Matthew 15:4 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. Honor thy father and mother - This word was taken in great latitude of meaning among the Jews: it not only meant respect and submission, but also to take care of a person, to nourish and support him, to enrich. See Numbers 22:17; Judges 13:17; 1 Timothy 5:17. And that this was the sense of the law, as it respected parents, see Deuteronomy 27:16, and see the note on Exodus 20:12.