Exodus 23:6
Exodus 23:6 in Multiple Translations
You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits.
Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
Thou shalt not wrest the justice due to thy poor in his cause.
Let no wrong decisions be given in the poor man's cause.
You must not prevent the poor from getting justice in their lawsuits.
Thou shalt not ouerthrowe the right of thy poore in his sute.
'Thou dost not turn aside the judgment of thy needy one in his strife;
“You shall not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.
Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
Thou shalt not go aside in the poor man’s judgment.
Decide the cases of poor people who are on trial as fairly as you decide the cases of other people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 23:6
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 23:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹ֥א
תַטֶּ֛ה
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
אֶבְיֹנְ/ךָ֖
בְּ/רִיבֽ/וֹ
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַטֶּ֛ה
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
אֶבְיֹנְ/ךָ֖
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Adj | Suff
בְּ/רִיבֽ/וֹ
rîyb
H7379
strife
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 23:6
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.
תַטֶּ֛ה
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
אֶבְיֹנְ/ךָ֖
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Adj | Suff
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
בְּ/רִיבֽ/וֹ
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
Study Notes — Exodus 23:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 23:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:6
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:6
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 23:6
- Sermons on Exodus 23:6
Context — Justice and Mercy
4If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him.
5If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.
6You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits.
7Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty. 8Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malachi 3:5 | “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 5:28 | They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. |
| 3 | Leviticus 19:15 | You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 27:19 | ‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 5 | Exodus 23:2–3 | You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd. And do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit. |
| 6 | James 2:5–6 | Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 5:8 | If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 16:19 | Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. |
| 9 | Isaiah 10:1–2 | Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, 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. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 19:7 | And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” |
Exodus 23:6 Summary
This verse reminds us to always treat others fairly, especially those who are poor or vulnerable. We should make sure that everyone is given a fair chance to be heard and to receive justice, just like God commands in Deuteronomy 10:18 and Psalm 140:12. By doing so, we are reflecting God's own heart of love and justice, as seen in Psalm 146:7-9, where He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. We can apply this verse in our everyday lives by being kind, fair, and compassionate towards everyone we meet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits?
Denying justice to the poor means to withhold a fair and rightful decision in a legal matter, as seen in Exodus 23:6, which is also emphasized in Deuteronomy 27:19 and Isaiah 1:17, where God commands us to defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us to treat everyone with fairness and respect, regardless of their social or economic status, as taught in Leviticus 19:15 and Proverbs 31:9, where we are called to uphold justice and righteousness in all our interactions.
What is the consequence of denying justice to the poor?
The Bible warns us that denying justice to the poor will ultimately lead to God's judgment, as seen in Exodus 22:22-24 and Psalm 82:3-4, where we are reminded to defend the weak and fatherless, and to uphold the rights of the afflicted and the destitute.
How can we apply this verse in our communities?
We can apply this verse by advocating for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed, and by working to create a fair and just society, as encouraged in Micah 6:8 and Zechariah 7:9-10, where we are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can personally uphold justice for the poor and vulnerable in my community?
- How can I ensure that I am treating everyone with fairness and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances?
- What are some potential consequences of denying justice to the poor, and how can I work to prevent these consequences in my own life and community?
- What does this verse reveal about God's heart for the poor and vulnerable, and how can I reflect this heart in my own life and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:6
Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause. As the poor man was not to be favoured when his cause was bad through an affected pity for him as a poor man, so his judgment was not to be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:6
Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause. Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:6
i.e. Of the poor which is among thee, not of the poor Jews only, as some peradventure may conceive; for common right must be done even to the Gentiles. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:6
Exodus 23:6 Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.Ver. 6. The judgment of thy poor.] I have seen, saith one, the king of Persia many times to alight from his horse, only to do justice to a poor body. Causes are to be heard, and not persons: the Athenian judges passed sentence in the dark. The Preacher’ s Travels, by J. Cartwright.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:6
(6) Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor.—If we are not to favour the poor man in a court of justice on account of his poverty (Exodus 23:3), much less are we to treat him with disfavour. (Comp. Deuteronomy 24:17; Deuteronomy 27:19; Jeremiah 5:28, &c.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:6
Verse 6. Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor] Thou shalt neither countenance him in his crimes, nor condemn him in his righteousness. See Exodus 23:5; Exodus 23:7.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:6
6–9. Justice to be administered impartially: bribes not to be taken; the poor and the gêr not to be oppressed. The verses form the continuation of vv. 1–3, vv. 1–3 dealing with fairness in bearing witness, and these verses with fairness in administering justice.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 23:6
Four precepts evidently addressed to those in authority as judges: (a) To do justice to the poor.
Sermons on Exodus 23:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Epistle 367 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the necessity of living a life of righteousness and holiness, as it is essential for seeing God and maintaining peace within a community. He warns that unholi |
|
God Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel discusses the need for a revival of faith and a return to God's unchanging truth. He emphasizes that while God and the gospel remain constant, it is o |
|
|
I Am the God That Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of recognizing our accountability to God. He warns that without the blessing of God and the guidance of His Word, we are los |
|
A Cry Against Wicked Youth! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A Cry Against Wicked Youth!' where he draws parallels between the wickedness of Nineveh and the moral decline of modern youth. He |
|
God’s War on Poverty and Riches by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon titled "God's War on Poverty and Riches," Dr. J. Vernon McGee discusses the concept of poverty and riches from a biblical perspective. He highlights that God is not |
|
The Cain (Canon) of Adamnan by Adamnan of Iona | Kuno Meyer's sermon focuses on the ancient Irish law treatise known as the Cain Adamnan, believed to be the first Irish law to protect women, children, and clergy from violence. Th |
|
Who Not to Follow by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of carefully choosing our associations to enter the promised rest of God, warning against following the counsel of the ungodly and sinful way |