In the biblical context, the act of a child smiting or striking their parents is considered a grave offense, reflecting a deep violation of the God-ordained family structure and authority. The Scriptures provide clear directives regarding the consequences of such actions, underscoring the seriousness with which this sin is viewed.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 21:15 : "Whoever strikes his father or mother must surely be put to death." This verse is part of the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, emphasizing the severity of the crime. The prescribed punishment of death highlights the importance of honoring one's parents and maintaining the sanctity of the familial hierarchy established by God.

2. Proverbs 20:20 : "Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness." While this verse specifically mentions cursing, it is often interpreted in conjunction with physical violence against parents. The imagery of a lamp being extinguished symbolizes the loss of life and blessing, indicating divine disfavor and the potential for severe consequences.

3. Deuteronomy 21:18-21 : Although this passage primarily addresses a rebellious son, it provides insight into the broader context of dealing with disobedient children. "If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and does not listen to them when disciplined, his father and mother are to take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. They shall say to the elders, 'This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.' Then all the men of his town are to stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear of it and be afraid." This passage underscores the communal responsibility to uphold God's laws and the drastic measures taken to remove wickedness from the community.

Theological Implications:

The punishment for smiting parents is rooted in the Fifth Commandment, "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12). This commandment is foundational to the social and spiritual order, reflecting the respect and obedience due to parental authority as a reflection of God's authority.

In the conservative Christian tradition, these passages are often understood as emphasizing the importance of discipline and respect within the family unit. While the literal application of these laws is not practiced in contemporary Christian communities, the underlying principles of respect, obedience, and the consequences of sin remain relevant.

The severity of the punishment serves as a deterrent and a reminder of the holiness and justice of God. It reflects the belief that rebellion against parental authority is ultimately rebellion against God, who instituted the family as a primary means of nurturing and instructing children in righteousness.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israelite society, the family was the basic unit of community and religious life. The well-being of the family was directly linked to the well-being of the nation. Therefore, maintaining order and respect within the family was crucial for the stability and spiritual health of the entire community.

The harsh penalties prescribed for striking parents must be understood within this cultural and historical framework, where communal harmony and adherence to divine law were paramount. The laws served both as a means of justice and as a pedagogical tool to teach future generations the seriousness of honoring one's parents.

Conclusion:

The biblical injunctions against smiting parents and the associated punishments reflect the high value placed on family integrity and the respect for authority. These principles continue to inform Christian teachings on family dynamics and the moral upbringing of children.Exodus 21:15
And he that smites his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John Chapter ix
... then children of vengeance, children of punishment, children of hell. ... and the heart
of the wicked was troubled ... a malediction be upon us, and upon our children! ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xliv john chapter ix.htm

Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ...
... speaks of this sin as deserving the punishment of death ... enabled him to prophesy,
though his wicked life prevented ... who tried to turn away the children of Israel ...
/.../faustus willing to believe not.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... god to have spared neither righteous nor wicked in indiscriminate ... that there will
be no punishment of his ... marriage had become unlawful between children of the ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... tells us that in his youth "God put it into my parents hearts to ... as consisting of
two parts, the children of God, and the children of the wicked one: They ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... wrath of God, are in danger of just punishment; so that ... and sins, and were by nature
the children of wrath ... the kingdoms of the world, their wicked enemies being ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... above all things, and desperately wicked'; so wicked that none ... how sore and sick,
by the smiting of God's ... Hannah coveted children, but could not have them, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... and its inhabitants, the judge of the wicked and friend ... therefore the children of
men put their trust under the ... the old theory of reward and punishment a later ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... it too, that as he was no wicked man with ... It made them twofold worse the children
of hell than ... act of rebellion, and so a transgression worthy of punishment. ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... it too, that, as he was no wicked man with ... It made them two-fold worse the children
of hell than ... act of rebellion, and so a transgression worthy of punishment. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... all sin must incur the intensity of punishment; and the ... the iniquity of the fathers
upon the children." This therefore ... and to get into the wicked fellowship of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

What does it mean that Jesus loves the little children? | GotQuestions.org

How should Christians discipline their children? What does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about disobedient children? | GotQuestions.org

Children: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus