The Fifth Commandment

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12) Torah





The importance of this mitzvah cannot be overstated, since the word translated "honor" (kabed) derives from a root word meaning "weighty" (in terms of impressiveness or importance) and is often used to refer to the glory of God. The meaning of kabed in this context derives from the preceding verses (i.e., the first four commandments) which center on honoring God Himself. When we likewise honor our father and mother, the LORD says, “I reckon it as though I dwelled with them and they honored Me”
This verse is take very seriously, to fail to do so could result in death for the child or children who disobeyed this commandment.   The Apostle Paul quotes the Fifth Commandment in his letter to the Ephesians:

		Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." (Eph 6:1-3)

For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”  then he need not honor his father or mother.’Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. (Matthew 15:4-6)

Christ spoke out concerning how the Spiritual leaders of the time had begin to tell the people that if they desire not to have to provide for their parents they could simply say that they had devoted to the temple all they could spare, even though they did not part with it, and therefore their parents must expect nothing from them. This was making the command of God of no effect.

"But you say, ‘If a man says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban”—’ (that is, a giftto God),  then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother,  making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” (Mark 7:11-13) The word “Corban” is a Hebrew word that means a “gift offered to God”. It is this word that is used in Leviticus 1:2 

Sadly, we live in an age that glorifies evil and dishonors those who are to be truly honored. Disrespect and mockery are the standard form of humor in our culture.