Leviticus 20:9 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 20:9 mean?

Leviticus 20:9 states that anyone who curses their father or mother must be put to death, and the responsibility for this act falls on the person who committed it. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of dishonoring one’s parents in ancient Israelite law, treating it as a capital offense.

In this passage, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving laws meant to guide the community’s conduct. The verse comes from a section listing severe penalties for various offenses, showing that honoring parents was considered fundamental to Israelite society. The phrase “his blood shall be upon him” means the person bears full responsibility for their own punishment.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:9

• The word for "curseth" is קָלַל (qālal), which means to treat lightly, despise, or speak evil of. This is not just swearing, but showing deep disrespect or contempt.
• The word for "surely" and "death" is מוֹת (môt), used twice for emphasis. This repetition underlines the certainty and seriousness of the punishment.
• The word for "blood" is דָּם (dām), which in this context means guilt or responsibility for one’s own death, not just physical blood.

Why Leviticus 20:9 matters

• This verse clarifies that in ancient Israel, disrespecting parents was not a minor issue but was seen as a direct attack on the community’s moral foundation.
• The strong language and penalty show how central family respect was to Israelite law and order.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that certain actions, even those within the family, had the gravest consequences, highlighting the seriousness with which God’s law was to be taken.