Exodus 22:22
Exodus 22:22 in Multiple Translations
You must not mistreat any widow or orphan.
¶ Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
Do no wrong to a widow, or to a child whose father is dead.
You must not take advantage of any widow or orphan.
Ye shall not trouble any widowe, nor fatherlesse childe.
'Any widow or orphan ye do not afflict;
“You shall not take advantage of any widow or fatherless child.
Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
You shall not hurt a widow or an orphan.
You must not mistreat any widow or any orphan.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 22:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 22:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
עַנֵּ֥ה
תְעַנֶּ֖ה
אֹת֑/וֹ
כִּ֣י
אִם
צָעֹ֤ק
יִצְעַק֙
אֵלַ֔/י
שָׁמֹ֥עַ
אֶשְׁמַ֖ע
צַעֲקָתֽ/וֹ
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
עַנֵּ֥ה
ʻânâh
H6031
be occupied
V-Piel-Ptc
תְעַנֶּ֖ה
ʻânâh
H6031
be occupied
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
אֹת֑/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
צָעֹ֤ק
tsâʻaq
H6817
to cry
V-Qal-Ptc
יִצְעַק֙
tsâʻaq
H6817
to cry
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֵלַ֔/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
שָׁמֹ֥עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Ptc
אֶשְׁמַ֖ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
צַעֲקָתֽ/וֹ
tsaʻăqâh
H6818
cry
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 22:22
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
עַנֵּ֥ה
ʻânâh
H6031
"be occupied"
V-Piel-Ptc
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.
תְעַנֶּ֖ה
ʻânâh
H6031
"be occupied"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.
אֹת֑/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
צָעֹ֤ק
tsâʻaq
H6817
"to cry"
V-Qal-Ptc
To cry or cry out is the meaning of this verb, often used to express distress or need, as seen in the Psalms where people cry out to God for help.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cry, cry out (for help) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need) 1a3) to make outcry, clamour 1b) (Niphal) to be summoned 1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief) 1d) (Hiphil) to call together
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). See also: Genesis 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:4; Psalms 34:18.
יִצְעַק֙
tsâʻaq
H6817
"to cry"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To cry or cry out is the meaning of this verb, often used to express distress or need, as seen in the Psalms where people cry out to God for help.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cry, cry out (for help) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need) 1a3) to make outcry, clamour 1b) (Niphal) to be summoned 1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief) 1d) (Hiphil) to call together
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). See also: Genesis 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:4; Psalms 34:18.
אֵלַ֔/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שָׁמֹ֥עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Ptc
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶשְׁמַ֖ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
צַעֲקָתֽ/וֹ
tsaʻăqâh
H6818
"cry"
N-fs | Suff
A cry or outcry is what this word represents, often a cry of distress that reaches God's ears, as seen in Exodus where the Israelites cry out against slavery.
Definition: 1) cry, outcry 1a) outcry (against) 1b) cry of distress (especially as heard by God)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: cry(-ing). See also: Genesis 18:21; Nehemiah 5:1; Psalms 9:13.
Study Notes — Exodus 22:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 22:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 22:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 22:22
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:22
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 22:22
- Sermons on Exodus 22:22
Context — Laws of Social Responsibility
20If anyone sacrifices to any god other than the LORD alone, he must be set apart for destruction.
21You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
22You must not mistreat any widow or orphan.
23If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. 24My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 24:17 | Do not deny justice to the foreigner or the fatherless, and do not take a widow’s cloak as security. |
| 2 | Isaiah 1:17 | Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 1:23 | Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 22:7 | Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed. |
| 5 | Zechariah 7:10 | Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’ |
| 6 | Isaiah 10:2 | to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and orphans their plunder. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 10:18 | He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. |
| 8 | James 1:27 | Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 27:19 | ‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 10 | Psalms 94:6–7 | They kill the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless. They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.” |
Exodus 22:22 Summary
This verse means that we should treat widows and orphans with kindness and respect, and not take advantage of them or harm them in any way. God cares deeply about these vulnerable members of society, and He commands us to do the same, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18. By showing love and compassion to widows and orphans, we are reflecting God's heart of justice and mercy, and obeying His command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18). We can start by looking for opportunities to serve and care for those in need, and by advocating for their rights and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of not mistreating widows and orphans in Exodus 22:22?
In the Bible, widows and orphans are considered vulnerable members of society, and God commands us to care for them and protect them from harm, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18 and James 1:27.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse shows God's heart of compassion and justice, as He is a God who hears the cries of the oppressed and defends the weak, as stated in Psalm 68:5 and Isaiah 1:17.
What are the consequences of mistreating widows and orphans?
According to Exodus 22:23-24, if we mistreat them, God's anger will be kindled, and He will punish us, emphasizing the seriousness of this command.
How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by showing kindness and compassion to those in need, especially widows and orphans, and advocating for their rights and well-being, as encouraged in Proverbs 31:8-9 and Galatians 2:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate God's love and care to widows and orphans in my community?
- How can I ensure that I am not unintentionally mistreating or neglecting vulnerable members of society?
- What does this verse reveal about God's heart for justice and compassion, and how can I reflect those qualities in my own life?
- In what ways can I use my resources and influence to advocate for the well-being and protection of widows and orphans?
- How can I balance the command to care for widows and orphans with the need to care for my own family and responsibilities?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:22
Ye shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. Who have no friends, husband, or father to be on their side and protect them, and are weak and helpless to defend themselves, and therefore it must
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:22
Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child , [ lo' (H3808) tª`anuwn (H6031)] - ye shall not afflict or humble.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 22:22
Exodus 22:22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.Ver. 22. Or fatherless child.] With God "the fatherless findeth mercy." Widows and orphans are God’ s clients, taken into his protection.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:22
LAWS.(16-31) The remainder of the chapter contains laws which it is impossible to bring under any general head or heads, and which can, therefore, only be regarded as miscellaneous. Moses may have recorded them in the order in which they were delivered to him; or have committed them to writing as they afterwards occurred to his memory.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 22:22
Verse 22. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.] It is remarkable that offences against this law are not left to the discretion of the judges to be punished; God reserves the punishment to himself, and by this he strongly shows his abhorrence of the crime. It is no common crime, and shall not be punished in a common way; the wrath of God shall wax hot against him who in any wise afflicts or wrongs a widow or a fatherless child: and we may rest assured that he who helps either does a service highly acceptable in the sight of God.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:22
22. The helpless widow, and orphan, not to be oppressed. The widow, the orphan, and the ‘sojourner,’ as liable in various ways to suffer from rapacious judges, and hard-hearted moneyed men, are constantly commended to the philanthropic regard of the Israelite in Dt. (Deuteronomy 10:18, Deuteronomy 14:29, Deuteronomy 16:11; Deuteronomy 16:14, Deuteronomy 24:17; Deuteronomy 24:19-21, Deuteronomy 26:12-13, Exodus 27:19); so in the prophets, Jeremiah 7:6; Jeremiah 22:3; cf. Isaiah 1:17, and elsewhere. Contrast Job’s conduct (Job 31:16-17; Job 31:21).
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 22:22
Afflict - A word including all cold and contemptuous treatment. See Deuteronomy 10:18. Contrast the blessing, Deuteronomy 14:29.
Sermons on Exodus 22:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
What Is Prophetic? - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being prepared to preach the word of God. He reflects on the example of Moses and the depth of God's dealing with him durin |
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(The Lord - Merciful and Gracious) 3. the Lord on the Side of the Poor and Needy by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the dramatic and thunderous opening of the sermon, comparing it to the witches in Hammett's play. The speaker then mentions a beaut |
|
(Through the Bible) Exodus 21-22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Exodus chapters 21 and 22, emphasizing the importance of God's judgments and laws as guidelines for judges in Israel. He explains that these laws were not mea |
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The Life of Christ, for Family Devotions - September by F. L. Mortimer | F. L. Mortimer preaches a powerful sermon denouncing the hypocrisy and pride of the Pharisees, warning against false teachings and the dangers of seeking worldly recognition over g |
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The Lord My Husband by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound relationship between God and the believer, particularly in the context of widowhood, where God is portrayed as the 'Husband' to those who h |
|
Integrity: Prosperity Gospel by Femi Adeley by Femi Adeleye | This sermon addresses the dangers and misconceptions of the prosperity gospel, highlighting how it can lead to materialism, misinterpretation of Scripture, and a focus on personal |
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God's Wrath and His Love by Steve Hill | This sermon delves into a courtroom battle where the verdict is about to be delivered, highlighting the consequences of sin and the need for God's mercy through the blood of Jesus. |