The Wayward and Rebellious Son

If a man will have a wayward and rebellious son, who does not hearken to the voice of his father and to the voice of his mother. (21:18)

QUESTION: Why is the word “bekol” — “to the voice” — repeated? It could have simply said, “He does not hearken to the voice of his father and mother”?

ANSWER: When a man and woman enter into marriage, it is extremely important that they have similar views and mutual goals for the family they hope to raise. Unfortunately, the husband and wife sometimes do not see eye to eye in their aspirations for their children.

The Torah is telling us that when a child is exposed to a “kol aviv” — “his father’s voice” — and a “kol imo” — “his mother’s voice” — each one telling the child different things, it is possible that the child, receiving mixed signals, may end up being wayward and rebellious.

h/t Danny Azarfar