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Exodus 23:22

Exodus 23:22 in Multiple Translations

But if you will listen carefully to his voice and do everything I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.

But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

But if thou shalt indeed hearken unto his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

But if you truly give ear to his voice, and do whatever I say, then I will be against those who are against you, fighting those who are fighting you.

However, if you listen to him carefully, and do everything that I tell you, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and I will fight those who fight against you.

But if thou hearken vnto his voyce, and do all that I speake, the I wil be an enemie vnto thine enemies, and will afflict them that afflict thee.

for, if thou diligently hearken to his voice, and hast done all that which I speak, then I have been at enmity with thine enemies, and have distressed those distressing thee.

But if you indeed listen to his voice, and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and an adversary to your adversaries.

But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy to thy enemies, and an adversary to thy adversaries.

But if thou wilt hear his voice, and do all that I speak, I will be an enemy to thy enemies, and will afflict them that afflict thee.

But if you pay attention to what he says and if you do all that I tell you to do, I will fight strongly [DOU] against all of your enemies.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 23:22

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 23:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּ֣י אִם שָׁמֹ֤עַ תִּשְׁמַע֙ בְּ/קֹל֔/וֹ וְ/עָשִׂ֕יתָ כֹּ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲדַבֵּ֑ר וְ/אָֽיַבְתִּי֙ אֶת אֹ֣יְבֶ֔י/ךָ וְ/צַרְתִּ֖י אֶת צֹרְרֶֽי/ךָ
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
שָׁמֹ֤עַ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Ptc
תִּשְׁמַע֙ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בְּ/קֹל֔/וֹ qôwl H6963 voice Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/עָשִׂ֕יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-2ms
כֹּ֖ל kôl H3605 all N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
וְ/אָֽיַבְתִּי֙ ʼâyab H340 be hostile Conj | V-Qal-1cs
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אֹ֣יְבֶ֔י/ךָ ʼôyêb H341 enemy V-Qal | Suff
וְ/צַרְתִּ֖י tsûwr H6696 to confine Conj | V-Qal-1cs
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
צֹרְרֶֽי/ךָ tsârar H6887 to confine V-Qal | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 23:22

כִּ֣י 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.
אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
שָׁמֹ֤עַ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Ptc
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
תִּשְׁמַע֙ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
בְּ/קֹל֔/וֹ qôwl H6963 "voice" Prep | N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
וְ/עָשִׂ֕יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כֹּ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
וְ/אָֽיַבְתִּי֙ ʼâyab H340 "be hostile" Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This word means to be hostile or an enemy to someone, often describing opposition or hatred between people or groups. It is used in the Bible to describe conflict and enmity. The KJV translates it as be an enemy.
Definition: 1) to be hostile to, to be an enemy to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hostile to 1a2) to treat as an enemy
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: be an enemy. See also: Exodus 23:22.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֹ֣יְבֶ֔י/ךָ ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
וְ/צַרְתִּ֖י tsûwr H6696 "to confine" Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To form or shape something, like a potter molds clay, as in Isaiah 29:16.
Definition: 1) to bind, besiege, confine, cramp 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to confine, secure 1a2) to shut in, beseige 1a3) to shut up, enclose
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: adversary, assault, beset, besiege, bind (up), cast, distress, fashion, fortify, inclose, lay siege, put up in bags. See also: Exodus 23:22; 2 Kings 18:9; Psalms 139:5.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
צֹרְרֶֽי/ךָ tsârar H6887 "to confine" V-Qal | Suff
To rival means to oppose or afflict someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the struggles of the Israelites, such as when they were oppressed by their enemies or faced internal conflicts and afflictions.
Definition: to confine, besiege Another spelling of tsur (צוּר "to confine" H6696A)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: adversary, (be in) afflict(-ion), beseige, bind (up), (be in, bring) distress, enemy, narrower, oppress, pangs, shut up, be in a strait (trouble), vex. See also: Exodus 12:34; Psalms 8:3; Psalms 6:8.

Study Notes — Exodus 23:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 12:3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you. ”
2 Deuteronomy 30:7 Then the LORD your God will put all these curses upon your enemies who hate you and persecute you.
3 Zechariah 2:8 For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “After His Glory has sent Me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye—
4 Jeremiah 30:20 Their children will be as in days of old, and their congregation will be established before Me; and I will punish all their oppressors.
5 Numbers 24:9 He crouches, he lies down like a lion; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.”
6 Acts 9:4–5 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied.

Exodus 23:22 Summary

Exodus 23:22 is a promise from God that if we listen carefully to His voice and obey His commands, He will protect us from our enemies and bless us. This means being attentive to His guidance and following His will, as seen in Psalm 37:4 and Proverbs 3:5-6. When we obey God's voice, He fights on our behalf and gives us victory over the challenges we face, as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:15. By listening carefully to God's voice and obeying His commands, we can experience His love, protection, and blessings in our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'listen carefully' to God's voice in Exodus 23:22?

Listening carefully to God's voice means being attentive and obedient to His commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4 and Joshua 1:7-8, and being willing to follow His guidance in our lives.

How does God become an enemy to our enemies as stated in this verse?

When we obey God's voice and follow His commands, He fights on our behalf against those who oppose us, as seen in Exodus 14:14 and Deuteronomy 20:4, demonstrating His power and protection over His people.

What is the significance of doing 'everything I say' in Exodus 23:22?

Doing everything God says means having a heart of surrender and obedience to His will, as seen in Luke 6:46 and John 14:15, which is essential for experiencing God's protection and blessings in our lives.

How does this verse relate to our daily lives as Christians?

This verse reminds us that our obedience to God's voice is crucial for experiencing His protection and blessings, as seen in Psalm 119:2 and Matthew 7:24-27, and that we should strive to listen carefully to His voice and follow His commands in our daily lives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can 'listen carefully' to God's voice in my daily life, and how can I prioritize obedience to His commands?
  2. How have I experienced God's protection and blessing in my life when I have obeyed His voice, and what can I learn from those experiences?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I struggle to obey God's voice, and how can I seek His help and guidance to overcome those challenges?
  4. How can I apply the principle of Exodus 23:22 to my relationships with others, and how can I demonstrate God's love and care to those around me?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:22

But, if thou shall indeed obey his voice,.... Or "hearkening hearken", (n) to it attentively, listen to it, and diligently and constantly observe and obey in whatever he shall direct and order: and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:22

Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Behold, I send an Angel before thee. The word "Behold" introduces a new paragraph or division.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:22

All that I speak; all that I have already commanded, and shall further prescribe by him unto Moses.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:22

Exodus 23:22 But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.Ver. 22. An enemy unto thine enemies.] There is a covenant offensive and defensive betwixt God and his people. Tua causa erit mea causa, said that emperor to his wronged friend: so saith God to his.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:22

(22) An adversary unto thine adversaries.—Rather, an afflictor of thy afflictors.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:22

22. Obedience to God’s commands will be, as ever, the guarantee of His effectual help. all that I speak] viz. through the angel. His speech is identical with Jehovah’s. 23–25a. Generally regarded as an expansion of the original text: as Di. points out, the warning against idolatry in Canaan is not only out of place in a series of promises (vv. 22b, 25b, 26, &c.), but it anticipates the conquest promised in v. 27 f. With both these verses and vv. 31b–33, comp. Exodus 34:12-16.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 23:22

The rendering in the margin is better. Cf. Deuteronomy 20:4.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:22

20-22. I send an Angel before thee — On the nature of this Angel see note at Genesis 16:7.

Sermons on Exodus 23:22

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer 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
Zac Poonen Every Mountain Will Be Flattened (zech.4:6,7) by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen preaches about how God allows His people to face hindrances and obstacles to exercise their faith and experience His mighty power. He emphasizes the importance of obeyin
Paris Reidhead Both And-Not Either or (Basis for Missions - Part 5) by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of people and asks them if they have ever been lost. Only four people raise their hands. The speaker then points out that according to
Norman Grubb The Meaning of Life - 6. I Will Do It Through You by Norman Grubb In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the presence of God in their lives and the lives of others. They emphasize the importance of understanding and knowin
Jim Cymbala Easter Passion by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a man who was delivered from a life of addiction and despair by the power of Christ. The speaker emphasizes the simplicit
Art Katz Future Trends for the Body of Christ by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the things that are at hand rather than being distracted by distant and exciting things. He shares a pe
Chuck Missler Genesis #14 Ch. 16-18 Test of Abraham by Chuck Missler In this sermon, Chuck Misler focuses on Genesis chapters sixteen and seventeen. He begins with a prayer, asking for understanding and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Misler emphasiz

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