John Calvin Commentary Leviticus 19:32

"Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man, and thou shalt fear thy God: I am Jehovah." — Leviticus 19:32 (ASV)

You shall rise up before the gray head. God teaches us that some sparks of His majesty shine forth in old men, by which they approach the honor of parents.

It is not my purpose to gather quotations from secular authors regarding the honor due to the old; let it be sufficient that what God here commands is dictated by nature itself.

This was evident in Athens,¹⁴ where an old man came into the theater and found no seat among his fellow citizens. However, when he was eventually admitted with honor by the Spartan ambassador (because old age is greatly revered among the Spartans), applause arose from all sides. The Spartan then exclaimed that “the Athenians knew what was right, but would not do it.”

It was surely demonstrated by this universal consent of the people that it is a natural law in the hearts of all to revere and honor old men.

Indeed, many old men, either by their frivolity, immorality, or laziness, undermine their own dignity; yet, although gray hairs may not always be accompanied by gracious wisdom, age itself is still venerable, according to God’s command.

¹⁴ Cicero, de Senectute, 18; and Val. Max., lib. 4:5.