Exodus 23:1
Exodus 23:1 in Multiple Translations
“You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.
Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
Thou shalt not take up a false report: put not thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
Do not let a false statement go further; do not make an agreement with evil-doers to be a false witness.
“You must not spread stories that are lies. You must not help bad people by giving evidence that's malicious.
Thou shalt not receiue a false tale, neyther shalt thou put thine hande with the wicked, to be a false witnes.
'Thou dost not lift up a vain report; thou dost not put thy hand with a wicked man to be a violent witness.
“You shall not spread a false report. Don’t join your hand with the wicked to be a malicious witness.
Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
Thou shalt not receive the voice of a lie: neither shalt thou join thy hand to bear false witness for a wicked person.
“Do not tell to others ◄false rumors/untrue reports► about other people. Do not help someone who is guilty by ◄testifying falsely/lying► about what happened.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 23:1
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 23:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹ֥א
תִשָּׂ֖א
שֵׁ֣מַע
שָׁ֑וְא
אַל
תָּ֤שֶׁת
יָֽדְ/ךָ֙
עִם
רָשָׁ֔ע
לִ/הְיֹ֖ת
עֵ֥ד
חָמָֽס
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִשָּׂ֖א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
שֵׁ֣מַע
shêmaʻ
H8088
sound
N-ms
שָׁ֑וְא
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
vanity
N-ms
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תָּ֤שֶׁת
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
יָֽדְ/ךָ֙
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
רָשָׁ֔ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
לִ/הְיֹ֖ת
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עֵ֥ד
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-ms
חָמָֽס
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 23:1
לֹ֥א
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.
תִשָּׂ֖א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
שֵׁ֣מַע
shêmaʻ
H8088
"sound"
N-ms
This word refers to a report, rumor, or announcement, something that is heard or spoken. In the Bible, it is used to describe news, fame, or a loud noise, often in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: sound
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: bruit, fame, hear(-ing), loud, report, speech, tidings. See also: Genesis 29:13; Psalms 18:45; Psalms 150:5.
שָׁ֑וְא
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
"vanity"
N-ms
Vanity or falsehood, this word describes something empty, useless, or deceitful, like the idols worshipped by the Israelites in Isaiah 41:29, or the lies and false promises spoken by false prophets in Jeremiah 23:25.
Definition: : false 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood 1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity 1b) emptiness of speech, lying 1c) worthlessness (of conduct) Also means: shav (שָׁוְא ": vain" H7723H)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity. See also: Exodus 20:7; Isaiah 1:13; Psalms 12:3.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תָּ֤שֶׁת
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
יָֽדְ/ךָ֙
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
רָשָׁ֔ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
לִ/הְיֹ֖ת
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
עֵ֥ד
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.
Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.
חָמָֽס
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-ms
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
Study Notes — Exodus 23:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 23:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:1
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 23:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:1
- Sermons on Exodus 23:1
Context — Justice and Mercy
1“You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.
2You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd. 3And do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 101:5 | Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure. |
| 2 | Proverbs 19:5 | A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 19:16–21 | If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. So you must purge the evil from among you. Then the rest of the people will hear and be afraid, and they will never again do anything so evil among you. You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot. |
| 4 | Matthew 26:59–61 | Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” |
| 5 | Exodus 20:16 | You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. |
| 6 | Romans 3:8 | Why not say, as some slanderously claim that we say, “Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved! |
| 7 | Leviticus 19:16 | You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 5:20 | You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. |
| 9 | Psalms 35:11 | Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about. |
| 10 | Revelation 12:10 | And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down— he who accuses them day and night before our God. |
Exodus 23:1 Summary
This verse is teaching us to always tell the truth and not spread false information, because this can hurt people and damage relationships. We should be careful with our words and make sure they are kind and honest, as seen in Ephesians 4:25 and Colossians 3:8. By being truthful and honest, we can build trust and respect with others, and show them the love and character of God, as demonstrated in John 13:35 and 1 Corinthians 13:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to spread a false report?
Spreading a false report means sharing information that is not true, which can harm others and damage relationships, as seen in Exodus 23:1, and warned against in Proverbs 10:18 and Ephesians 4:25.
How can I avoid being a malicious witness?
To avoid being a malicious witness, we must be truthful and honest in all our interactions, as commanded in Exodus 23:1, and remember that our words have power to build up or tear down, as noted in James 1:26 and Ephesians 4:29.
Is it ever okay to remain silent when I see wrongdoing?
While it may be tempting to remain silent when we see wrongdoing, Exodus 23:1 and other scriptures like Leviticus 5:1 and Proverbs 24:23-25 encourage us to speak up for truth and justice, even if it's difficult or unpopular.
How does this verse relate to modern-day situations like social media?
This verse is highly relevant to modern-day situations like social media, where false reports and malicious information can spread quickly, as warned against in Exodus 23:1, and we must be careful to share only what is true and edifying, as encouraged in Philippians 4:8 and 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have spread false reports or been a malicious witness in the past, and how can I make amends?
- How can I cultivate a heart of truthfulness and honesty in my daily interactions, especially in difficult or challenging situations?
- What are some situations in my life where I need to speak up for truth and justice, even if it's hard or unpopular?
- How can I use my words to build up and edify others, rather than tearing them down, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:1
Thou shalt not raise a false report,.... Of a neighbour, or of any man whatever, either secretly by private slanders, whispers, backbiting and tale bearing, by innuendos, detracting from his good
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:1
Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:1
EXODUS CHAPTER 23 False witness and report forbidden, . Right must not be wrested, . He commands man to do good to his enemies, . Bribes are forbidden, . The years of sowing appointed, and gathering, . Of the seventh year, which is the year of rest; God’ s command concerning it, . Of the sabbath day, . Other gods shall not be mentioned, . Of the three.feasts in a year, . The manner of keeping the feasts, ,16.
The times appointed for the males appearing before the Lord, . No sacrifice to be offered with leavened bread, . Command concerning the first-fruits, . God promiseth an Angel to prepare a way, ; who is commanded to be obeyed, ,22. God promising them the land of the Amorites, .& c., ; forbiddeth the honouring of strange gods, . God promises to bless them that serve him, . Hornets shall expel the enemies of the Israelites, . The borders of the land of Israel, . A covenant with the heathen is forbidden, ; or to let them inhabit among them, . Thou shalt not raise, Heb. not take up, to wit, into thy mouth, as , either by the first raising, or further spreading of it; or not bear, or endure, as that word oft signifies; not hear it patiently, delightfully, readily, approvingly, as persons are very apt to do; but rather shalt discourage and reprove the spreader of it, according to .
Possibly the Holy Ghost might choose a word of such general signification to show that all these things were forbidden. Put not thine hand, i.e. not conspire or agree with them, which is signified by joining hands, , not give them a helping hand in it, not encourage them to it by gifts or promises, not assist them by counsel or interest. Others, not swear with them; but swearing is not noted by putting the hand, but by lifting it up.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:1
Exodus 23:1 Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.Ver. 1. Thou shalt not raise.] Neither raise nor receive it; neither be the tale bearer nor talehearer: the one carries the devil in his tongue, the other in his ear. Not only those that "make a lie," but those that "love" it when it is made to their hands, are shut out of heaven. Solomon makes it an ill sign of a graceless man to be apt to believe scandalous reports of godly persons.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:1
XXIII.(1-19) The “miscellaneous laws” are here continued. From Exodus 23:1 to Exodus 23:9 no kind of sequence in the laws can be traced; from Exodus 23:10 to the first clause of Exo 23:19 there is, on the contrary, a certain connection, since the laws enunciated are concerned with ceremonial observance. The closing law, however, is not ceremonial, but the prohibition of a practice considered to be cruel. On the whole, it may be said that The Book of the Covenant maintains its unsystematic character to the close. (See Note on Exodus 20:22-26.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:1
CHAPTER XXIII Laws against evil-speaking, 1. Against bad company, 2. Against partiality, 3. Laws commanding acts of kindness and humanity, 4, 5. Against oppression, 6. Against unrighteous decisions, 7. Against bribery and corruption, 8. Against unkindness to strangers, 9. The ordinance concerning the Sabbatical year, 10, 11. The Sabbath a day of rest, 12.
General directions concerning circumcision, c., 13. The three annual festivals, 14. The feast of unleavened bread, 15. The feast of harvest, and the feast of ingathering, 16. All the males to appear before God thrice in a year, 17. Different ordinances-no blood to be offered with leavened bread-no fat to be left till the next day-the first fruits to be brought to the house of God-and a kid not to be seethed in its mother's milk, 18, 19. Description of the Angel of God, who was to lead the people into the promised land, and drive out the Amorites, c., 20-23. Idolatry to be avoided, and the images of idols destroyed, 24. Different promises to obedience, 25-27. Hornets shall be sent to drive out the Canaanites, &c., 28.
The ancient inhabitants to be driven out by little and little, and the reason why, 29, 30. The boundaries of the promised land, 31. No league or covenant to be made with the ancient inhabitants, who are all to be utterly expelled, 32, 33. NOTES ON CHAP. XXIII. Verse 1. Thou shalt not raise a false report] Acting contrary to this precept is a sin against the ninth commandment. And the inventor and receiver of false and slanderous reports, are almost equally criminal. The word seems to refer to either, and our translators have very properly retained both senses, putting raise in the text, and receive in the margin. The original לא תשא lo tissa has been translated, thou shalt not publish.
Were there no publishers of slander and calumny, there would be no receivers and were there none to receive them, there would be none to raise them and were there no raisers, receivers, nor propagators of calumny, lies, &c., society would be in peace.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 23:1
These four commands, addressed to the conscience, are illustrations of the ninth commandment, mainly in reference to the giving of evidence in legal causes. Compare 1 Kings 21:10; Acts 6:11.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:1
1. Raise a false report — This law guards against slander, and all circulating of slanderous utterances.
Sermons on Exodus 23:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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How to Have a Personal Revival by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal revival. He encourages listeners to set their faces like flint, meaning to have a determined and unwaver |
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(Exodus) Exodus 23:1-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of following God's laws, specifically focusing on the Sabbath day and the sabbatical year. He emphasizes the need to rest and |
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No Root, No Fruit by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Luke chapter 13 and discusses a parable told by Jesus about a fruitless tree in a vineyard. The speaker interprets this parable as a represen |
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Epistle 264 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about conducting all meetings in love to edify the body of Christ, avoiding strife and vain glory, and maintaining unity in the spirit for peace. He emphasizes |
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Epistle 309 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of seeking peace among all people, which is found in Christ and cannot be taken away by the world. He highlights the blessings for peacemakers |
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Step 10 on Slander or Calumny. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches about the dangers of slander, highlighting how it stems from hatred and malice, draining the blood of charity and leading to the ruin of chastity. He emp |
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1 Corinthians 16:10 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of correcting others with love and gentleness, emphasizing the need to approach reproof with care and compassion. He highlights the si |