Exodus 21:17
Exodus 21:17 in Multiple Translations
Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death.
¶ And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.
And he that curseth his father or his mother, shall surely be put to death.
Any man cursing his father or his mother is to be put to death.
Anyone who despises their father or mother must be executed.
And hee that curseth his father or his mother, shall die the death.
'And he who is reviling his father or his mother is certainly put to death.
“Anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.
And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.
He that curseth his father, or mother, shall die the death.
Anyone who reviles/curses his father or his mother must be executed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 21:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מְקַלֵּ֥ל
אָבִ֛י/ו
וְ/אִמּ֖/וֹ
מ֥וֹת
יוּמָֽת
וּ/מְקַלֵּ֥ל
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
Conj | V-Piel
אָבִ֛י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אִמּ֖/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
Conj | N-fs | Suff
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
יוּמָֽת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:17
וּ/מְקַלֵּ֥ל
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
Conj | V-Piel
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: 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. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
אָבִ֛י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ/אִמּ֖/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [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. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יוּמָֽת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [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. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Exodus 21:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 21:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:17
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:17
- Sermons on Exodus 21:17
Context — Personal Injury Laws
15Whoever strikes his father or mother must surely be put to death.
16Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession.
17Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death.
18If men are quarreling and one strikes the other with a stone or a fist, and he does not die but is confined to bed, 19then the one who struck him shall go unpunished, as long as the other can get up and walk around outside with his staff. Nevertheless, he must compensate the man for his lost work and see that he is completely healed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 20:20 | Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness. |
| 2 | Mark 7:10–11 | For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 27:16 | ‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 4 | Matthew 15:3–6 | Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. |
| 5 | Proverbs 30:11 | There is a generation of those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers. |
| 6 | Leviticus 20:9–10 | 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. If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death. |
| 7 | Proverbs 30:17 | As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it. |
Exodus 21:17 Summary
This verse is saying that it's very important to respect and honor our parents, and that speaking against them or wishing harm upon them is a serious offense. This is because our parents are authority figures in our lives, and disobeying them is a form of disobedience against God, as seen in the fifth commandment in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16. By honoring our parents, we are showing respect for God's authority and for the people He has placed in our lives to care for us. We can do this by speaking kindly to them, obeying them, and taking care of them when they need our help, as taught in Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to curse one's father or mother in Exodus 21:17?
To curse one's father or mother means to speak against them or wish harm upon them, which is a serious offense against God and one's family, as seen in the fifth commandment in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16.
Is this verse still applicable today?
While the specific punishment of death may not be applicable today, the principle of honoring one's parents remains, as taught in Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20, and is still an important part of living a godly life.
How does this verse relate to the fifth commandment?
This verse is a further explanation of the fifth commandment, which commands us to honor our father and mother, as seen in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16, and provides a specific consequence for those who disobey this commandment.
What is the significance of the punishment in this verse?
The punishment of death in this verse emphasizes the seriousness of disobeying the commandment to honor one's parents, and serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and obeying authority, as taught in Romans 13:1-2 and Hebrews 13:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can honor my parents, even if we don't always see eye to eye?
- How can I balance the command to honor my parents with the need to establish my own identity and make my own decisions?
- What are some consequences I may face if I fail to honor my parents, and how can I avoid these consequences?
- How can I use my words to bless and honor my parents, rather than cursing them?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:17
And he that curseth his father, or his mother,.... Though he does not smite them with his hand, or with any instrument in it, yet if he smites them with his tongue, reviles and reproaches them,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:17
And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:17
Or, revileth, to wit, wilfully, maliciously, obstinately, against all admonition, by comparing .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:17
Exodus 21:17 And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.Ver. 17. And he that curseth.] Immane verbum est ultio. - Seneca.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:17
(15-17) And he that smiteth his father . . .-With homicide are conjoined some other offences, regarded as of a heinous character, and made punishable by death: viz. (1), striking a parent; (2) kidnapping; and (3) cursing a parent. The immediate sequence of these crimes upon murder, and their punishment by the same penalty, marks strongly God’s abhorrence of them. The parent is viewed as God’s representative, and to smite him is to offer God an insult in his person. To curse him implies, if possible, a greater want of reverence; and, since curses can only be effectual as appeals to God, it is an attempt to enlist God on our side against His representative. Kidnapping is a crime against the person only a very little short of murder, since it is to deprive a man of that which gives life its chief value—liberty. Many a man would prefer death to slavery; and to almost all the passing into the slave condition would be a calamity of the most terrible kind, Involving life-long misery. Its suddenness and unexpectedness, when the result of kidnapping, would augment its grievousness, and render it the most crushing of all misfortunes. Joseph’s history shows us how easy it was to sell a free man as a slave, and obtain his immediate removal into a distant country (Genesis 37:25-28). The Egyptian annals tell us of bloody wars carried on for kidnapping purposes (Lenormant, Histoire Ancienne, vol. i., pp. 423, 424).
In the classical times and countries, the slaves offered for sale in the markets had usually been obtained in this way. The stringent law of the Mosaic code (Exodus 21:16) was greatly needed to check an atrocious crime very widely committed.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:17
17. Cursing a parent. Comp. Deuteronomy 27:16, Leviticus 20:9 (H): also Proverbs 20:20; Proverbs 30:17. In the LXX. this verse stands more suitably immediately after v. 15. It is cited in Matthew 15:4 = Mark 7:10. curseth] a stronger word than the maketh light of, or dishonoureth, of Deuteronomy 27:16.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:17
16, 17. Stealeth a man — Note that manstealing was placed on the same plane with the crime of murder. Cursing a parent was also treated as a capital offence.
Sermons on Exodus 21:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Bible Analysis of Man) Man's Lips by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being attentive and responsive to God's calling. He uses the analogy of hunting for God, stating that sometimes we can los |
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Recovery of the Lords Name - Part 2 of 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon finds himself in a seemingly impossible situation, with the enemy strongly entrenched and very li |
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(Proverbs) ch.19:5 - 20:6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the consequences of lying and the importance of following God's laws. He emphasizes that no one can escape the punishment for their sins, as |
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Living by Christ's Principles by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of following the principles and values of Jesus Christ in our daily lives. It highlights the dangers of loving money and self, the need for co |
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Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 3 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of finding Christ in a home. He emphasizes the importance of free will and how it can affect one's relationship with God. Th |
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(1 Peter - Part 15): The Precious Blood, Our Only Hope by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about two men who are stranded in a cold and dangerous mountainous area. They realize that their only hope of survival is to start a fire. |
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(Titus - Part 11): Inspiration by Information by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his joy in seeing the work of God in the neighborhood through the Pioneer Girls program. He then addresses the perception of the ch |