Deuteronomy 21:18-23

18 Parents might have a stubborn and rebellious son who doesn't obey them. Even though they punish him, he still won't listen to them.

19 His father and mother must take him to the leaders of the city at the city gate.

20 They will say to the leaders of the city, "This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He won't obey us. He eats too much and is a drunk."

21 All the men of the city should stone him to death. You must get rid of this evil. When all Israel hears about it, they will be afraid.

22 When a convicted person is put to death,

23 never leave his dead body hung on a pole overnight. Be sure to bury him that same day, because anyone whose body is hung on a pole is cursed by God. The land that the LORD your God is giving you must never become unclean.

Deuteronomy 21:18-23 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 21

This chapter treats of the beheading of the heifer, for the expiation of unknown murder, and the rules to be observed in it, De 21:1-9 of a beautiful captive woman an Israelite is desirous of having for his wife, and what methods he must take to accomplish it, De 21:10-14, of giving the double portion to the firstborn, which he must not be deprived of in favour of the son of a beloved wife, De 21:15-17 and of the stubborn and rebellious son, who remaining so must be put to death, De 21:18-21 and of burying a person hanged on a tree the same day he is executed, De 21:22,23.