Proverbs 19:26
He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
Original Language Analysis
מְֽשַׁדֶּד
He that wasteth
H7703
מְֽשַׁדֶּד
He that wasteth
Strong's:
H7703
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
אָ֭ב
his father
H1
אָ֭ב
his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
2 of 7
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
יַבְרִ֣יחַ
and chaseth away
H1272
יַבְרִ֣יחַ
and chaseth away
Strong's:
H1272
Word #:
3 of 7
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
אֵ֑ם
his mother
H517
אֵ֑ם
his mother
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
4 of 7
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
בֵּ֝֗ן
is a son
H1121
בֵּ֝֗ן
is a son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
Israelite law mandated severe penalties (death) for striking or cursing parents (Exodus 21:15, 17). Caring for elderly parents was a sacred duty, and failure brought covenant curse.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you honoring and caring for your parents in their aging years?
- What cultural pressures tempt us to neglect or marginalize elderly parents?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse condemns the son who violates the fifth commandment through violence or expulsion of parents. 'Wasteth' and 'chaseth away' depict active cruelty—plundering a father's resources and driving away a mother. Such behavior brings 'shame and reproach'—public disgrace that reveals profound moral bankruptcy. The one who should honor and care for aging parents instead treats them as obstacles or resources to exploit. This represents covenant-breaking at the most fundamental level, violating both natural law and divine command. Such wickedness demonstrates a heart alienated from God, for how can one claim to love the invisible God while despising visible parents who gave him life?