Exodus 22:22-23
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This verse isn't just about refraining from outright cruelty; the Hebrew word for "afflict" encompasses any harsh or indifferent treatment. God is specifically calling His people to actively counter the vulnerability of widows and orphans by showing them kindness and support, not just by avoiding deliberate harm. This points to a deeper call for the community to step into the protective role that has been lost with the absence of a husband or father.
You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of the "Book of the Covenant," where God lays down laws for Israel's daily life and social justice after their exodus from Egypt. It follows regulations about restitution for damages and theft, and immediately precedes laws concerning lending and mistreatment of the poor, highlighting a consistent concern for the vulnerable in the community. God emphasizes that mistreating widows and orphans is not a minor offense, reserving His own wrath for those who oppress the defenseless who have lost their protectors.
This command sounds simple enough: don't mistreat the vulnerable. But what does 'afflict' really mean in this context? It’s a word that carries a lot of weight.
When God says "You shall not afflict," the Hebrew word carries a broad meaning that goes beyond just physical harm. It encompasses any kind of ill-treatment, including:
God expects us to actively comfort and assist those who are vulnerable, not just to refrain from hurting them. It’s about showing kindness and compassion, especially when dealing with their affairs.
Why would God specifically call out widows and orphans? This isn't just a general rule; it points to something deeper about God's character.
In ancient Israel, widows and orphans were particularly defenseless. Without a husband or father, they often lacked:
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Because of this inherent vulnerability, God singles them out. He declares that He is their defender. This command in Exodus isn't just about human kindness; it’s a reflection of God’s own passionate commitment to caring for those who have no one else to turn to. It's a call for His people to mirror His heart.
What happens when people ignore this command? The consequences are not left to human courts alone; God reserves judgment for Himself.
God’s command against afflicting widows and orphans isn't just a suggestion; it’s a serious law with divine implications. The commentary highlights that offenses against this law are something God takes personally:
This underscores the profound importance God places on protecting the vulnerable. It’s a warning that mistreating those who have no earthly advocate invites the judgment of the ultimate 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.
ṣəʿāqâ · Hebrew Noun
A loud, often desperate appeal for help, justice, or relief. In the context of the oppressed, it is a cry that reaches the ears of God, who acts as the ultimate Avenger.
This passage directly states that God executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, underscoring His deep concern for their protection, just as Exodus 22:22 commands.
Isaiah 1:17The prophet Isaiah calls for justice and care for the oppressed, including widows and orphans, echoing the spirit and command found in Exodus 22:22.
Matthew 23:14Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees for devouring widows' houses and making long prayers, highlighting the severe spiritual offense of oppressing the vulnerable, a practice forbidden in Exodus 22:22.
Job 31:16-17Job recounts his own righteous life, stating he never denied the poor their desire or let the eyes of the widow grow dim, demonstrating the personal commitment to care for the vulnerable that Exodus 22:22 demands.
James 1:27This verse defines true religion as caring for orphans and widows in their distress, directly aligning with the protective and compassionate intent behind the command in Exodus 22:22.
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 isn't just about refraining from outright cruelty; the Hebrew word for "afflict" encompasses any harsh or indifferent treatment. God is specifically calling His people to actively counter the vulnerability of widows and orphans by showing them kindness and support, not just by avoiding deliberate harm. This points to a deeper call for the community to step into the protective role that has been lost with the absence of a husband or father.
This verse is part of the "Book of the Covenant," where God lays down laws for Israel's daily life and social justice after their exodus from Egypt. It follows regulations about restitution for damages and theft, and immediately precedes laws concerning lending and mistreatment of the poor, highlighting a consistent concern for the vulnerable in the community. God emphasizes that mistreating widows and orphans is not a minor offense, reserving His own wrath for those who oppress the defenseless who have lost their protectors.
This verse is part of the "Book of the Covenant," where God lays down laws for Israel's daily life and social justice after their exodus from Egypt. It follows regulations about restitution for damages and theft, and immediately precedes laws concerning lending and mistreatment of the poor, highlighting a consistent concern for the vulnerable in the community. God emphasizes that mistreating widows and orphans is not a minor offense, reserving His own wrath for those who oppress the defenseless who have lost their protectors.
"You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry," — This verse isn't just about refraining from outright cruelty; the Hebrew word for "afflict" encompasses any harsh or indifferent treatment. God is specifically calling His people to actively counte…
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Last reviewed October 2026
