The answer is: Death

Lev 20:9 - This strict law emphasized the importance of honouring parents.

In Leviticus, the law commanding the death penalty for cursing one’s parents is one of those surprising yet impactful declarations that underscores familial respect in ancient Israelite society. Can you imagine the gravity that both parents and children would feel? It reflects a collective view of family that placed immense value on honor and respect. Speaking against one’s parents wasn’t just seen as a personal failure—it was perceived as a disruption of society’s foundational structure.

Now, while that may seem extreme today, it’s worth noting that such laws were part of a broader covenant community model where the flourishing of the family directly influenced the health of the community as a whole. Remarkable, right? Ancient cultures, not just the Israelites, held similar values tied to parent-child relationships. For instance, in Ancient Rome, children were expected to work hard to honor their parents and protect their family’s reputation.

Interestingly, this intense focus on reverence isn’t exclusive to parent relationships. The Ten Commandments prominently feature the call to “honor your father and mother”, illustrating its huge significance across the biblical narrative. This idea reverberates through time and cultures, reminding us how honoring our parents is about respect, love, and acknowledging their sacrifices. It manifests as wisdom passed down through generations—a powerful concept that still resonates in discussions about caregiving and family responsibilities today.