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Leviticus 19:32

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

Leviticus 19:32 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, we are reminded of the importance of showing respect and honor to the elderly. The phrase "hoary head" refers to someone who is old and has gray or white hair, signifying wisdom and experience. Rising up before the hoary head means standing in respect when an elderly person enters the room, acknowledging their lifetime of knowledge and understanding. Honoring the face of the old man means treating older individuals with kindness, reverence, and dignity. By doing so, we not only show respect to the elderly but also demonstrate our fear and reverence for God. This verse emphasizes the value of intergenerational relationships and the importance of cherishing the wisdom that comes with age. It serves as a reminder to treat the elderly with the same love and respect that we would want for ourselves, as we are all created in the image of God.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the command to rise up before the hoary head and honor the face of the old man is an expression of respect and reverence towards the elderly. The term "hoary head" refers to someone with grey or white hair, symbolizing old age and wisdom. This command emphasizes the importance of showing respect to those who have accumulated wisdom and experience over the years. The act of rising up before the elderly is a physical gesture of acknowledging their wisdom and venerating their knowledge. By honoring the elderly, individuals not only show respect for their elders but also demonstrate their reverence for God. This verse highlights the connection between honoring the elderly and fearing God, indicating that one's reverence for God is reflected in their treatment of the elderly. Ultimately, by honoring the hoary head, individuals demonstrate their commitment to living in accordance with the teachings of the Lord.

Leviticus 19:32 in other translations

American Standard Version

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

World English Bible

“‘You shall rise up before the gray head, and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh.

Douay-Rheims

Rise up before the hoary head, and honour the person of the aged man: and fear the Lord thy God. I am the Lord.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Thou shalt rise vp before the horehead, and honour the person of the old man, and dread thy God: I am the Lord.