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Deuteronomy 5:16 - Honor parents, receive Divine blessings.

Deuteronomy 5:16 - דברים 5:16

Hebrew Text

כַּבֵּד אֶת־אָבִיךָ וְאֶת־אִמֶּךָ כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוְּךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לְמַעַן יַאֲרִיכֻן יָמֶיךָ וּלְמַעַן יִיטַב לָךְ עַל הָאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לָךְ׃

English Translation

Honour thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God has commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God gives thee.

Transliteration

Kabed et-avikha ve'et-imekha ka'asher tzivkha Adonai Elohekha lema'an ya'arikhun yamekha ulema'an yitav lakh al ha'adama asher-Adonai Elohekha noten lakh.

Hebrew Leining Text

כַּבֵּ֤ד אֶת־אָבִ֙יךָ֙ וְאֶת־אִמֶּ֔ךָ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוְּךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ לְמַ֣עַן <b>׀</b> יַאֲרִיכֻ֣ן יָמֶ֗יךָ וּלְמַ֙עַן֙ יִ֣יטַב לָ֔ךְ עַ֚ל הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽךְ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
כַּבֵּ֤ד אֶת־אָבִ֙יךָ֙ וְאֶת־אִמֶּ֔ךָ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוְּךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ לְמַ֣עַן ׀ יַאֲרִיכֻ֣ן יָמֶ֗יךָ וּלְמַ֙עַן֙ יִ֣יטַב לָ֔ךְ עַ֚ל הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽךְ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Commandment to Honor Parents

The verse "Honor thy father and thy mother" (Devarim 5:16) is the fifth of the Ten Commandments, emphasizing the fundamental obligation of children toward their parents. According to Rashi, "honor" (kabed) entails providing for their physical needs—such as food, clothing, and assistance—while treating them with reverence. The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 6:3) elaborates that this mitzvah includes speaking to parents respectfully and not contradicting them in a demeaning manner.

Connection to Longevity and Prosperity

The verse promises "that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee" as a reward for honoring parents. The Talmud (Kiddushin 30b) explains that honoring parents is akin to honoring Hashem, as parents partner with Him in bringing a child into the world. The Sforno adds that this mitzvah sustains societal order, ensuring the transmission of Torah values across generations, which leads to national stability and Divine blessing in Eretz Yisrael.

Honor in the Land of Israel

The phrase "in the land which the Lord thy God gives thee" underscores that this mitzvah is particularly vital in Eretz Yisrael. The Kli Yakar notes that honoring parents preserves the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people, ensuring their continued dwelling in the land. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 6:7) teaches that neglecting this mitzvah can lead to exile, as it disrupts the moral foundation of the nation.

Practical Applications

  • Providing for Parents: The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 240:4) rules that a child must ensure parents' basic needs are met, even at personal expense.
  • Respectful Conduct: The Chofetz Chaim emphasizes avoiding actions that cause parents distress, such as sitting in their designated seat or interrupting them.
  • Spiritual Honor: The Vilna Gaon teaches that honoring parents includes upholding their Torah values, ensuring their legacy endures.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 30b
The verse is discussed in the context of the mitzvah to honor one's parents, exploring the extent and nature of this obligation.
📖 Sanhedrin 56a
The verse is referenced in the discussion of the Noachide laws and whether honoring parents is a universal commandment.
📖 Yevamot 6a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of honoring parents and its connection to longevity and prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'honor your father and mother' according to Jewish tradition?
A: In Jewish tradition, honoring one's parents (כיבוד אב ואם) includes actions like providing for their needs, speaking to them respectfully, and not contradicting them in a disrespectful way. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Hilchot Mamrim (6:3) that this mitzvah extends even to small gestures, such as ensuring they have food and drink. Rashi (on Exodus 20:12) emphasizes that honoring parents is akin to honoring Hashem, since parents partner with Him in bringing a child into the world.
Q: Why does the Torah promise long life for honoring parents?
A: The Talmud (Kiddushin 39b) teaches that honoring parents is one of the mitzvot for which a person is rewarded both in this world and the World to Come. The promise of long life ('that your days may be prolonged') highlights the importance of this mitzvah in maintaining family and societal harmony. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) also connects this blessing to the Land of Israel, suggesting that a society built on respect for parents will endure and thrive.
Q: Does honoring parents apply if they are not religious?
A: Yes, the mitzvah of honoring parents applies regardless of their level of observance. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 240:2) rules that one must honor parents even if they are not Torah-observant, as long as they do not ask the child to violate halacha (Jewish law). The Chofetz Chaim adds that showing respect to parents can sometimes inspire them to grow in their own Jewish commitment.
Q: How can someone honor parents who have passed away?
A: The mitzvah of honoring parents continues after their passing. The Talmud (Kiddushin 31b) teaches that one can honor deceased parents by speaking positively about them, supporting causes they cared about, and studying Torah or doing mitzvot in their merit. Saying Kaddish and observing their yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) are also important ways to honor them, as explained in the Mishnah Berurah (Orach Chaim 376:4).
Q: What if honoring parents conflicts with other mitzvot?
A: While honoring parents is a major mitzvah, it does not override clear halachic obligations. The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 6:12) rules that if a parent tells a child to violate a Torah law, the child must not listen, since both parent and child are obligated to follow Hashem's commandments. However, the child should still respond respectfully. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 240:15) adds that even in such cases, one should strive to minimize causing pain to parents.