Commentary for Exodus 21:17

ומקלל אביו ואמו WHOSOEVER CURSETH HIS FATHER OR HIS MOTHER [SHALL SURELY BE PUT TO DEATH] — Why is this stated in this particular form? Since Scripture says, (Leviticus 20:9) “For every man who execrateth his father [or his mother shall surely be put to death]” I might say that I have here only the law that a man who curseth his father or his mother is punishable with death. Whence do I know that this is also the case if a woman curseth her father or her mother? Scripture therefore states here, “Whosoever curseth father or mother” — whosoever generally — intimating that it applies to both man and woman (Mekhilta d'Rabbi Yishmael 21:17:1). But if this be so why is it said, (Leviticus 20:9). “For every man who execrateth etc.”? To exclude a minor.

V. 17. Menschenraub ist die konkrete Vernichtung der Menschenwürde; Vater und Mutter gegenüber zieht schon die bloß angewünschte Vernichtung, קללה, den gerichtlichen Tod nach sich, und zwar selbst das Fluchen verstorbener Eltern.