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Leviticus 20:9 - Honor parents: life's sacred duty.

Leviticus 20:9 - ויקרא 20:9

Hebrew Text

כִּי־אִישׁ אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יְקַלֵּל אֶת־אָבִיו וְאֶת־אִמּוֹ מוֹת יוּמָת אָבִיו וְאִמּוֹ קִלֵּל דָּמָיו בּוֹ׃

English Translation

For everyone that curses his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.

Transliteration

Ki-ish ish asher yekalel et-aviv ve'et-imo mot yumat aviv ve'imo kilel damav bo.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־אִ֣ישׁ אִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְקַלֵּ֧ל אֶת־אָבִ֛יו וְאֶת־אִמּ֖וֹ מ֣וֹת יוּמָ֑ת אָבִ֧יו וְאִמּ֛וֹ קִלֵּ֖ל דָּמָ֥יו בּֽוֹ׃
כִּֽי־אִ֣ישׁ אִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְקַלֵּ֧ל אֶת־אָבִ֛יו וְאֶת־אִמּ֖וֹ מ֣וֹת יוּמָ֑ת אָבִ֧יו וְאִמּ֛וֹ קִלֵּ֖ל דָּמָ֥יו בּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Severity of Cursing Parents

The verse (Vayikra 20:9) establishes a severe punishment for one who curses their father or mother, stating they shall be put to death. This underscores the gravity of dishonoring parents in Jewish law. Rashi explains that the phrase "מוות יומת" ("shall surely be put to death") implies execution by stoning (סקילה), as derived from the Talmud (Sanhedrin 66a). The repetition of "אביו ואמו קלל" ("he has cursed his father or his mother") emphasizes that the transgression applies equally to both parents.

Legal and Moral Implications

Rambam (Hilchos Mamrim 5:1-2) elaborates that this prohibition applies whether the parent is alive or deceased, and includes any derogatory or disrespectful language. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 85b) further clarifies that the death penalty applies only if the curse includes an explicit mention of G-d's name (e.g., "May G-d strike my father"), as this constitutes a form of blasphemy. Lesser curses, while still forbidden, do not incur capital punishment.

Spiritual Consequences

The phrase "דמיו בו" ("his blood shall be upon him") signifies that the transgressor bears full responsibility for their fate. The Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim 9:3) teaches that such an act severs one's connection to both family and divine covenant, as honoring parents reflects reverence for Hashem, their Creator. The severity of the punishment highlights the foundational role of kibbud av va'em (honoring parents) in maintaining moral and societal order.

Comparative Analysis with Other Laws

  • Unlike striking a parent (Shemos 21:15), which requires physical harm for capital punishment, cursing is punishable by speech alone, demonstrating the Torah's emphasis on verbal respect.
  • The Talmud (Kiddushin 30b) contrasts this law with the mitzvah of honoring parents, showing that reverence must extend beyond actions to words and attitude.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 66a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding cursing one's parents, emphasizing the severity of the transgression and its capital punishment.
📖 Makkot 4b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the types of sins that warrant capital punishment, including cursing one's parents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'curse' one's parents in Leviticus 20:9?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sanhedrin 66a), 'cursing' one's parents refers to verbally disrespecting or insulting them using God's name (a severe form of disrespect). The Torah takes this very seriously as it undermines the fundamental mitzvah of honoring parents (Kibud Av Va'Em).
Q: Why is the punishment for cursing parents so severe in the Torah?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Mamrim 5:1) explains that honoring parents is one of the foundational commandments because it teaches gratitude and respect for those who brought us into the world. Cursing them represents a complete rejection of this value, which threatens the moral fabric of society. The death penalty (rarely enacted) emphasizes the gravity of this sin.
Q: Does this verse apply today if someone disrespects their parents?
A: While Jewish courts haven't carried out capital punishment for centuries, the Torah's prohibition remains binding. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 240) states that disrespecting parents (even without using God's name) violates Torah law and requires repentance. Positive honor and avoidance of disrespect remain eternal obligations.
Q: What's the difference between 'cursing' and 'not honoring' parents?
A: The Talmud (Kiddushin 31b) distinguishes between 'honoring' (positive acts like providing food) and 'revering' (avoiding disrespect). Cursing in Leviticus 20:9 is an extreme form of disrespect. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 48) notes that while all disrespect is forbidden, cursing with God's name carries unique severity.
Q: How can we reconcile this harsh verse with the idea of a merciful God?
A: The Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim) teaches that God prioritizes justice in foundational relationships like parent-child to maintain societal order. Mercy is shown through the rigorous evidentiary requirements in Jewish courts (Sanhedrin 66a) – the death penalty was nearly impossible to enact, serving mainly as a moral lesson about the severity of the sin.