Exodus 21:17
And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.
Original Language Analysis
וּמְקַלֵּ֥ל
And he that curseth
H7043
וּמְקַלֵּ֥ל
And he that curseth
Strong's:
H7043
Word #:
1 of 5
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
אָבִ֛יו
his father
H1
אָבִ֛יו
his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
2 of 5
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְאִמּ֖וֹ
or his mother
H517
וְאִמּ֖וֹ
or his mother
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
3 of 5
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
Cross References
Proverbs 20:20Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.Deuteronomy 27:16Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.Proverbs 30:11There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
Historical Context
The Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22-23:33) is Israel's foundational legal code, predating later expansions in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It addresses civil, criminal, and ceremonial matters.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.
This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.