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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כַּבֵּ֥ד

H3513

Honour

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אָבִ֖יךָ

thy father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אִמֶּ֑ךָ

H517

and thy mother

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

לְמַ֙עַן֙

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יַֽאֲרִכ֣וּן

H748

may be long

to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)

יָמֶ֔יךָ

H3117

that thy days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עַ֚ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#10

הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה

H127

upon the land

soil (from its general redness)

#11

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

which the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#14

נֹתֵ֥ן

H5414

giveth

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#15

לָֽךְ׃

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Ephesians 6:2 Ephesians 6:2
Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
— First commandment with promise
² Colossians 3:20 Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
— Obey your parents
³ Matthew 15:4 Matthew 15:4
For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
— Honour thy father and mother

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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