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Deuteronomy 27

Deuteronomy 27:16

Curses Pronounced from Ebal · Deuteronomy 27:11–26
Read Deuteronomy 27

Translations

Modern
‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
Traditional
Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Literal
‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Latin
Maledictus qui non honorat patrem suum, et matrem: et dicet omnis populus: Amen.

Original

Hebrew
English
‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

Notes

Deuteronomy 27:16

dishonors his father or mother: In Israel’s understanding, duty to parents came just after duty to God (see 5:16). To treat one’s parents with disrespect or disobedience was a serious offense. It closely reflected a lack of respect for God himself.

Deuteronomy 27:12–26

  • Mount Gerizim is just west of Mount Ebal. Shechem is in the valley between them.

  • to bless: God positioned the tribes or their representatives carefully. This was so that while the Levites read the covenant from the valley below, the other tribes would respond by shouting "Amen!" This is a Hebrew term that means "May it be so." They said this to show their agreement with the terms of the covenant.

Glossary

Amen Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Criminal Law and Punishment Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of Family Life and Relations Hosea, Book of Joshua (Person) Joshua, Book of Mount Ebal Mount Gerizim

Topics

Amen: A Word Used to Reenforce a Statement Children Being Obedient Children: Punishment of Children: Wicked Curse: Curses of the Mosaic Law Hating your Parents Instruction in Religion Law: Curses of, Responsively Read by Levites and People at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim Responsive Religious Service: General Scriptures Concerning Reward: A Motive to Faithfulness Wicked Children: Punishment of, For: Setting Light by Parents Word of God: The People Stood and Responded by Saying |Amen| Worship: The Word of God Read in Public Assemblies