The answer is: Death

Lev 20:9 - This strict law emphasized the importance of honouring parents.

Leviticus 20:9 gives us a strong warning regarding the consequences of disrespecting one's parents, illustrating how deeply rooted the concept of familial honor was in ancient Israelite culture. Here we see that the punishment was considered grave: death. This stark penalty underscores the societal values placed on familial respect and societal stability, suggesting that harmony within the home translated into harmony within the community.

Cursing or disrespecting one's parents was not just a private matter; it was seen as a public sin that could disrupt the order of society. In biblical contexts, parents were mentioned not merely as authority figures, but also as custodians of wisdom, experience, and cultural heritage. Honoring parents meant adhering to traditions and moral standards crucial for sustaining the cohesive fabric of society.

Interestingly, this theme of honoring parents isn't unique to Leviticus. The importance of parental respect appears prominently across many cultures and religions. For instance, the Fifth Commandment also underscores the obligation to honor one's parents, showing a universal quality to this value.

Some informative trivia: while Western perspectives might view parental honors within a more modern lens, such as mutual respect and dialogue, in ancient texts, such uncompromising standards may have created rigid lines in familial hierarchies. Overall, the call to respect one's parents draws a vital map not just for ancient Israelites, but for global morality throughout history.