.

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

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.

Commentary

Leviticus 19 is a central chapter in the book, often called the "Holiness Code," outlining practical ways the Israelites were to live set apart unto God. It covers a wide range of social and ethical instructions, demonstrating that holiness is not just ritual but also involves righteous living and respectful relationships within the community. Verse 32 specifically addresses the treatment of the elderly, connecting this social obligation directly to one's reverence for God.

Key Themes

  • Respect for the Elderly: The command is explicit: "rise up before the hoary head" (grey hair) and "honour the face of the old man." This signifies showing deference, respect, and value for those who have lived long and accumulated experience. In ancient cultures, including Israel, age was often associated with wisdom and authority.
  • The Fear of God: The instruction to respect the elderly is immediately followed by "and fear thy God." This highlights that honoring older generations is not just a social custom but a religious duty, rooted in one's reverence and awe for the Lord who established this order and values every member of the community. It underscores that right relationships with others are intertwined with one's relationship with God.
  • God's Authority: The verse concludes with God declaring, "I am the LORD," reinforcing that these commands are divine mandates, not merely human suggestions.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hoary head" (Hebrew: seybah) literally refers to grey hair, a physical sign of old age. "Honour the face" (Hebrew: hadar peneh) implies showing favor, respect, or esteem to the person themselves. The command "fear thy God" (Hebrew: yare eloheykah) involves more than just being afraid; it signifies a deep reverence, respect, and submission to God's authority and will, motivating obedience to His commands, including those concerning social conduct.

Reflection and Application

This verse provides a timeless principle for all generations: the importance of respecting and honoring the elderly. In a culture that often idolizes youth, this command reminds us to value the wisdom, experience, and dignity of older individuals. It calls for practical expressions of respect, such as giving them priority, listening to their counsel, and caring for them. The connection to "fear thy God" teaches that our treatment of others, especially the vulnerable or often-overlooked, is a direct reflection of our reverence for the Creator. The Bible often links age with wisdom; the hoary head is called a crown of glory when found in righteousness. This verse encourages building intergenerational relationships and fostering a community where age is respected and wisdom is sought.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Timothy 5:1 (10 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 16:31 (8 votes)

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

  • Lamentations 5:12 (8 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 20:29 (7 votes)

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

  • Job 32:4 (7 votes)

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

  • Job 32:6 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

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