For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
MARK 7:10KJVWhat 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.