Exodus 20:12 - “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 20:12" mean?
This verse, Exodus 20:12, is the fifth commandment in the Ten Commandments. It's a foundational principle in Judaism and Christianity, and its meaning can be unpacked as follows:
"Honor your father and your mother...": This doesn't just mean obeying parents when you're a child. "Honor" in this context (from the Hebrew word kabad) implies respect, reverence, and valuing your parents. It encompasses:
Respecting their authority: Recognizing their role as caregivers and guides, even as you mature.
Caring for them in old age: Providing practical support and emotional comfort as they become older and potentially frail.
Speaking kindly of them: Avoiding gossip or disrespect in public or private.
Taking their advice seriously: Showing that you value their wisdom and experience.
Appreciating their sacrifices: Acknowledging the efforts they made to raise and support you.
"...that your days may be long in the land...": This is a promise or a potential consequence of honoring your parents. It connects obedience to parental figures with a long and prosperous life in the "land" (originally referring to the promised land of Canaan, but often interpreted more broadly).
Literal interpretation: Some understand this as a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Following this commandment will literally lead to a longer lifespan.
Figurative/Wisdom interpretation: Others interpret it more symbolically. Honoring parents fosters strong family relationships, which provide stability, support, and a sense of belonging. This, in turn, can contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling life, which could be seen as "long" in a qualitative sense, even if not necessarily in a literal one.
Collective/Societal interpretation: It could also be seen as a principle for societal well-being. Societies that value and respect elders tend to be more stable and enduring.
"...which Yahweh your God gives you.": This emphasizes that the "land" (whether literal or symbolic) is a gift from God. It connects the commandment to the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites (and by extension, believers). It reminds them that their blessings are ultimately derived from their obedience to God's commands, which include honoring their parents.
In summary, the verse is a directive to show deep respect and care for one's parents, combined with a promise of a long and fulfilling life as a potential consequence, all within the context of a relationship with God. It's a recognition of the importance of family relationships and the value of respecting those who have nurtured and cared for us. The "long life" is not necessarily just about the number of years lived, but also the quality and richness of that life.
Exodus 20:12 - “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.
What does "Exodus 20:12" mean?
This verse, Exodus 20:12, is the fifth commandment in the Ten Commandments. It's a foundational principle in Judaism and Christianity, and its meaning can be unpacked as follows:
"Honor your father and your mother...": This doesn't just mean obeying parents when you're a child. "Honor" in this context (from the Hebrew word kabad) implies respect, reverence, and valuing your parents. It encompasses:
Respecting their authority: Recognizing their role as caregivers and guides, even as you mature.
Caring for them in old age: Providing practical support and emotional comfort as they become older and potentially frail.
Speaking kindly of them: Avoiding gossip or disrespect in public or private.
Taking their advice seriously: Showing that you value their wisdom and experience.
Appreciating their sacrifices: Acknowledging the efforts they made to raise and support you.
"...that your days may be long in the land...": This is a promise or a potential consequence of honoring your parents. It connects obedience to parental figures with a long and prosperous life in the "land" (originally referring to the promised land of Canaan, but often interpreted more broadly).
Literal interpretation: Some understand this as a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Following this commandment will literally lead to a longer lifespan.
Figurative/Wisdom interpretation: Others interpret it more symbolically. Honoring parents fosters strong family relationships, which provide stability, support, and a sense of belonging. This, in turn, can contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling life, which could be seen as "long" in a qualitative sense, even if not necessarily in a literal one.
Collective/Societal interpretation: It could also be seen as a principle for societal well-being. Societies that value and respect elders tend to be more stable and enduring.
"...which Yahweh your God gives you.": This emphasizes that the "land" (whether literal or symbolic) is a gift from God. It connects the commandment to the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites (and by extension, believers). It reminds them that their blessings are ultimately derived from their obedience to God's commands, which include honoring their parents.
In summary, the verse is a directive to show deep respect and care for one's parents, combined with a promise of a long and fulfilling life as a potential consequence, all within the context of a relationship with God. It's a recognition of the importance of family relationships and the value of respecting those who have nurtured and cared for us. The "long life" is not necessarily just about the number of years lived, but also the quality and richness of that life.