Matthew 15:4 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:4 mean?

Matthew 15:4 presents honoring parents as a serious command from God, not merely a family custom. Jesus supports that point by pairing the command to honor father and mother with a law that treats cursing either parent as a capital offense.

Jesus is speaking to Pharisees and scribes who have challenged his disciples over a handwashing tradition. His words draw on two passages in Israel’s law: Exodus 20:12 and Exodus 21:17. The phrase “die the death” is an emphatic way of saying that the offender was to be put to death.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:4

• “Honour” — τιμάω (timaō): This word carries the sense of showing respect or treating someone as deserving care. In the surrounding discussion, Jesus connects honoring parents with providing for their needs.
• “curseth” — κακολογέω (kakologeō): This word means to speak evil of or insult someone. Here it describes abusive speech directed at a father or mother.

Why Matthew 15:4 matters

• Jesus treats both parents as worthy of honor. The command names “father and mother,” while the warning applies to cursing “father or mother.”
• The verse gives the standard for Jesus’ challenge to the religious leaders. In verses 5–6, he describes a practice in which a person could declare resources a gift to God rather than use them to help a parent.
• Jesus’ concern is the effect of a tradition on an existing command. He says in verse 6 that their tradition has made God’s command “of none effect.”