The term "sorer" is derived from the Hebrew word "סוֹרֵר" (sorer), which means "rebellious" or "stubborn." It is primarily associated with the biblical context of a "stubborn and rebellious son" as described in the Old Testament. The concept of a sorer is most notably found in the Book of Deuteronomy, where it outlines the consequences for a son who persistently disobeys his parents and refuses to heed their discipline.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference for a sorer is found in Deuteronomy 21:18-21:

"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 are to say to the elders, 'This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He does not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.' Then all the men of his city will stone him to death. So you must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear and be afraid." (Deuteronomy 21:18-21)

Cultural and Theological Context:

In ancient Israelite society, the family unit was foundational, and maintaining order and respect within the family was of utmost importance. The law concerning the rebellious son underscores the gravity of filial disobedience and the potential threat it posed to the social and moral fabric of the community. The prescribed punishment, though severe, reflects the seriousness with which such behavior was regarded.

Theologically, this passage highlights the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where obedience to divine commandments and respect for authority are paramount. The rebellious son, or sorer, symbolizes a breach in this relationship, warranting drastic measures to restore communal harmony and adherence to God's laws.

Interpretation and Application:

Throughout history, Jewish and Christian interpreters have grappled with the harshness of this law. Rabbinic tradition, for instance, suggests that the law was rarely, if ever, enforced, serving more as a deterrent and a moral lesson than a literal legal procedure. The emphasis is placed on the importance of parental authority and the need for children to honor and obey their parents, as echoed in the Fifth Commandment: "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12).

In Christian thought, the passage is often viewed through the lens of grace and redemption. While the Old Testament law underscores the severity of sin and rebellion, the New Testament offers a message of forgiveness and transformation through Christ. The rebellious son can be seen as a metaphor for humanity's waywardness and the need for repentance and reconciliation with God.

Contemporary Relevance:

In modern times, the concept of a sorer challenges believers to reflect on the values of respect, discipline, and obedience within the family and community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing relationships based on love, guidance, and mutual respect. While the literal application of the law is not practiced, its underlying principles continue to inform ethical and moral discussions within the Christian community.5501. cheiron -- worse
... Word Origin from a prim. root cher-, used as cptv. of kakos Definition worse
NASB Word Usage severer (1), worse (10). sorer, worse. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5501.htm - 6k

Hebrews x. 26, 27
... If then under the Old [Covenant], when the law of Moses is set at nought, there
is so great punishment, ( ver.29 ) "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xx hebrews x 26.htm

An Advance in the Exhortation.
... A man that hath set at nought Moses' law dieth without compassion on the word of
two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter ix an advance in.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iv.
... entirely of disease. But thou hast of thine own accord withdrawn thyself from
his hands; receive therefore the sorer punishment. For as ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 4.htm

Matt. Iii. 13
... things to come. For in fact the condition of men was then much worse,
and they deserved a much sorer punishment. To prevent thy ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xii matt iii 13.htm

On the Atonement.
... He says, "He that despised Moses' law, died without mercy under two or three witnesses;
of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/xii on the atonement.htm

The Preface.
... on the Families of several of my Friends; and, with Regard to some of them, the
Affliction hath been attended with Circumstances of yet sorer Aggravation. ...
/.../submission to divine providence in the death of children/the preface.htm

"It is I, be not Afraid. " Extracted from Knox's Admonition to ...
... promises. And this same, and sorer temptations, assaulted the people;
for in anguish of heart, they both refused God and Moses. ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /it is i be not.htm

Moreover, it is a Good Thing to Use the Tongue Sparingly...
... [74] And the fact that he is destined thus to leave earth with empty hands, will
make the evil all the sorer to him, as he fails to consider that an end is ...
/.../a metaphrase of the book of ecclesiastes/chapter v moreover it is.htm

Sorrow the Pledge of Joy.
... is not in the New Testament employed exclusively in this sense, neither do I imagine
it stands here for such only: there are griefs than death sorer far, and ...
/.../macdonald/hope of the gospel/sorrow the pledge of joy.htm

Honour the Bishop.
... For if he that rises up against kings is justly held worthy of punishment, inasmuch
as he dissolves public order, of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the smyrnaeans/chapter ix honour the bishop.htm

Sorer (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sorer (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 10:29 Of how much
sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy ...
/s/sorer.htm - 6k

Sores (16 Occurrences)

/s/sores.htm - 10k

Sorely (23 Occurrences)

/s/sorely.htm - 12k

Deserved (11 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:29 of how much sorer punishment shall he be counted worthy who the Son
of God did trample on, and the blood of the covenant did count a common thing ...
/d/deserved.htm - 10k

Despite (18 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy,
who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of ...
/d/despite.htm - 13k

Deserves (25 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:29 of how much sorer punishment shall he be counted worthy who the Son
of God did trample on, and the blood of the covenant did count a common thing ...
/d/deserves.htm - 13k

Punished (47 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:29 of how much sorer punishment shall he be counted worthy who the Son
of God did trample on, and the blood of the covenant did count a common thing ...
/p/punished.htm - 20k

Saviour (157 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 2:10), etc. These terms are found in the Greek sources many times
in exactly the same combinations with Sorer. (5) In the ...
/s/saviour.htm - 39k

Suppose (47 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy,
who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of ...
/s/suppose.htm - 20k

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