Leviticus 19 32

Leviticus 19:32 kjv

Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:32 nkjv

'You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:32 niv

"?'Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:32 esv

"You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:32 nlt

"Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19 verses

Leviticus 19 32 Meaning

This verse commands the Israelites to show reverence and respect to the elderly. It requires actively standing up when an elder enters and extending honor to them. The motivation for this conduct is deeply rooted in the fear of God, recognizing that true respect for humanity, particularly the vulnerable and wise, is an act of obedience and reverence towards the divine Author of all life and wisdom. The concluding statement, "I am the LORD," affirms the divine authority behind this commandment, establishing it as an immutable standard for a holy community.

Leviticus 19 32 Context

Leviticus chapter 19 is often called the "Holiness Code" (or part of it), serving as the ethical core of the book of Leviticus. It presents a comprehensive array of moral, ethical, and ritual laws that are foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The chapter begins and ends with the command, "You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy" (Lev 19:2, repeated implicitly throughout), emphasizing that the people's conduct must reflect God's character. The commands in this chapter range from dietary laws, sacrifices, and Sabbath observance to justice, honesty, and care for the vulnerable (poor, aliens, deaf, blind, aged). Verse 32 is situated amidst other social and ethical directives concerning the community's internal dynamics, underscoring that holiness is not merely ritualistic but permeates all aspects of daily life and human relationships. Historically, in the ancient Near East, while some cultures revered elders for their wisdom, others, particularly in times of conflict or famine, might have viewed them as burdens. This commandment in Israel explicitly elevated the status of the elderly, ensuring their respect and protection under divine law, distinct from practices that might diminish their value.

Leviticus 19 32 Word analysis

• You shall rise (קוּם - qum): This is a literal command to stand up. In ancient cultures, standing up upon someone's entry or presence was a universal sign of deference and respect, particularly towards those of higher status, authority, or age. It signifies acknowledgement of their presence and a public display of honor. It's an active, physical act that demonstrates submission and reverence, setting a reverent tone for interaction.
• before the gray head (שֵׂיבָה - seva): "Gray head" refers to a person of old age. The Hebrew seva literally means 'old age' or 'hoary head'. In biblical wisdom literature (e.g., Prov 16:31), gray hair is a symbol of wisdom, experience, and often, righteousness. It signifies a life lived, a repository of communal memory and discernment. This command is a mandate to value and respect the accumulated wisdom and life experience that old age represents within the community.
• and honor (הָדַר - hadar): The verb hadar means to beautify, glorify, adorn, or show deference. It implies more than just outward respect; it speaks to the intrinsic value and dignity recognized in the elderly person. It goes beyond the physical act of standing to an inner attitude of esteem and veneration, signifying that the elderly should be given their proper place of respect and importance within society.
• the face of an old man (פְּנֵי זָקֵן - p'nei zaken): "Face of an old man" (p'nei – face, presence; zaken – old person, elder). Zaken often refers not just to age but to the elder as a respected figure, a leader, or one who holds wisdom and authority within the community (e.g., elders of Israel, city elders). This phrase emphasizes recognizing the person, their very presence and identity, not just their age. The command extends respect to the entire individual, seeing their intrinsic worth and experience.
• and you shall fear (יָרֵא - yare): This word signifies 'to fear', 'revere', or 'be afraid'. In the context of "fearing God," it's not a slavish dread but a deep awe, respect, and reverence that leads to obedience. It recognizes God's absolute sovereignty, holiness, and power, which in turn leads to moral living and obedience to His commands. The respect for elders is presented not merely as a social custom but as a direct outcome of one's relationship with and reverence for God Himself.
• your God (אֱלֹהֶיךָ - eloheykha): This personal address ("your God") grounds the command firmly in the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. It reminds the Israelites of their unique connection and obligation to their divine Protector and Lawgiver. The fear of this specific God is what prompts and validates their actions.
• I am the LORD (אֲנִי יְהוָה - Ani Yahweh): This declarative formula, frequently found throughout Leviticus and other books, is a statement of divine authority and identity. It is Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God, who issues this command. This phrase underscores that the instruction is not merely human counsel but a divine imperative, given by the supreme Sovereign. It highlights God's role as the source of all morality and righteousness, connecting the command for social ethics directly to His holy character. The validity and importance of the command derive directly from His being.

• "You shall rise before the gray head and honor the face of an old man": This phrase emphasizes both active deference and deep respect. "Rising" signifies immediate, outward acknowledgment and courtesy. "Honor the face" denotes recognizing their worth and dignity as individuals. Together, they form a holistic command for respectful interaction, both physically and in attitude. This action affirms the elder's value and their place as repositories of wisdom within the community, acting as a safeguard against social dismissiveness of the aged.
• "and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD": This concluding phrase provides the theological motivation and authoritative basis for the preceding command. Respecting elders is not just a social nicety; it is an act of piety, directly linked to one's reverence for God. The fear of God translates into honoring those whom He deems worthy of honor. The divine self-revelation "I am the LORD" makes the command absolute, highlighting that disregard for the elderly is ultimately a disregard for God's explicit will. This ensures that the respect for elders is deeply embedded in the religious and spiritual life of the Israelite, rather than being merely a fluctuating cultural custom.

Leviticus 19 32 Bonus section

This command provided a significant counter-cultural polemic against pagan practices where the elderly might be marginalized or even abandoned once they could no longer contribute physically or militarily. For Israel, the elders were integral to the transfer of tradition, wisdom, and the living memory of God's acts, serving as the link between generations. They were essential for the spiritual and communal health of the nation, holding judicial and teaching roles. This verse underscores the understanding that wisdom and spiritual insight are often found among those with long experience. The New Testament similarly advocates respect for older individuals, both men and women, not only through general principles of honor (Rom 13:7; 1 Pet 2:17) but also in practical church leadership and care (1 Tim 5:1-2; Titus 2:2-3).

Leviticus 19 32 Commentary

Leviticus 19:32, within the framework of the Holiness Code, is a divine injunction that elevates the elderly to a position of profound respect and honor within the community. The command to "rise before" and "honor" signifies both outward courtesy and inward veneration. This instruction challenges any tendency to dismiss the aged due to perceived diminished physical strength or productivity, instead acknowledging their intrinsic value as individuals who bear wisdom and experience accumulated over years. This directive is explicitly rooted in the "fear of God." This foundational reverence for Yahweh necessitates an ethical response towards His creation, particularly those whom He commands His people to value. Thus, respecting elders is not merely good social etiquette but a profound act of worship and obedience to God Himself. "I am the LORD" serves as the ultimate seal of authority, stamping the command with divine immutability and holiness. This verse thereby promotes a just and compassionate society that recognizes the worth of every member, reflecting God's own righteous character.