Exodus 23:8
Exodus 23:8 in Multiple Translations
Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.
¶ And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
And thou shalt take no bribe: for a bribe blindeth them that have sight, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
Take no rewards in a cause: for rewards make blind those who have eyes to see, and make the decisions of the upright false.
Don't accept bribes, for a bribe blinds those who can see, and undermines the evidence of the honest.
Thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and peruerteth the wordes of the righteous.
'And a bribe thou dost not take; for the bribe bindeth the open -[eyed], and perverteth the words of the righteous.
“You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds those who have sight and perverts the words of the righteous.
And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
Neither shalt thou take bribes, which even blind the wise, and pervert the words of the just.
Do not accept money that is a bribe, because officials who accept bribes are not able to [MTY] decide what is right to do, and they do not allow innocent people to be treated fairly.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 23:8
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 23:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שֹׁ֖חַד
לֹ֣א
תִקָּ֑ח
כִּ֤י
הַ/שֹּׁ֨חַד֙
יְעַוֵּ֣ר
פִּקְחִ֔ים
וִֽ/יסַלֵּ֖ף
דִּבְרֵ֥י
צַדִּיקִֽים
וְ/שֹׁ֖חַד
shachad
H7810
bribe
Conj | N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִקָּ֑ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הַ/שֹּׁ֨חַד֙
shachad
H7810
bribe
Art | N-ms
יְעַוֵּ֣ר
ʻâvar
H5786
to blind
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
פִּקְחִ֔ים
piqqêach
H6493
seeing
Adj
וִֽ/יסַלֵּ֖ף
çâlaph
H5557
to pervert
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
צַדִּיקִֽים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 23:8
וְ/שֹׁ֖חַד
shachad
H7810
"bribe"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a gift given to influence someone, often in a wrong way. It can also mean a present or reward, like in 1 Samuel 1:18 where Hannah gives a gift to Eli. The word is about giving something to get something in return.
Definition: present, bribe
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bribe(-ry), gift, present, reward. See also: Exodus 23:8; Psalms 26:10; Psalms 15:5.
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.
תִקָּ֑ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הַ/שֹּׁ֨חַד֙
shachad
H7810
"bribe"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a gift given to influence someone, often in a wrong way. It can also mean a present or reward, like in 1 Samuel 1:18 where Hannah gives a gift to Eli. The word is about giving something to get something in return.
Definition: present, bribe
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bribe(-ry), gift, present, reward. See also: Exodus 23:8; Psalms 26:10; Psalms 15:5.
יְעַוֵּ֣ר
ʻâvar
H5786
"to blind"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make someone blind, either physically or spiritually. In the Bible, it is used in 1 Samuel 11:2 to describe what the Ammonites did to the people of Jabesh. The word is also used figuratively in Isaiah 6:10 to describe spiritual blindness.
Definition: (Piel) to blind, make blind, put out the eyes of
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: blind, put out. See also H5895 (עַיִר). See also: Exodus 23:8; 2 Kings 25:7; Jeremiah 39:7.
פִּקְחִ֔ים
piqqêach
H6493
"seeing"
Adj
This word describes someone who is clear-sighted and intelligent, able to see and understand things clearly. It can also mean being wise and perceptive. In the Bible, it is used to describe people who are discerning and insightful.
Definition: seeing, clear-sighted
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: seeing, wise. See also: Exodus 4:11; Exodus 23:8.
וִֽ/יסַלֵּ֖ף
çâlaph
H5557
"to pervert"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To pervert means to twist or subvert something, often referring to bribery or corruption. It can also mean to overthrow or ruin, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to twist, pervert, distort, overturn, ruin 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to pervert (of bribery) 1a2) to subvert, turn upside down, ruin
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: overthrow, pervert. See also: Exodus 23:8; Proverbs 13:6; Proverbs 19:3.
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
צַדִּיקִֽים
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
Study Notes — Exodus 23:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 23:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:8
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:8
- Sermons on Exodus 23:8
Context — Justice and Mercy
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.
9Do not oppress a foreign resident, since you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 10For six years you are to sow your land and gather its produce,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Proverbs 17:23 | A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice. |
| 3 | Isaiah 5:23 | who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice. |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:27 | He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 8:3 | But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice. |
| 6 | Psalms 26:10 | in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 7:7 | Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 10:17 | For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 12:3 | Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” |
| 10 | Proverbs 17:8 | A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds. |
Exodus 23:8 Summary
This verse reminds us that accepting a bribe is not just wrong, but it also blinds us to what is right and twists our words, leading to unjust outcomes. As Christians, we are called to live with integrity and honesty, just like in Proverbs 10:9, and to avoid anything that could compromise our ability to make fair decisions. By refusing to accept bribes, we can uphold justice and righteousness, just as God commands in Exodus 23:6-8 and other verses, such as Isaiah 1:23. This means being honest and fair in all our interactions, whether in business, government, or our personal lives, and trusting in God's guidance and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason we are not to accept a bribe according to Exodus 23:8?
The main reason we are not to accept a bribe is that it blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous, leading to unjust outcomes, as seen in Exodus 23:8 and supported by Deuteronomy 16:19 which also warns against bribery.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives as Christians?
This verse reminds us that as Christians, we are called to live with integrity and honesty, just like in Proverbs 10:9, and to avoid anything that could compromise our ability to make just and fair decisions, such as bribes.
What is the connection between accepting bribes and denying justice to the poor as mentioned in the surrounding verses?
Both accepting bribes and denying justice to the poor are forms of injustice that God hates, as seen in Exodus 23:6-8 and also in Isaiah 1:23, which highlights the importance of upholding justice and righteousness for all people, regardless of their social status.
How does this verse apply to modern-day situations, such as in business or government?
This verse applies to any situation where we might be tempted to accept a bribe or compromise our integrity for personal gain, reminding us that our actions have consequences and that we will be held accountable by God, as seen in Romans 14:12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be 'accepting a bribe' in my own life, even if it's not in the form of money?
- How can I ensure that I am making fair and just decisions, without being swayed by external influences or personal biases?
- What does it mean to 'twist the words of the righteous' and how can I avoid doing so in my own interactions with others?
- In what ways can I uphold justice and righteousness in my community, just as God commands in Exodus 23:6-8 and other verses?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:8
And thou shalt take no gift,.... Of the persons whose cause is to be tried in a court of judicature before judges; neither of those on the one side nor on the other, neither before the trial nor
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:8
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 23:8
Thou shalt take no gift, namely, from such whose causes are depending before thee; because if thou dost not sell justice for it, yet thou wilt both seem to do so, and be tempted to do so. Compare ,23 19:6. The wise, or, the open-eyed, and quick-sighted, who in this case cannot see, partly because they will not see, and partly because interest and affection do exceedingly corrupt the judgment, and render it very partial. The words of the righteous, i.e. the judgment of the righteous judges, i.e. of them who before were such, and are inclined to be so, and probably would be so, were they not tempted with bribes; or of them who by their place should be righteous. So they are called righteous, to admonish them of their duty to be so, and to aggravate their sin when they are unrighteous, and consequently to aggravate the mischief of gifts, which make those unrighteous whose office obligeth them to be righteous. Or thus, the matters or causes of the righteous, which may be understood not of the judges, but of the parties pleading, whose righteous cause is by this means perverted by the judge, and a wrong sentence given.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:8
Exodus 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.Ver. 8. And thou shalt take no gift.] Rain is good, and ground is good; yet Ex eorum coniunctione fit lutum, saith Stapleton. So giving is kind, and taking is courteous, yet the mixing of them makes the smooth paths of justice foul and uneven.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:8
(8) Thou shalt take no gift—i.e., no bribe. Corruption has been always rife in the East, and the pure administration of justice is almost unknown there. Signal punishments by wise rulers have sometimes checked the inveterate evil (Herod. v. 25). But it recurs again and again—“Naturam expellas furca, tarnen usque recurret.” According to Josephus (contr. Ap. ii. 27), the Jewish law punished with death the judge who took a bribe. But Hebrew judges seem practically to have been no better than Oriental judges generally. (See 1 Samuel 8:3; Psalms 26:10; Proverbs 17:23; Isaiah 1:23; Isaiah 5:23; Micah 3:9-11, &c.) The corrupt Administration of justice was one of the crying evils which provoked God’s judgments against His people, and led, in the first instance, to the Babylonian captivity, and afterwards to the Roman conquest.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:8
Verse 8. Thou shalt take no gift] A strong ordinance against selling justice, which has been the disgrace and ruin of every state where it has been practised. In the excellent charter of British liberties called Magna Charta, there is one article expressly on this head: Nulli vendemus, nulli negabimus aut differemus, rectum aut justitiam. - Art. xxxiii. "To none will we sell, to none will we deny or defer, right or justice." This was the more necessary in those early and corrupt times, as he who had most money, and gave the largest presents (called then oblata) to the king or queen, was sure to gain his cause in the king's court; whether he had right and justice on his side or not.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:8
8. gift (twice)] bribe, as the same word is rendered in EVV. of 1 Samuel 8:3, Isaiah 33:15, and in RV. of Ezekiel 22:12. It is true, ‘gift’ had this sense in Old English; but the Heb. word means distinctively a ‘bribe,’ and there are places in which the sense of ‘gift’ is not clear. The same word (shôḥ ?ad) is also sometimes rendered ‘reward.’ See for allusions to the practice of taking bribes, Isaiah 1:23; Isaiah 5:23, Micah 3:11, Ezekiel 22:12, Psalms 26:10, Proverbs 17:8; Proverbs 17:23; it is what the righteous man never does, Psalms 15:5, Isaiah 33:15, nor Jehovah, Deuteronomy 10:17; it is forbidden, as here, in Deuteronomy 16:19, and cursed, if its object be to ‘slay an innocent person,’ in Deuteronomy 27:25. The prevalence of bribery in the East is notorious; see a singular case, in which the chief Ḳ ?aḍ ?i of Cairo was implicated, in Lane, Mod. Egyptians, i. 145 ff. for a bribe blindeth the open-eyed, and subverteth the cause (RVm.) of the righteous] The whole verse is repeated verbatim in Deuteronomy 16:19, except that ‘eyes of the wise’ is substituted for ‘open-eyed.’ For ‘words,’ i.e. statements, arguments, pleas, which in a forensic connexion are tantamount in the aggregate to a ‘case’ or ‘cause,’ see Exodus 24:14, with the note, Joshua 20:4 (lit. ‘his words’), 2 Samuel 15:3 (lit. ‘thy words’). For ‘subverteth,’ cf. Proverbs 19:3; Proverbs 22:12 (‘overthroweth’).
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:8
8. Take no gift — That is, as a bribe. The marginal references show how repeatedly this sin is condemned in the Scriptures.
Sermons on Exodus 23:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Leadership Manual by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of delegation in leadership. They highlight that true leadership cannot exist without delegating tasks to others. The speaker |
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(Isaiah) the Cause & Cure of Spiritual Blindness by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on God's message to the spiritually blind people of Jerusalem. He emphasizes that it is not enough to speak spiritually and honor God with word |
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An Appeal to Fathers by Don Currin | Don Currin delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of fatherhood, highlighting how Satan has targeted fathers to undermine their nurturing influence, leading to defeated dads, |
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(Christian Leadership) Building the Home and the Church by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that having a cooperative wife is not a requirement to be a prophet of God. He warns against complaining about one's spouse and using them as |
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Building the Home and the Church by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of religious fundamentalism and persecution in the country. He shares personal details about his own life, including his mar |
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Attributes of God (Series 1): The Justice of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a judge being caught between mercy and justice. He uses the example of a man torn between his love for a woman and his sense o |
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Jesus Heals a Lame Man at the Pool of Bethesda John 5:1-15 by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the healing of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda, highlighting the man's long suffering, the angel stirring the waters, and the missed opportunity f |