Deuteronomy 21:20
Deuteronomy 21:20 in Multiple Translations
and say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he does not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.”
And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard.
and they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard.
And say to them, This son of ours is hard-hearted and uncontrolled, he will not give attention to us; he gives himself up to pleasure and strong drink.
and tell them, “Our son is obstinate and rebellious, He doesn't obey us. He's a worthless drunk!”
And shall say vnto the Elders of his citie, This our sonne is stubburne and disobedient, and he wil not obey our admonition: he is a riotour, and a drunkard.
and have said unto the elders of his city, Our son — this one — is apostatizing and rebellious; he is not hearkening to our voice — a glutton and drunkard;
They shall tell the elders of his city, “This our son is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey our voice. He is a glutton and a drunkard.”
And they shall say to the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard.
And shall say to them: This our son is rebellious and stubborn, he slighteth hearing our admonitions, he giveth himself to revelling, and to debauchery and banquetings:
Then the parents must say to the elders of that city, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and always rebelling against us. He will not pay attention to what we tell him [MTY]. He wastes a lot of money (OR, eats too much food) and gets drunk.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 21:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 21:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָמְר֞וּ
אֶל
זִקְנֵ֣י
עִיר֗/וֹ
בְּנֵ֤/נוּ
זֶה֙
סוֹרֵ֣ר
וּ/מֹרֶ֔ה
אֵינֶ֥/נּוּ
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ
בְּ/קֹלֵ֑/נוּ
זוֹלֵ֖ל
וְ/סֹבֵֽא
וְ/אָמְר֞וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
זִקְנֵ֣י
zâqên
H2205
old
Adj
עִיר֗/וֹ
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs | Suff
בְּנֵ֤/נוּ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
זֶה֙
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
סוֹרֵ֣ר
çârar
H5637
to rebel
V-Qal
וּ/מֹרֶ֔ה
mârâh
H4784
to rebel
Conj | V-Qal
אֵינֶ֥/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal
בְּ/קֹלֵ֑/נוּ
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms | Suff
זוֹלֵ֖ל
zâlal
H2151
to shake
V-Qal
וְ/סֹבֵֽא
çôbeʼ
H5435
liquor
Conj | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 21:20
וְ/אָמְר֞וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
זִקְנֵ֣י
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
עִיר֗/וֹ
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
בְּנֵ֤/נוּ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
זֶה֙
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
סוֹרֵ֣ר
çârar
H5637
"to rebel"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to rebel or turn away, often used to describe someone being stubborn or disobedient, as seen in its use in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to rebel, be stubborn, be rebellious, be refractory 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be stubborn 1a2) stubborn, rebel (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] away, backsliding, rebellious, revolter(-ing), slide back, stubborn, withdrew. See also: Deuteronomy 21:18; Isaiah 1:23; Psalms 66:7.
וּ/מֹרֶ֔ה
mârâh
H4784
"to rebel"
Conj | V-Qal
To rebel means to resist or disobey authority, often in a stubborn or defiant way. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's disobedience towards God or their parents.
Definition: 1) to be contentious, be rebellious, be refractory, be disobedient towards, be rebellious against 1a) (Qal) to be disobedient, be rebellious 1a1) towards father 1a2) towards God 1b) (Hiphil) to show rebelliousness, show disobedience, disobey
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bitter, change, be disobedient, disobey, grievously, provocation, provoke(-ing), (be) rebel (against, -lious). See also: Numbers 20:10; Psalms 78:17; Psalms 5:11.
אֵינֶ֥/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
בְּ/קֹלֵ֑/נוּ
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
זוֹלֵ֖ל
zâlal
H2151
"to shake"
V-Qal
Zalal means to be vile or worthless, describing someone who is morally loose or reckless, as seen in Proverbs 28:2 where a riotous eater is described as vile.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to shake, tremble, quake 1a) (Niphal) to shake, quake
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: blow down, glutton, riotous (eater), vile. See also: Deuteronomy 21:20; Isaiah 63:19; Proverbs 23:20.
וְ/סֹבֵֽא
çôbeʼ
H5435
"liquor"
Conj | V-Qal
Liquor or drink is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can refer to wine or a carousal. It is used in the Bible to describe drinking or wine.
Definition: drink, liquor, wine
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: drink, drunken, wine. See also: Deuteronomy 21:20; Hosea 4:18; Isaiah 1:22.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 21:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 21:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:20
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:20
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:20
Context — A Rebellious Son
18If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and does not listen to them when disciplined,
19his father and mother are to lay hold of him and bring him to the elders of his city, to the gate of his hometown,
20and say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he does not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.”
21Then all the men of his city will stone him to death. So you must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear and be afraid. 22If a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is executed, and you hang his body on a tree,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 23:29–35 | Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas or lying on the top of a mast: “They struck me, but I feel no pain! They beat me, but I did not know it! When can I wake up to search for another drink?” |
| 2 | Proverbs 20:1 | Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. |
| 3 | Proverbs 23:19–21 | Listen, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart on the right course. Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags. |
| 4 | Proverbs 29:17 | Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. |
| 5 | Proverbs 19:26 | He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace. |
Deuteronomy 21:20 Summary
This verse is about a son who refuses to obey his parents and is given over to his selfish desires, such as gluttony and drunkenness. The parents are required to bring him to the elders of the city and acknowledge his rebellious behavior, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:19-20. This is a serious issue, as it reflects a heart that is not submitted to God or those in authority, as discussed in Ephesians 6:1-3 and Romans 13:1-2. By looking at this verse, we can learn about the importance of obedience and submission to authority, and how it can impact our relationships with others and with God, as seen in Hebrews 12:7-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the parents' statement about their son being a glutton and a drunkard?
The statement highlights the son's reckless and disobedient behavior, which is a reflection of his rebellious heart, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:20, and is reminiscent of the prodigal son's actions in Luke 15:13.
Why did the parents need to bring their son to the elders of the city?
According to Deuteronomy 21:19, the parents were required to bring their son to the elders at the gate of their hometown so that the community could be involved in addressing the son's rebellious behavior, as the community's well-being was at stake, as noted in Deuteronomy 21:21.
Is this verse suggesting that gluttony and drunkenness are punishable by death?
While the verse does mention gluttony and drunkenness as characteristics of the rebellious son, the primary issue is the son's refusal to obey his parents and submit to authority, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:18-20, which is a reflection of his heart condition, as discussed in Ephesians 6:1-3.
How does this verse relate to the concept of discipline and obedience in the Bible?
This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to authority, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:18-20, and is consistent with other biblical teachings on discipline and obedience, such as Hebrews 12:7-11 and Proverbs 13:24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can examine my own heart and actions to ensure that I am not rebelling against God or those in authority over me?
- How can I balance the need for discipline and obedience with the need for compassion and understanding, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:18-21?
- In what ways can I submit to God's authority and obey His commands, as discussed in Romans 13:1-2 and Hebrews 13:17?
- What are some potential consequences of refusing to obey God or those in authority over me, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:21-22?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:20
And they shall say unto the elders of his city,.... In open court, what follows, at the same time, according to the Targum of Jonathan, acknowledging their own sins, for which such a calamity had
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:20
If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: If a man have
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:20
Stubborn and rebellious, adds incorrigibleness to all his wickedness. A glutton and a drunkard; under which two offences others of a like or worse nature are comprehended by a synecdoche.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:20
Deuteronomy 21:20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son [is] stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; [he is] a glutton, and a drunkard.Ver. 20. He is a glutton.] The same word is used for a vile person in Jeremiah 15:19. And indeed belly-gods are dungy-gods. A scavenger, whose office is to empty, is to be preferred before him that liveth but to fill, privies.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:20
Deuteronomy 21:18-21. THE SON.(18) If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son.—Here we are again reminded that the Law of Jehovah was also the civil and criminal law of Israel. The systematic breach of the first commandment of the second table of the Law, no less than of the first commandment of the first table, entailed the penalty of death. Manifestly this enactment, if carried out, would be a great protection to the country against lawless and abandoned characters, and would rid it of one very large element in the dangerous classes. (20) Stubborn and rebellious.—The Hebrew words became proverbial as the worst form of reproach, sτrκr ϋ-mτreh. This word mτreh was the one employed by Moses, when, speaking “unadvisedly” (Numbers 20:10), he said to the people, “Hear now, ye rebels, must we fetch you water out of this rock?” It appears in the Revised New Testament, in the margin of St. Matthew 5:22, for “thou fool.” But the Greek word there employed is true Greek, and has its own affinities in the New Testament. And the word mτreh is true Hebrew. They may be idiomatically synonymous. They are not etymologically identical.
A glutton and a drunkard.—The same two words are found in Proverbs 23:20-22, “Be not among wine bibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. Hearken unto thy father that begat thee; and despise not thy mother when she is old.” The context of this quotation seems to make it a distinct reference to the law in Deuteronomy 21 (21) Shall stone him with stones.—Rashi says that the Law cuts short the man’s career, anticipating what its close will be. When he has spent all his father’s money, he will take to the road, and become a public robber. It is better that he die innocent of such crimes than guilty. We can hardly adopt this view of the case; but it contains one feature that is terribly true.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:20
20. elders] Sam. LXX, men. riotous liver] Better, prodigal, lit. one who lavishes or squanders, Proverbs 23:20 (with flesh, a glutton) and 21, parallel to drunkard as here; Deuteronomy 28:7 : a companion of prodigals shameth his father.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Anti-Booze Efforts by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday passionately preaches against alcohol, expressing his determination to combat the saloon culture that he believes leads to the destruction of lives and families. He em |
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Daniel Purposed in His Heart by Peter Bisset | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to God and the Bible in the midst of temptations. He uses the story of Daniel and his friends as an example o |
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(Proverbs) ch.22:12 - 23:35 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of truth, integrity, and discipline in his sermon on Proverbs 22:12 - 23:35. He highlights that God stands with those who uphold truth and warn |
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Do Not Gaze on Sin by Kjell Olsen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs chapter 23, specifically verses that warn against the dangers of alcohol and the deceptive pleasure of sin. He emphasizes the negat |
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Booze by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday passionately addresses the destructive nature of alcohol and the liquor industry, likening it to a devilish force that harms individuals, families, and society. He emp |
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Strong Drink Versus Christianity by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth preaches on the value of temperance in religious aggressive effort, emphasizing the need for Christians to actively engage in delivering others from evil habits and |
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Prohibition (Edited) by Billy Sunday | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the negative impact of excessive taxation on alcohol in America. He argues that the government's decision to impose a $2 tax on whiskey and |