“For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:”
My Notes
What Does Mark 7:10 Mean?
"For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death." Jesus quotes the fifth commandment and its corresponding penalty (Exodus 20:12, 21:17) to confront the Pharisees' practice of "Corban" — declaring resources as devoted to God in order to avoid supporting elderly parents. They'd created a religious loophole to circumvent a moral obligation.
The juxtaposition of the commandment with its penalty emphasizes how seriously God takes family responsibility. This isn't a minor regulation — dishonoring parents warranted the death penalty under Mosaic law. Jesus is saying: you've found a way to break one of the most serious commands in the Torah and call it piety. Your tradition has nullified God's word.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Have you ever used spiritual language or commitments as a reason to avoid a practical responsibility?
- 2.Who in your life right now needs practical care more than they need your prayers?
- 3.Why do you think we're so tempted to substitute religious activity for relational faithfulness?
- 4.How do you balance devotion to God with obligations to family and community?
Devotional
The Pharisees had found a brilliant loophole. Instead of using their money to care for aging parents, they declared it "Corban" — dedicated to God. Technically, it looked supremely spiritual. "I'd love to help, Mom, but this money is set apart for the Lord." And Jesus called it exactly what it was: using religion to avoid responsibility.
This pattern is alive and well. Any time you use spiritual language to dodge a human obligation, you're practicing Corban. "I'm too busy with ministry to be present for my family." "I can't help because I'm saving for a missions trip." "I need to focus on my spiritual growth right now" — while the people right in front of you are neglected.
Jesus doesn't pit devotion to God against responsibility to people. In his framework, caring for your parents IS devotion to God. The commandment to honor your father and mother wasn't a suggestion filed under "nice if you get to it." It carried the death penalty for violation. God takes this seriously.
If you've been neglecting practical, tangible responsibilities to the people closest to you in the name of something that sounds more spiritual — this verse is a correction. God doesn't want your Corban. He wants your obedience. And obedience starts with the people he put in your life before he gave you a platform.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
For Moses said,.... That is, God by Moses; for the following precept was spoken by God, and written by him on one of the…
See this passage explained in the notes at Mat. 15:1-20. Mar 7:1 Came from Jerusalem - Probably to observe his conduct,…
For Moses said, etc. - See all these verses, from this to the 23d, explained Matthew 15:3-20 (note).
One great design of Christ's coming, was, to set aside the ceremonial law which God made, and to put an end to it; to…
Honour thy father The words are quoted partly from Exo 20:12, and partly from Exo 21:17.
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture