Deuteronomy 27:16

27:16 ‘Cursed ¹  is the one who disrespects ²  his father and mother.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’

Deuteronomy 27:20

27:20 ‘Cursed is the one who has sexual relations with ³  his father’s former wife, ⁴  for he dishonors his father.’ ⁵  Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’

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¹ tn The Levites speak again at this point; throughout this pericope the Levites pronounce the curse and the people respond with “Amen.”

² tn The Hebrew term קָלָה (qalah) means to treat with disdain or lack of due respect (cf. NAB, NIV, NRSV “dishonors”; NLT “despises”). It is the opposite of כָּבֵד (kaved, “to be heavy,” that is, to treat with reverence and proper deference). To treat a parent lightly is to dishonor him or her and thus violate the fifth commandment (Deut 5:16; cf. Exod 21:17).

³ tn Heb “who lies with” (so NASB, NRSV); also in vv. 22, 23. This is a Hebrew idiom for having sexual relations (cf. NIV “who sleeps with”; NLT “who has sexual intercourse with”).

⁴ tn See note at Deut 22:30.

⁵ tn Heb “he uncovers his father’s skirt” (NASB similar). See note at Deut 22:30.