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
In the ancient Israelite society, as described in the Book of Exodus, God was giving laws through Moses to establish a just society after freeing the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. This particular law protected the honor and authority of parents, which was foundational to family and community stability. It mirrored the values of respect for elders common in many ancient cultures, underscoring the seriousness of familial rebellion.
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