Exodus 21:17

¹⁶Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession. ¹⁷Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death.

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(Bible Analysis of Man) Man's Lips

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Recovery of the Lords Name - Part 2 of 6

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Summary

Exodus 21:17 outlines the seriousness of disrespecting one's parents by stating that anyone who curses their father or mother must be put to death. This commandment reflects the value of honoring and obeying parents in the Israelite society, emphasizing the importance of family relationships and authority. The severe consequence serves as a deterrent against rebellion and dishonor towards parents, promoting a culture of respect and obedience within the community. This verse underscores the significance of parental authority and the need for children to honor and cherish their parents as a fundamental aspect of God's moral law.

Commentary

John Gill
Tyndale

John Gill Bible Commentary

And he that curseth his father, or his mother,.... Though he does not smite them with his hand, or with any instrument in it, yet if he smites them with his tongue, reviles and reproaches them, speaks evil of them, wishes dreadful imprecations upon them, curses them by the name explained, as the Targum of Jonathan calls it, by the name Jehovah, wishing the Lord would curse them, or that his curse might light upon them, see Pro 20:20, shall surely be put to death; or be killed with casting stones on him, as the Targum of Jonathan, or with stoning; so Jarchi, who observes, that wherever it is said, "his blood be upon him", it is meant of stoning, as it is of the man that curses his father or his mother, Lev 20:9 which was after this manner, the place of stoning was two cubits high, to which the malefactor with his hands bound was brought; from whence one of the witnesses against him cast him down headlong, of which, if he did not die, then they took up stones and cast on him, and if he died not through them, then all Israel came and stoned him; that is, the multitude upon the spot: this verse in the Septuagint version follows Exo 21:15, with which it agrees, both respecting the same persons.

Exodus 21:17

Personal Injury Laws

¹⁶Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession. ¹⁷Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death.