Exodus 22:22
You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Exodus 22:22
You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse is a stark reminder that God's laws aren't just about grand pronouncements, but about the smallest, most vulnerable people among us. The word translated "afflict" encompasses not just outright abuse, but also any cold, contemptuous, or burdensome treatment – even when making perfectly legitimate demands.
This verse comes right after laws about stolen goods and restitution, and it introduces a series of commands protecting the vulnerable. God is establishing His righteous standards for Israel, and immediately after discussing how to deal with property and justice, He turns to the most defenseless members of society – widows and orphans. These laws would continue throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing God's profound care for those who have lost their protectors and are most susceptible to exploitation.
This isn't just a suggestion; it's a command. What makes mistreating widows and orphans so serious in God's eyes?
This verse isn't just about being nice. It's a direct command from God, part of the foundational laws for His people. The word 'afflict' here covers a broad range of mistreatment – from harsh words and oppressive actions to taking advantage of their vulnerability.
Think about it: these individuals had lost their primary protectors and providers. The community, and especially those in positions of authority or wealth, were meant to step in. Instead, this law explicitly forbids causing them any harm or hardship. God is making it clear that how we treat the most defenseless among us is a direct reflection of our relationship with Him.
It's striking how God personally claims the cause of the widow and orphan. What does this tell us about His nature?
When you read commentaries, you see a recurring theme: God takes a special interest in seeing justice for those who can't secure it for themselves. Some insights point out that offenses against widows and orphans are not simply left to human courts; God reserves the ultimate judgment. This isn't because human systems are inherently bad, but because God's heart is so deeply moved by their plight.
He sees the injustice, the exploitation, and the pain that 'cruel and unmerciful men' inflict. He declares that He will 'wax hot' against those who wrong them. This shows us that God is not distant or indifferent. He is a Father to the fatherless and a defender of the widow, actively watching over and avenging those who have no earthly advocate.
Understand the original words
ʿānâ · Hebrew Verb
To afflict, humiliate, or treat with violence and cruelty. It implies a persistent course of harmful action against someone who is vulnerable.
ʾalmānâ · Hebrew Noun
A woman whose husband has died; in biblical law, she is categorized as one of the most vulnerable members of society, often lacking social status, income, and legal protection.
yātôm · Hebrew Noun
A child who has lost one or both parents; in the ancient Near East, such children were particularly susceptible to poverty, exploitation, and social exclusion, and were placed under God’s special protection.
This passage directly parallels the command in Exodus, explaining that God himself executes justice for the fatherless and widow, underscoring the divine importance of protecting them.
James 1:27This New Testament verse provides a profound spiritual application, stating that true religion involves caring for widows and orphans, linking this ancient command to the core of godly living.
Isaiah 1:17The prophet Isaiah echoes this concern, calling Israel to learn to do good and seek justice, specifically mentioning defending the fatherless and pleading the widow's cause, showing this concern continued through prophetic denouncements.
Job 31:16-17In this chapter, Job recounts his righteous life, and he points to his refusal to withhold justice or provisions from widows as evidence of his integrity, demonstrating how this principle was understood and lived out even before the Law was fully codified.
Matthew 23:14Jesus condemns the religious leaders for devouring widows' houses while making long prayers, highlighting that oppressing the vulnerable, particularly widows, was a grave offense that exposed hypocrisy, even in His own time.
bensonExodus 22:22: "Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child."
Exodus 22:22 . Ye shall not afflict the widow, or fatherless child — That is, ye shall comfort and assist them, and be ready upon all occasions to show them kindness. In making just demands from them, their condition must be considered who have lost those that should protect them; and no advantage must be taken against them, nor any hardship put upon them, which a husband or a father would have sheltered them from.
pooleExodus 22:22: "Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child."
No text from Poole on this verse.
This verse is a stark reminder that God's laws aren't just about grand pronouncements, but about the smallest, most vulnerable people among us. The word translated "afflict" encompasses not just outright abuse, but also any cold, contemptuous, or burdensome treatment – even when making perfectly legitimate demands.
This verse comes right after laws about stolen goods and restitution, and it introduces a series of commands protecting the vulnerable. God is establishing His righteous standards for Israel, and immediately after discussing how to deal with property and justice, He turns to the most defenseless members of society – widows and orphans. These laws would continue throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing God's profound care for those who have lost their protectors and are most susceptible to exploitation.
This verse comes right after laws about stolen goods and restitution, and it introduces a series of commands protecting the vulnerable. God is establishing His righteous standards for Israel, and immediately after discussing how to deal with property and justice, He turns to the most defenseless members of society – widows and orphans. These laws would continue throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing God's profound care for those who have lost their protectors and are most susceptible to exploitation.
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"You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child." — This verse is a stark reminder that God's laws aren't just about grand pronouncements, but about the smallest, most vulnerable people among us. The word translated "afflict" encompasses not just outr…