Exodus 22:23
Exodus 22:23 in Multiple Translations
If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry.
If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
If thou afflict them at all, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
If you are cruel to them in any way, and their cry comes up to me, I will certainly give ear;
If you mistreat them, and they call out to me for help, I will definitely respond to their cry.
If thou vexe or trouble such, and so he call and cry vnto me, I will surely heare his cry.
if thou dost really afflict him, surely if he at all cry unto Me, I certainly hear his cry;
If you take advantage of them at all, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry;
If thou shalt afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry:
If you hurt them they will cry out to me, and I will hear their cry:
If you mistreat them and they cry out to me for help, I will hear them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 22:23
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 22:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/חָרָ֣ה
אַפִּ֔/י
וְ/הָרַגְתִּ֥י
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
בֶּ/חָ֑רֶב
וְ/הָי֤וּ
נְשֵׁי/כֶם֙
אַלְמָנ֔וֹת
וּ/בְנֵי/כֶ֖ם
יְתֹמִֽים
וְ/חָרָ֣ה
chârâh
H2734
to be incensed
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אַפִּ֔/י
ʼaph
H639
face
N-ms | Suff
וְ/הָרַגְתִּ֥י
hârag
H2026
to kill
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בֶּ/חָ֑רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Prep | N-fs
וְ/הָי֤וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
נְשֵׁי/כֶם֙
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fp | Suff
אַלְמָנ֔וֹת
ʼalmânâh
H490
widow
N-fp
וּ/בְנֵי/כֶ֖ם
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-mp | Suff
יְתֹמִֽים
yâthôwm
H3490
orphan
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 22:23
וְ/חָרָ֣ה
chârâh
H2734
"to be incensed"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled 1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger) 1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed 1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle 1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth. See H8474 (תַּחָרָה). See also: Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 15:11; Psalms 18:8.
אַפִּ֔/י
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
וְ/הָרַגְתִּ֥י
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
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.
בֶּ/חָ֑רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Prep | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
וְ/הָי֤וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
נְשֵׁי/כֶם֙
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אַלְמָנ֔וֹת
ʼalmânâh
H490
"widow"
N-fp
A widow is a woman whose husband has died, often left alone and vulnerable. The Bible teaches care and compassion for widows, as seen in the stories of Ruth and Naomi. God commands his people to look out for them.
Definition: widow
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: desolate house (palace), widow. See also: Genesis 38:11; Job 29:13; Psalms 68:6.
וּ/בְנֵי/כֶ֖ם
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יְתֹמִֽים
yâthôwm
H3490
"orphan"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to an orphan or a child without a father, like in Exodus where God commands the Israelites to care for the fatherless.
Definition: an orphan, fatherless
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fatherless (child), orphan. See also: Exodus 22:21; Psalms 10:18; Psalms 10:14.
Study Notes — Exodus 22:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Laws of Social Responsibility
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. 25If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 18:6 | In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears. |
| 2 | Psalms 10:17–18 | You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. You will incline Your ear, to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed, that the men of the earth may strike terror no more. |
| 3 | Luke 18:7 | Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help? |
| 4 | Job 34:28 | They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him, and He heard the outcry of the afflicted. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 15:9 | Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. |
| 6 | James 5:4 | Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. |
| 7 | Job 35:9 | Men cry out under great oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the mighty. |
| 8 | Psalms 145:19 | He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them. |
| 9 | Psalms 146:7–9 | He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free, the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates. |
| 10 | Proverbs 22:22–23 | Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them. |
Exodus 22:23 Summary
This verse, Exodus 22:23, reminds us that God is a God of justice and compassion, who hears the cry of those who are mistreated, especially the vulnerable such as widows, orphans, and foreigners. If we mistreat them, God promises to hear their cry and take action, as seen in Exodus 22:24. We are called to treat others with kindness and respect, just as God treats us with love and care, as described in Matthew 25:40. By following God's commands, we can demonstrate His love and character to those around us, and trust in His promise to hear our cry when we are in need, as seen in Psalm 34:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if we mistreat the vulnerable, such as widows and orphans?
According to Exodus 22:23, if we mistreat them and they cry out to God in distress, He will surely hear their cry, and as seen in Exodus 22:24, His anger will be kindled against us, leading to severe consequences, similar to those described in Deuteronomy 27:19.
Is it wrong to charge interest on loans to those in need?
While Exodus 22:25 specifically addresses lending to the poor among God's people, the principle of not taking advantage of those in need is clear, and as seen in Leviticus 25:35-37, we are called to help the poor without charging interest, demonstrating God's heart of compassion and justice.
How does God feel about the mistreatment of foreigners?
Exodus 22:21 makes it clear that exploiting or oppressing a foreign resident is strictly forbidden, reflecting God's care for the stranger and the vulnerable, as also seen in Exodus 23:9 and Leviticus 19:33-34, where we are reminded to love and treat them with respect and dignity.
What is the significance of God hearing the cry of the mistreated?
In Exodus 22:23, God's promise to hear the cry of the mistreated emphasizes His role as a just and compassionate Judge, who is always aware of the suffering of the vulnerable, as seen in Psalm 140:12, where God is described as the helper of the fatherless and the oppressed.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can ensure I am treating the vulnerable with kindness and respect, as God commands in Exodus 22:21-23?
- How can I be more aware of the needs of those around me, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners, and demonstrate God's love to them?
- In what ways can I trust God to hear my cry when I am facing distress or mistreatment, just as He promises in Exodus 22:23?
- What are some practical steps I can take to uphold God's principles of justice and compassion in my daily life, as reflected in Exodus 22:23-25?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:23
If thou afflict them in any wise,..... In any way, or by any means whatever; their minds, by reproaches, censures, insults, and their bodies by stripes, false imprisonment, c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:23
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 22:23
Exodus 22:23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;Ver. 23. And they cry at all unto me.] A vine whose root is uncovered thrives not: so a widow, whose covering of eyes is taken away, joys not. In Hebrew she is called Almanach, from Alam, to be dumb; because she hath none to speak for her, But if she call and cry to God, he will speak for her in the hearts of her oppressors. Mercer, in Proverb.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:23
(23) If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me.—Rather, If thou afflict them sore, and they cry earnestly unto me. On the transgression of the laws against oppression by the later Israelites, see Jeremiah 5:28; Jeremiah 7:6; Jeremiah 22:3; Jeremiah 22:17; Zech. 7:20; Malachi 3:5; Matthew 23:14, &c. The sword of the Babylonians and the sword of the Romans avenged the sufferers, according to the prophecy of Exo 22:24.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:23
21–27. A group of humanitarian laws. The gêr, or resident foreigner, the widow, and the orphan not to be oppressed, vv. 21–24; interest not to be taken from the poor, v. 25; a garment taken in pledge to be returned before nightfall, vv. 26 f.
Sermons on Exodus 22:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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House Group Movement in the Uk by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker shares about a conference where they had a communion service and a meeting with other believers. During the meeting, one of the attendees, Peter Hill, e |
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Answers From the Secret Place of Thunder by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Psalms 81 emphasizes the power and presence of God in the lives of believers, urging them to remember God's faithfulness and the secret place of thunder where God |
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God Always Hears by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that despite the unfaithfulness of friends and family, God remains a faithful listener to our sorrows and desires. He encourages believers to turn to the L |
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In the Midst of a Miracle by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that we may be in the midst of a miracle without realizing it, as we often feel discouraged when we see no evidence of God's work. He draws from Psalm 18 |
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I Cried by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the power of crying out to God in prayer, illustrating how a child's cries can lead to affection and support. He highlights that true prayer is not measure |
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Longing by George Herbert | George Herbert's sermon emphasizes the deep cries, groans, and sighs of a soul in desperate need of God's mercy and compassion, acknowledging the weariness, hoarseness, and giddine |
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Pressed Beyond Measure by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the struggles of believers who feel pressed beyond measure, drawing parallels to biblical figures like Paul, Job, and David. He emphasizes that such trial |