Proverbs 23:22
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
Original Language Analysis
שְׁמַ֣ע
Hearken
H8085
שְׁמַ֣ע
Hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
לְ֭אָבִיךָ
unto thy father
H1
לְ֭אָבִיךָ
unto thy father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
2 of 9
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
יְלָדֶ֑ךָ
that begat
H3205
יְלָדֶ֑ךָ
that begat
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
4 of 9
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Proverbs 30:17The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.Proverbs 1:8My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:Proverbs 6:20My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:Deuteronomy 27:16Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.Leviticus 19:3Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.Proverbs 30:11There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.Mark 7:10For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures varied in their treatment of elderly parents. Israel's law mandated honor and provision, reflecting God's concern for the vulnerable and dependent.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you honor and care for aging parents or elderly people in your community?
- What does faithful covenant keeping look like across all stages of family relationships?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Honoring parents extends to caring for them in old age, not despising their weakness or diminished capacity. This application of the fifth commandment shows covenant faithfulness across the lifespan. Despising aging parents violates their God-given dignity and one's foundational obligations.