Whoever strikes his father or mother must surely be put to death.
God does not merely forbid striking a parent; He declares such violence worthy of death to show that parental authority is sacred and inviolable. The term includes any violent assault, even without a fatal wound, and extends to abusive speech, for harsh words are the gateway to contempt. To let such an outrage go unpunished would breed barbarism.
AI summary
God guards life by law as surely as He gives it by providence: mercy to a wilful murderer is cruelty to mankind. The man who kills in malice or passion must die, even if he clings to the altar; but if God ordains a death by accident, not the slayer's intent, He appoints refuge for him.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 21:12-21
The law requires an actual mark or wound from the blow; a mere angry gesture does not suffice for death. But where there is a bruise, a welt, or any visible sign of the strike, capital punishment follows. God made this crime capital to demonstrate how detestable it is and to deter the crime entirely.
AI summary