What is the definition of Exodus 21:17? ๐ ๐
And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.
Explanation:
Okay, letโs break down this verse from Exodus 21:17. It's a really important and serious statement about how we treat our family members.
Hereโs the simple explanation:
The Verse Says:
โAnd he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.โ
What it means in plain language:
This verse is telling us that
it's absolutely forbidden to curse or speak negatively about your parents.
Specifically, itโs a very strong prohibition against speaking harshly or disrespectfully towards someone who raised you.
Letโs unpack it a little further:
๐
โCurseโ
: This word means to speak angrily or bitterly, especially in a way that is hurtful and disrespectful.
๐
โHis father, or his motherโ
: It doesn't just mean criticizing them โ it means speaking negatively about ๐both๐ of them. Itโs about expressing hatred or disrespect towards them.
Why is this important?
This verse comes from a story in Genesis (Genesis 28) where Jacob, after being tricked into giving his father a blessing, curses him. This verse is often seen as a reminder of the importance of honoring and respecting our parents. Itโs about maintaining a healthy relationship with those who cared for us and nurtured us.
In short:
It's a command to treat your parents with kindness and respect โ no matter how difficult things might be. Itโs a powerful message about family love and loyalty.
Important Note:
This verse is often interpreted as a warning against anger and harsh words, but it also emphasizes the importance of loving and appreciating our parents.
---
Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, I could talk about:
๐ The context of the story in Genesis 28
๐ The meaning behind the Hebrew word โcurseโ
๐ How this verse relates to forgiveness and reconciliation within families