New Testament
Matthew 15:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
God commanded, 'Honor your father and mother,' and 'Anyone who curses their father or mother must be put to death.'
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For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
What Matthew 15:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus refers to a commandment from God that emphasizes the importance of honoring one's parents. This commandment is foundational in many cultures, highlighting respect and care for family. The second part of the verse underscores the seriousness of disrespecting parents, indicating that cursing them was punishable by death in ancient Israel. This reflects the high value placed on family relationships and the consequences of breaking this commandment. Jesus uses this teaching to challenge the religious leaders of His time, showing that they were neglecting God's commands in favor of their own traditions. The verse serves as a reminder of the weight of God's laws and the importance of honoring family, which is a principle that transcends time and culture.
How to apply Matthew 15:4 to your life
We can apply this teaching by showing respect and care for our parents and elders. This means listening to their advice, helping them when needed, and valuing their role in our lives. Additionally, we should reflect on how we prioritize family relationships in our daily actions and decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 15:4 mean?
Matthew 15:4 emphasizes the commandment from God to honor one's parents, highlighting the importance of family respect. It also states that cursing one's parents was a serious offense in ancient Israel, reflecting the value placed on family relationships.
What is the significance of honoring parents in Matthew 15:4?
Honoring parents in Matthew 15:4 signifies respect and care for family, which is a fundamental principle in many cultures. The verse underscores that neglecting this commandment can have serious consequences.
What does the phrase 'curses their father or mother' mean in Matthew 15:4?
The phrase 'curses their father or mother' refers to speaking disrespectfully or harshly towards one's parents. In the context of this verse, it indicates a serious violation of the command to honor them.
How does Matthew 15:4 relate to traditions?
In Matthew 15:4, Jesus uses the commandment to challenge the religious leaders who prioritize their traditions over God's laws. This highlights the conflict between adhering to divine commandments and human-made traditions.
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