Matthew 15:4
For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
3 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Τίμα
Honour
G5091
Τίμα
Honour
Strong's:
G5091
Word #:
6 of 20
to prize, i.e., fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρα
father
G3962
πατέρα
father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
8 of 20
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
καί,
and
G2532
καί,
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μητέρα
mother
G3384
μητέρα
mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
12 of 20
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
καί,
and
G2532
καί,
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρα
father
G3962
πατέρα
father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
16 of 20
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
μητέρα
mother
G3384
μητέρα
mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
18 of 20
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
Cross References
Exodus 20:12Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.Exodus 21:17And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.Leviticus 20:9For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.Deuteronomy 5:16Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.Proverbs 23:22Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.Matthew 19:19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.Ephesians 6:1Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.Leviticus 19:3Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.Proverbs 20:20Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.Romans 3:31Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Historical Context
The fifth commandment appears in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16. It was the first commandment with promise and bridged duties to God (commands 1-4) and duties to neighbor (commands 6-10). Jewish tradition highly valued parental honor, yet the Corban loophole undermined this. Jesus' citation shows His allegiance to biblical law over rabbinic tradition.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you honor your parents in ways that reflect God's command?
- What modern practices might undermine the fifth commandment?
- How does respecting parental authority relate to respecting God's authority?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus quotes the fifth commandment, 'Honour thy father and mother,' linking it to divine authority. This commandment carries both promise and threat—long life for obedience, death penalty for disobedience (Exodus 21:17). Reformed theology emphasizes the Ten Commandments' continuing moral authority. Jesus uses Scripture to expose how Pharisaic tradition violated God's law. The appeal to 'God commanded' establishes divine authority over human tradition.