Old Testament

Deuteronomy 27:16

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring one's parents.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
CBTClear Bible Translation

'Cursed is anyone who dishonors his father or mother.' All the people will say, 'Amen.'

KJVKing James Version

Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring one's parents. It declares a curse on anyone who disrespects or dishonors their father or mother. This reflects a deep cultural value that recognizes the role of parents in shaping their children's lives. By dishonoring them, a person disrupts the family unit and societal harmony. The community's response, 'Amen,' signifies agreement and collective responsibility. It shows that everyone acknowledges the seriousness of this command. Honoring parents is not just a personal duty; it is a communal expectation that strengthens family bonds and societal stability. This principle encourages respect, gratitude, and care for those who have nurtured us. It serves as a reminder that our actions towards our parents have broader implications for our relationships and community. Ultimately, this verse calls us to reflect on how we treat our parents and the values we uphold in our families and society at large. It invites us to cultivate a culture of respect and honor.

Key themes

Related topics

honor, family, respect

How to apply Deuteronomy 27:16 to your life

Consider how you treat your parents and the impact of your actions on your family. Make a conscious effort to show them respect and appreciation. This can be through simple acts of kindness or expressing gratitude. Remember, honoring your parents strengthens family ties and builds a supportive community. Reflect on your relationship with them regularly to ensure it remains healthy and positive.

Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Deuteronomy 27:16 mean?

Deuteronomy 27:16 means that anyone who dishonors their parents is under a curse. It highlights the importance of respecting and valuing parental authority in maintaining family and societal harmony.

What is the significance of honoring parents in Deuteronomy 27:16?

Honoring parents in Deuteronomy 27:16 signifies a foundational value in society. It emphasizes that respect for parents is crucial for family stability and community well-being.

How does the community respond to Deuteronomy 27:16?

The community responds with 'Amen' to Deuteronomy 27:16, indicating their agreement and collective responsibility to uphold the command to honor parents. This response reinforces the shared value of respect within the community.

What practical steps can I take to honor my parents based on Deuteronomy 27:16?

To honor your parents based on Deuteronomy 27:16, you can show respect through kind words, acts of service, and expressing gratitude. Regularly reflecting on your relationship with them can help maintain a positive and supportive connection.

The Book of Deuteronomy
Book Summary

The Book of Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 1: Moses Reviews the Wilderness Journey

Moses speaks to all Israel in the plains of Moab and recalls earlier events. He says the LORD tells Israel to leave Horeb and go toward the land promised to their fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses explains how the people become too numerous for him to manage alone, so leaders are appointed over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and judges are instructed to judge fairly without respect of persons.

Premium

Unlock the full Deuteronomy summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Deuteronomy — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 34 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Deuteronomy summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.