Exodus 23:7
Exodus 23:7 in Multiple Translations
Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.
Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.
Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.
Keep yourselves far from any false business; never let the upright or him who has done no wrong be put to death: for I will make the evil-doer responsible for his sin.
Don't have anything to do with making false accusations. Don't kill the innocent or those who do right, for I won't let the guilty go unpunished.
Thou shalt keepe thee farre from a false matter, and shalt not slaye the innocent and the righteous: for I will not iustifie a wicked man.
from a false matter thou dost keep far off, and an innocent and righteous man thou dost not slay; for I do not justify a wicked man.
“Keep far from a false charge, and don’t kill the innocent and righteous; for I will not justify the wicked.
Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.
Thou shalt fly lying. The innocent and just person thou shalt not put to death: because I abhor the wicked.
Do not accuse people falsely. Do not decide that innocent and righteous [DOU] people should be executed, because I will ◄punish/not forgive► people who do such an evil thing.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 23:7
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 23:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/דְּבַר
שֶׁ֖קֶר
תִּרְחָ֑ק
וְ/נָקִ֤י
וְ/צַדִּיק֙
אַֽל
תַּהֲרֹ֔ג
כִּ֥י
לֹא
אַצְדִּ֖יק
רָשָֽׁע
מִ/דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms
שֶׁ֖קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
תִּרְחָ֑ק
râchaq
H7368
to remove
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/נָקִ֤י
nâqîy
H5355
innocent
Conj | Adj
וְ/צַדִּיק֙
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Conj | Adj
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּהֲרֹ֔ג
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אַצְדִּ֖יק
tsâdaq
H6663
to justify
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
רָשָֽׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 23:7
מִ/דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-ms
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.
שֶׁ֖קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
תִּרְחָ֑ק
râchaq
H7368
"to remove"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To remove or go far away, as in Genesis 21:16 where Hagar is sent away by Abraham. It means to create distance or separate oneself from something or someone.
Definition: v 1) to be or become far, be or become distant, be removed, go far away 1a) (Qal) to be far, be distant 1b) (Piel) to send far away, extend 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make or exhibit distance, be gone far 1c2) to remove, put far away 2) (Niphal) loose v inf (as adv) 3) at a distance
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (a-, be, cast, drive, get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw) far (away, off), loose, [idiom] refrain, very, (be) a good way (off). See also: Genesis 21:16; Psalms 119:150; Psalms 22:12.
וְ/נָקִ֤י
nâqîy
H5355
"innocent"
Conj | Adj
Innocent or guiltless, this word is used to describe someone who is morally clean or free from blame, such as Noah in Genesis 6:9. It emphasizes a person's integrity and moral purity.
Definition: 1) clean, free from, exempt, clear, innocent 1a) free from guilt, clean, innocent 1b) free from punishment 1c) free or exempt from obligations Also means: na.qi (נָקִיא "innocent" H5355B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blameless, clean, clear, exempted, free, guiltless, innocent, quit. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 9:23; Psalms 10:8.
וְ/צַדִּיק֙
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Conj | 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.
אַֽל
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.
תַּהֲרֹ֔ג
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
כִּ֥י
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.
לֹא
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.
אַצְדִּ֖יק
tsâdaq
H6663
"to justify"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
Refers to the act of making something right, either by justifying oneself or being declared righteous by God. It is used to describe God's justice and people's attempts to do what is right. This concept is key to understanding the Bible's teachings on sin and redemption.
Definition: 1) to be just, be righteous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have a just cause, be in the right 1a2) to be justified 1a3) to be just (of God) 1a4) to be just, be righteous (in conduct and character) 1b) (Niphal) to be put or made right, be justified 1c) (Piel) justify, make to appear righteous, make someone righteous 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to do or bring justice (in administering law) 1d2) to declare righteous, justify 1d3) to justify, vindicate the cause of, save 1d4) to make righteous, turn to righteousness 1e) (Hithpael) to justify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness). See also: Genesis 38:26; Job 33:32; Psalms 19:10.
רָשָֽׁע
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 23:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 23:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:7
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:7
- Sermons on Exodus 23:7
Context — Justice and Mercy
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. 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 4:25 | Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another. |
| 2 | Exodus 34:7 | maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” |
| 3 | Exodus 23:1 | “You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 27:25 | ‘Cursed is he who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 5 | 1 Thessalonians 5:22 | Abstain from every form of evil. |
| 6 | Leviticus 19:11 | You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another. |
| 7 | Romans 2:5–6 | But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” |
| 8 | Romans 1:18 | The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. |
| 9 | 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. |
| 10 | Job 22:23 | If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored. If you remove injustice from your tents |
Exodus 23:7 Summary
This verse is warning us against making false accusations against others, which can cause great harm and injustice. God is a just and righteous Judge, and He will not let the guilty go unpunished (Deuteronomy 32:4). We need to be careful with our words and actions, and make sure we are not hurting others with false accusations. By being mindful of this, we can help create a more just and compassionate community, where the innocent are protected and the guilty are held accountable (Proverbs 12:17-19).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'stay far away from a false accusation' in Exodus 23:7?
This means we should not falsely accuse someone of something they did not do, as this can cause great harm and injustice, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis 39:11-20 and the warnings in Proverbs 12:17-19.
Why does God say He will not acquit the guilty in Exodus 23:7?
God is a just and righteous Judge, and He will not let the guilty go unpunished, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:4 and Psalm 119:137, and this verse emphasizes the importance of upholding justice and not perverting it.
How does this verse relate to our responsibility to protect the innocent?
As followers of God, we have a responsibility to protect and care for the innocent and vulnerable, as seen in Psalm 82:3-4 and Isaiah 1:17, and this includes speaking out against false accusations and injustices.
What is the connection between this verse and the command to 'not kill the innocent or the just'?
This command is closely tied to the idea of not making false accusations, as a false accusation can lead to the death of an innocent person, and God is emphasizing the importance of preserving life and upholding justice, as seen in Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'stay far away from a false accusation' in my own life, and how can I be more mindful of the impact of my words on others?
- How can I balance the need to uphold justice with the need to show mercy and compassion to those who have erred, and what does this verse teach me about God's character in this regard?
- In what ways can I be an advocate for the innocent and vulnerable in my community, and how can I use my voice to speak out against injustices?
- What are some potential consequences of making false accusations or perverting justice, and how can I avoid these pitfalls in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:7
Keep thee far from a false matter,.... Or "word" (z); from receiving a false testimony, or taking the false or wrong side of a cause, or engaging in a bad one; keep aloof off from it, as much at a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:7
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 23:7
Keep thee far, i.e. abstain from all occasions, degrees, or appearances of it. Compare ,15. A false matter, i.e. an unrighteous judgment; for he is speaking to the judges, as appears both by the foregoing and following verses. Slay thou not; condemn not to death, nor to any other unjust penalty, for the same reason. I will not justify the wicked, and therefore not condemn the innocent; one contrary being here understood from the other, as is frequent in the book of the Proverbs; and what I do not, thou who actest in my name and stead shouldst not do. Or rather thus, Know, O judge, (for to such he speaks,) if thou dost pronounce such a wicked sentence, I will not justify thee, or hold thee guiltless, i.e. I will severely punish thee, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:7
Exodus 23:7 Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.Ver. 7. Keep thee far from a false matter.] Stand aloof off; keep at a distance. See Isaiah 33:15. A public man should be above all price or sale: and every man should carefully keep himself from the occasions of sin. A good man dare not come near the train, though he be far off the blow.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:7
(7) Keep thee far from a false matter.—A false accusation seems to be intended. If we make one it may result in an innocent man’s death, and we shall be murderers; God will then assuredly hold us guilty.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:7
7. a false matter] i.e., as the context shews, a case that can only be carried through with the help of false statements, and false witnesses. slay thou not] by false accusations, false witness, or an unjust sentence. The words are addressed indifferently to accuser, witness, and judge. Cf. Deuteronomy 27:25, Psalms 94:6; Psalms 94:21. for I do not justify the wicked] I do not justify the man who is in the wrong (v. 1b), and who accuses the innocent unjustly; and therefore the judges should act similarly. LXX. however read, and thou shalt not justify the wicked, which may be the original reading (Bä.); cf. Deuteronomy 25:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:7
7. Righteous slay thou not — By false testimony against them. If an innocent and righteous man is convicted and suffers the death penalty on account of the testimony of a lying witness, that witness is guilty of his death.
Sermons on Exodus 23:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
On the Slave Trade by John Woolman | John Woolman preaches about the deep-rooted issues of departing from the truth of Jesus, leading to the acceptance of unjust practices like the slave trade. He highlights the inhum |
|
Gospel Healing for Hurting Marriages by Voddie Baucham | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people coming to church when they are facing difficulties in their closest relationships. He emphasizes the importance of underst |
|
Be Filled With the Holy Spirit - 1 by Zacharias Tanee Fomum | In this sermon, the speaker asks the audience to reflect on what has changed in their hearts in the last five years. He emphasizes the importance of identifying and removing negati |
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Through the Bible - Ephesians - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians walking in a manner worthy of their calling. The first key aspect mentioned is humility, which is seen as essent |
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Lies Women Believe and the Truths That Set Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss | This sermon focuses on acknowledging God as our teacher and the source of truth that sets us free. It emphasizes seeking God's face, thanking Him for His wisdom in creating male an |
|
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Love and Fellowship by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of pursuing love and fellowship as primary aspects of the Christian life. It delves into the depth of God's love, the need for sincerity, trut |
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Beware of Spiritual Pride by Dwight Steven | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the listeners to examine their own hearts and not focus on others. He tells a story about four men who all had a new birth experience but hav |