Deuteronomy 5:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 5:16
16 Honour 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.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 5 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, judgment, covenant. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 5:16
16 Honour 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.
Analysis
The fifth commandment 'Honour thy father and thy mother' establishes family order and generational responsibility. The Hebrew 'kaved' (honor) means to give weight, respect, and care. This is the first commandment 'with promise'—obedience brings long life and prosperity in the land (Ephesians 6:2-3). Honoring parents extends beyond childhood obedience to lifelong respect, care in old age, and perpetuating godly heritage. This command upholds family structure as foundational to societal order. Christ's perfect obedience to His parents (Luke 2:51) models this virtue.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued honor toward parents, but Israel's law uniquely grounded it in divine command. Severe penalties for striking or cursing parents (Exodus 21:15, 17) demonstrated this commandment's gravity. Honoring parents included providing material support in old age, respecting their authority, and preserving family reputation. Jesus condemned Pharisees who used religious loopholes (Corban) to avoid supporting elderly parents (Mark 7:9-13).
Reflection
- How does honoring parents extend beyond childhood obedience to lifelong respect and care, particularly in their old age?
- What does the promise of long life and prosperity teach about God's blessing upon societies that honor family structure?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 4:40, Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 19:3
- References Lord: Colossians 3:20
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 27:16, Matthew 19:19, Mark 7:10, 10:19, Luke 18:20