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Chapter 23
Verse 23

Exodus 23:3

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

And do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.

American Standard Version (1901)

neither shalt thou favor a poor man in his cause.

Bible in Basic English

But, on the other hand, do not be turned from what is right in order to give support to a poor man's cause.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Neither shalt thou favour a poor man in judgment.

Free Bible Version

Don't show favoritism to poor people in their legal cases either.

Geneva Bible 1599

Thou shalt not esteeme a poore man in his cause.

King James (Authorized) Version

¶ Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.

One Unity Resource Bible

You shall not favor a poor man in his cause.

Translation for Translators

When a poor person is on trial, do not testify in his favor just because he is poor and you feel sorry for him.

Unlocked Literal Bible

You must not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.

Noah Webster Bible

Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.

World English Bible

You shall not favor a poor man in his cause.

Young's Literal Translation

and a poor man thou dost not honour in his strife.

Context

Justice and Mercy

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.

Summary

Exodus 23:3 instructs against showing favoritism or perverting justice, emphasizing the importance of fairness and integrity in all situations. This verse reminds believers to uphold righteousness and treat all individuals equally, regardless of their social status or personal connections. By adhering to these principles, one demonstrates obedience to God's commandments and reflects His character of justice and impartiality. The passage serves as a moral guideline for maintaining honesty and righteousness in interactions with others, promoting a society built on integrity and fairness.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause - The word דל dal, which we translate poor man, is probably put here in opposition to רבים rabbim, the great, or noble men, in the preceding verse: if so, the meaning is, Thou shalt neither be influenced by the great to make an unrighteous decision, nor by the poverty or distress of the poor to give thy voice against the dictates of justice and truth. Hence the ancient maxim, Fiat Justitia, Ruat Coelum. "Let justice be done, though the heavens should be dissolved."

Exodus 23:3

Justice and Mercy

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.

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

And do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.

American Standard Version (1901)

neither shalt thou favor a poor man in his cause.

Bible in Basic English

But, on the other hand, do not be turned from what is right in order to give support to a poor man's cause.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Neither shalt thou favour a poor man in judgment.

Free Bible Version

Don't show favoritism to poor people in their legal cases either.

Geneva Bible 1599

Thou shalt not esteeme a poore man in his cause.

King James (Authorized) Version

¶ Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.

One Unity Resource Bible

You shall not favor a poor man in his cause.

Translation for Translators

When a poor person is on trial, do not testify in his favor just because he is poor and you feel sorry for him.

Unlocked Literal Bible

You must not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.

Noah Webster Bible

Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.

World English Bible

You shall not favor a poor man in his cause.

Young's Literal Translation

and a poor man thou dost not honour in his strife.