For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

MARK 7:10KJV
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Mark 7:10 (KJV)

What does Mark 7:10 mean?

Mark 7:10 quotes Moses to remind the listeners of two commands from the Old Testament: to honor one’s father and mother, and that anyone who curses their parents deserves death. Jesus is highlighting the seriousness of respecting parents according to the law given through Moses.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees and some teachers of the law. He is challenging them about their traditions, which sometimes allowed people to avoid caring for their parents. By quoting these commands, Jesus shows how important honoring parents is in God’s law, and how seriously the law viewed disrespect toward them.

The Greek behind Mark 7:10

  • Ἔντιμον (timáō, "Honour"): This Greek word means to value, respect, or show proper regard. In this context, it stresses that honoring parents is not just about feelings but about concrete actions and support.
  • ἐπικαλεῖται (katarathetai, "curseth"): The Greek term here means to speak evil of or to call down a curse upon. It carries a strong sense of open, hostile disrespect, not just mild disobedience.
  • θανάτῳ (thanatō, "death"): This word refers to physical death, showing the extreme seriousness with which the law treated cursing parents.

Why Mark 7:10 matters

  • Mark 7:10 clarifies that Jesus is not dismissing the Old Testament law but is calling people back to its true intent, especially regarding family responsibilities.
  • This verse helps explain the context for Jesus’ criticism of traditions that let people avoid caring for their parents, exposing a gap between outward religion and real obedience.
  • Mark 7:10 connects the discussion to the wider biblical theme of honoring parents, showing it is not a minor rule but a foundational commandment with strong consequences.

Where else these words appear

“curseth” Greek G2551 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
  • Mark 9:39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
  • Acts 19:9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

“die” Greek G5053 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
  • Matthew 22:25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:
  • Luke 7:2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

“Honour” Greek G5091 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
  • Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
  • John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

“Moses” Greek G3475 · used in 79 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
  • Acts 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.