📖 Meaning
To respectfully carry out punishment on behalf of Heaven. In ancient times, it described a sovereign going to war under the claim of divine mandate. It frames military action as righteous enforcement of Heaven's will rather than personal aggression.
📜 Origin Story
From the 'Oath at Gan' chapter of the Shangshu (Book of Documents), one of China's earliest historical texts. King Qi of the Xia dynasty, before leading troops to suppress the rebellious Hu tribe at Gan, declared to his commanders that he was 'respectfully carrying out Heaven's punishment.' The phrase became a classical justification for military action, framing war as divine mandate rather than personal ambition. It was later used to describe a sovereign deploying troops under the authority of Heaven's will.
💡 Example Usage
天子兴师，乃恭行天罚，非为一己之私。
When the sovereign raises an army, it is to respectfully carry out Heaven's punishment, not for personal gain.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 恭行天罚
- Pinyin: gōng xíng tiān fá
- Literal Translation: respectfully, carry out, Heaven's, punishment
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4