Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

LEVITICUS 19:32KJV
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Leviticus 19:32 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 19:32 mean?

Leviticus 19:32 commands people to show respect for the elderly by standing up in their presence and honoring them, connecting this respect with reverence for God. The verse presents honoring older people as a matter of both social respect and spiritual obedience, reminding the community that God is watching.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving them practical instructions for living as His people. The setting is a list of laws meant to shape a just and holy society. The verse links respect for elders with the fear of God, showing that how people treat the vulnerable or aged reflects their attitude toward God Himself.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 19:32

  • "Rise up" (קוּם, qum; tagged as H6965) means to stand or get up. Here, it is a physical action showing visible respect, not just a feeling.
  • "Hoary head" (שֵׂיבָה, seivah; tagged as H7872) refers to gray or white hair, a common sign of old age in the ancient world. The focus is on honoring those who have lived many years.
  • "Honour" (הָדַר, hadar; tagged as H1921) carries the sense of giving weight, value, or dignity. This is not just politeness but a deep recognition of worth.
  • "Fear" (יָרֵא, yare; tagged as H3372) means to have reverence or awe, especially toward God. The verse ties respect for elders directly to a healthy reverence for God, suggesting that one leads to the other.

Why Leviticus 19:32 matters

  • Leviticus 19:32 makes clear that respect for elders is not just a cultural custom but a command from God, giving it spiritual weight.
  • The verse connects how people treat the elderly with their relationship to God, suggesting that honoring others is part of honoring God.
  • In the broader context of Leviticus 19, which includes many commands about justice and kindness, this verse highlights the value placed on every member of the community, especially those who might be overlooked.

Where else these words appear

“honour” Hebrew H1921 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 23:3 Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.
  • Proverbs 25:6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
  • Isaiah 63:1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

“head” Hebrew H7872 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
  • Judges 8:32 And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the sepulchre of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
  • Psalms 71:18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.