Exodus 22:28
Exodus 22:28 in Multiple Translations
You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.
¶ Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
Thou shalt not revile God, nor curse a ruler of thy people.
You may not say evil of the judges, or put a curse on the ruler of your people.
You must not despise God or curse your people's leader.
Thou shalt not raile vpon the Iudges, neither speake euil of the ruler of thy people.
'God thou dost not revile, and a prince among thy people thou dost not curse.
“You shall not blaspheme God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
Thou shalt not speak ill of the gods, and the prince of thy people thou shalt not curse.
Do not ◄revile/speak evil about► me, and do not ◄curse/ask me to do harmful things to► any ruler of your people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 22:28
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 22:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְלֵאָתְ/ךָ֥
וְ/דִמְעֲ/ךָ֖
לֹ֣א
תְאַחֵ֑ר
בְּכ֥וֹר
בָּנֶ֖י/ךָ
תִּתֶּן
לִּֽ/י
מְלֵאָתְ/ךָ֥
mᵉlêʼâh
H4395
fruit
N-fs | Suff
וְ/דִמְעֲ/ךָ֖
demaʻ
H1831
juice
Conj | N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְאַחֵ֑ר
ʼâchar
H309
to delay
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
בְּכ֥וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-ms
בָּנֶ֖י/ךָ
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
תִּתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לִּֽ/י
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 22:28
מְלֵאָתְ/ךָ֥
mᵉlêʼâh
H4395
"fruit"
N-fs | Suff
It means a fruitful harvest or abundance, like the first ripe fruits in Deuteronomy 26:2, representing God's blessing and provision.
Definition: fulness, full produce
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (first of ripe) fruit, fulness. See also: Exodus 22:28; Isaiah 1:21; Isaiah 22:2.
וְ/דִמְעֲ/ךָ֖
demaʻ
H1831
"juice"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
Juice refers to the liquid part of a fruit or plant, and is also used figuratively to describe tears. This word is used in the Bible to describe the liquid or extract of something.
Definition: juice
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: liquor. See also: Exodus 22:28.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תְאַחֵ֑ר
ʼâchar
H309
"to delay"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
To delay means to put something off until later, often because you are hesitant or unsure. In the Bible, it can also mean to loiter or tarry, as in waiting for something to happen. It is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to delay, hesitate, tarry, defer, remain behind 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to delay, tarry (intensive) 1a2) to cause one to delay, hinder, keep back 1b) (Piel) to delay, wait, stay behind (but not in hope) Also means: ya.char (יָחַר "to delay" H3186)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: continue, defer, delay, hinder, be late (slack), stay (there), tarry (longer). See also: Genesis 24:56; Psalms 40:18; Psalms 70:6.
בְּכ֥וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
בָּנֶ֖י/ךָ
bên
H1121
"son"
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.
תִּתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִּֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Exodus 22:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 22:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 22:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 22:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 22:28
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:28
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 22:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 22:28
- Sermons on Exodus 22:28
Context — Laws of Social Responsibility
26If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset,
27because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.
28You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.
29You must not hold back offerings from your granaries or vats. You are to give Me the firstborn of your sons. 30You shall do likewise with your cattle and your sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days, but on the eighth day you are to give them to Me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 23:5 | “Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’ ” |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 10:20 | Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech. |
| 3 | Exodus 22:8–9 | If the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges to determine whether he has taken his neighbor’s property. In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any lost item that someone claims, ‘This is mine,’ both parties shall bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges find guilty must pay back double to his neighbor. |
| 4 | Exodus 21:17 | Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death. |
| 5 | Jude 1:8 | Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings. |
| 6 | Psalms 32:6 | Therefore let all the godly pray to You while You may be found. Surely when great waters rise, they will not come near. |
| 7 | Romans 13:2–7 | Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer. Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work. Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 24:10 | Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’ |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 24:6 | So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 26:9 | But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” |
Exodus 22:28 Summary
This verse reminds us to always speak respectfully about God and those in authority over us. It's easy to get caught up in complaining or speaking negatively about our leaders, but this verse encourages us to be mindful of our words and actions (Ephesians 4:29). By doing so, we show respect not just for human leaders, but also for God's sovereignty and authority (Romans 13:1-2). Remember, our words have power, and we should strive to use them to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to blaspheme God?
To blaspheme God means to speak irreverently or disrespectfully about Him, which is a serious offense (Leviticus 24:16, Matthew 12:31-32). This can include using God's name in vain or denying His power and authority.
Why is cursing the ruler of the people forbidden?
Cursing the ruler of the people is forbidden because it is a form of rebellion against God's established authority (Romans 13:1-2, Acts 23:5). This command is not just about respecting human leaders, but also about respecting God's sovereignty.
How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of our words and actions, making sure to speak respectfully about God and those in authority over us (Ephesians 4:29, 1 Peter 2:13-14). This includes being careful with our speech and avoiding gossip or slander.
What is the relationship between this verse and the surrounding verses?
This verse is part of a larger section that emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, particularly those who are vulnerable or in need (Exodus 22:26-27, Exodus 22:29-30). It highlights God's concern for justice and compassion in all areas of life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be unintentionally blaspheming God or cursing those in authority, and how can I change my behavior?
- How can I cultivate a deeper respect for God and His sovereignty in my daily life?
- What are some practical ways I can demonstrate respect and kindness to those in authority over me, even if I disagree with them?
- How can I balance the command to respect authority with the need to speak out against injustice or wrongdoing?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:28
Thou shalt not revile the gods,.... Meaning not the idols of the Gentiles, which they reckon gods, and worship as such; which is the sense of Philo, and some others, particularly Josephus (i), who,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:28
Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people. Thou shalt not revile the gods.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 22:28
Gods; not gods falsely so called, as some would have it, as appears by ; but magistrates and governors, whether civil or ecclesiastical, as it is evident both from and from the following words, which explain the former, according to the common use of Scripture, and from the title of gods commonly given to such, as ,35. The ruler of thy people. Compare /APC , .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 22:28
Exodus 22:28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.Ver. 28. Thou shalt not revile the gods.] Blaspheme dignities. This is blasphemy is the second table.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:28
(28) Thou shalt not revile the gods.—The LXX. And Vulgate give the passage this sense; and so it was understood, or at any rate expounded, by Philo (De Vit. Mos. ii. 26) and Josephus (Ant. Jud. iv. 8, § 10), who boasted that the Jews abstained from reviling the gods of the nations. But the practice of the most pious Israelites in the best times was different (1 Kings 18:27; Psalms 115:4-8; Psalms 135:15-18; Isaiah 41:29; Isaiah 44:9-20; Jeremiah 10:11-15, &c.). The gods of the heathen were uniformly, and with the utmost scorn. “reviled.” It has been suggested that the true meaning of elohim in this place is “judges” (Rosenmüller, Zunz, Herxheimer); but to have that sense, the word requires the article. It is best, therefore, to translate by “God,” as is done by De Wette, Knobel, Keil, Kalisch, Canon Cook, &c., and to understand the entire passage as intended to connect the sin of cursing a ruler with that of reviling God, the ruler being regarded as God’s representative.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 22:28
Verse 28. Thou shalt not revile the gods] Most commentators believe that the word gods here means magistrates. The original is אלהים Elohim, and should be understood of the true God only: Thou shalt not blaspheme or make light of [תקלל tekallel] God, the fountain of justice and power, nor curse the ruler of thy people, who derives his authority from God. We shall ever find that he who despises a good civil government, and is disaffected to that under which he lives, is one who has little fear of God before his eyes. The spirit of disaffection and sedition is ever opposed to the religion of the Bible. When those who have been pious get under the spirit of misrule, they infallibly get shorn of their spiritual strength, and become like salt that has lost its savour. He who can indulge himself in speaking evil of the civil ruler, will soon learn to blaspheme God. The highest authority says, Fear God: honour the king.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:28
28. Reverence to be shewn to God, and to those in authority. revile] the word (ḳ ?βlal) usually rendered curse (e.g. Exodus 21:17): here represented by revile, because of the syn. (’βrar) in v. 28b. God] The paraphrase judges (RVm.) is not here admissible; for though ‘to go to God’ might mean to go to the judges, as the representatives or spokesmen of God, this would not justify ‘God’ in any connexion being taken to signify judges. LXX. θεούς, Vulg. diis, AV. the gods; and so Jos. Ant. iv. 8, 10, c. Ap. ii. 33, and Philo, Vit. Mos. iii. p. 166, de Mon. i. p. 219 (cited by Kn.), understanding the passage, in a sense agreeable the circumstances of their own time, of heathen gods: but this, rough quite legitimate grammatically, would make the precept one very alien to the spirit of the OT. a ruler] lit. one lifted up, i.e. placed above others in a position of authority. A word very common (see on Exodus 16:12) in P and Ezek., but rare elsewhere.
The command is quoted by St Paul in Acts 23:5, almost exactly as it stands in the LXX. Cf. Proverbs 24:21, Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 1:17; 1 Peter 2:13.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 22:28
The gods - Heb. אלהים 'ělôhı̂ym. See Exodus 21:6 note. Many take it as the name of God (as in Genesis 1:1), and this certainly seems best to represent the Hebrew, and to suit the context. Curse the ruler ... - See Acts 23:5.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 22:28
28. Thou shalt not revile the gods — Rather, God. Our version follows the Sept., Vulg., and other versions, and conveys the idea that even the gods of the heathen are not to be reviled.
Sermons on Exodus 22:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Spiritual Dangers) Being Under God's Authority by Don Currin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of looking for the good in others and recognizing our own flaws. He encourages appealing to authority with scripture and sound |
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Acts 22_pt2 by Bill Gallatin | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the previous week's events where Paul had caused another riot while preaching. The speaker emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all |
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2 Peter 2:10 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:10, emphasizing the dangers of those who walk after the flesh, particularly in the context of immoral practices that defy both natural law and divin |
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Colossians 1:15-18 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the exalted nature of Jesus Christ as the Image of the invisible God and the Firstborn of all creation. He emphasizes that Jesus, as God's Son, is th |
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The Three Ananiases. by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar explores the three Ananiases in the Bible, contrasting their lives and spiritual states. The first Ananias represents those who are religiously active yet spiritually |
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(Through the Bible) John 9-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a scenario where someone's jacket goes missing and their neighbor is found wearing it. The situation is taken to the judges to determine who t |
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(Bible Analysis of Man) Man's Lips by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being attentive and responsive to God's calling. He uses the analogy of hunting for God, stating that sometimes we can los |