KJV ORIGINAL
And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Anyone who strikes their father or mother must certainly be put to death.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse establishes that physically attacking one's parents was considered such a serious crime in ancient Israel that it carried the death penalty.
📚 Historical Context
This law was given to the Israelites as part of the civil and moral code during their time in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, honoring parents was foundational to society's stability, and striking a parent represented the ultimate rebellion against family authority and God's established order. These laws were designed to create a just society where family relationships were protected and respected.
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