Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
DEUTERONOMY 5:16KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 5:16 mean?
Deuteronomy 5:16 tells the people to honor their father and mother, as God has commanded, so that they may live long and things may go well for them in the land God is giving them. This verse connects respect for parents with blessings of a good and lasting life in the promised land.
In Deuteronomy 5:16, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter Canaan. He repeats the command from the Ten Commandments, emphasizing that honoring parents is not just a family value but a direct command from God. The verse ties this respect to practical outcomes—well-being and longevity in the land God is providing—showing that family relationships are linked to the health and future of the whole community.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 5:16
- "Honour" (כָּבֵד, kavéd) means to give weight, respect, or value. This word goes beyond simple obedience and points to treating parents with deep respect and significance in one's life.
- "Prolonged" (יַאֲרִכוּן, ya'arikhun) means to make long or extend. The promise here is that honoring parents is connected to a longer, fuller life, not just for individuals but for the community as a whole.
- "Well" (יָיטַב, yitav) means to be good or go well. The verse links honoring parents to things going well in life, suggesting a broader sense of well-being and harmony.
- "Land" (אֲדָמָה, adamah) refers to the ground or territory. Here, it points specifically to the promised land, making the commandment directly relevant to the Israelites' future in Canaan.
Why Deuteronomy 5:16 matters
- Deuteronomy 5:16 makes clear that honoring parents is not just a private matter but has public and national importance for Israel’s future.
- The verse shows that God’s commands are tied to real-life outcomes, connecting spiritual obedience with practical blessings like well-being and longevity.
- By repeating this command as the people prepare to enter the land, Moses highlights that strong family relationships are foundational for a healthy society.