Leviticus 20:9 Meaning and Explanation
“For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Cursing one's parents incurs a death penalty; the offender bears responsibility for their own death.
The Context of Leviticus 20:9
Capital punishment is prescribed for cursing one's parents.
What Does Leviticus 20:9 Mean?
Cursing one's parents was treated as a grave violation meriting execution, reflecting the covenantal significance of family honor and the command to honor father and mother. The act strikes at the fundamental unit of society and the transmission of covenant tradition across generations.
The repetition of the charge ('he hath cursed his father or his mother') and the phrase 'his blood shall be upon him' emphasize personal guilt and just consequence. The severity of the penalty underscores that severing respect for parental authority damages social order and covenant community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 20:9
What does Leviticus 20:9 mean?
Cursing one's parents incurs a death penalty; the offender bears responsibility for their own death.
What is the context of Leviticus 20:9?
Capital punishment is prescribed for cursing one's parents.