Exodus 22:28
“You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Exodus 22:28
“You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse reveals that "God" here refers not to idols, but to judges and magistrates – those who hold authority as God's representatives. It connects the sin of reviling earthly rulers directly to blaspheming God himself, highlighting the deep spiritual implications of respecting those He has placed in power.
This verse appears within a section of laws dealing with justice and community order, following instructions on restitution for property damage and sexual offenses. It directly follows stipulations about treating strangers, widows, and orphans with care, emphasizing a consistent theme of righteous conduct and respect for others in the community. The command to honor God and rulers is presented as a fundamental principle for a stable society, underscoring the divine authority behind both spiritual and civil leadership.
The Bible uses the word 'gods' in surprising ways. What does this verse mean by 'the gods'?
This commandment is found in the context of laws governing community life and justice. While the Hebrew word used here can mean 'God' (the one true God), it can also refer to powerful figures, including judges and rulers.
God's Representatives
Scripture often calls human leaders 'gods' not because they are divine, but because they hold God's delegated authority on earth. They are meant to represent God's justice and order within their communities. This is why the commandment links reviling 'gods' directly with cursing 'the ruler of your people.' They are seen as closely connected roles.
Beyond Idols
While some have suggested this refers to pagan gods, the context of the Old Testament makes that unlikely. The Israelites were consistently commanded to reject and oppose idols. Instead, this law protects the integrity of God's appointed representatives on earth, whether they are judges or kings.
Why would God command respect for human rulers, especially when they might not deserve it?
This commandment isn't about blindly obeying every action of a ruler, but about respecting the office they hold as established by God.
Divine Ordination
The Apostle Paul, quoting this very principle, reminds us that all authority ultimately comes from God (Romans 13:1). When we curse or revile a ruler, we are, in a sense, challenging the authority God has established, regardless of the ruler's personal flaws.
Protecting Order and Witness
Disrespect and sedition towards governing authorities can create chaos and undermine the peaceful society God desires. Furthermore, an attitude of contempt towards rulers can damage our own spiritual lives and witness, making us appear disloyal to God himself. The spirit of rebellion against human authority often spills over into rebellion against divine authority.
Understand the original words
teqallel · Hebrew Verb
To treat with contempt, speak lightly of, or defame. In a biblical context, it signifies a lack of reverence and rebellion against divine authority.
elohim · Hebrew Noun
A term for the supreme Deity or the judges/leaders representing God's authority. It commands supreme respect because it represents the divine source of law and justice.
nasi · Hebrew Noun
A person holding a position of leadership or authority over the community. Honoring such leaders is treated as a derivative of honoring God, as they are agents of governance.
This Psalm speaks directly to the 'gods' (elohim) of the land, identifying them as rulers and judges, reinforcing the interpretation that this command in Exodus is about respecting human authority as God's representative.
Acts 23:3-5The Apostle Paul, when struck by the high priest, directly quotes this commandment, showing how it was understood in the New Testament era as a prohibition against reviling those in positions of authority, even unjust ones.
Romans 13:1-7Paul expands on the concept that governing authorities are established by God, underscoring why reviling or cursing them is akin to reviling God's ordinance and carries serious consequences.
1 Peter 2:13-17Peter urges submission to every human authority, whether king or governors, calling them sent by God to punish evildoers and praise those who do right, reinforcing the respect due to rulers.
Proverbs 24:21This Proverb warns directly against associating with or giving ear to those who are rebellious against authority, implying that such disloyalty stems from a disregard for God's appointed order.
pooleExodus 22:28: "Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people."
Gods; not gods falsely so called, as some would have it, as appears by 1 Kings 18:27 Jeremiah 10:11 ; but magistrates and governors, whether civil or ecclesiastical, as it is evident both from Acts 23:3-5 and from the following words, which explain the former, according to the common use of Scripture, and from the title of gods commonly given to such, as Exodus 7:1 Psalm 82:6 John 10:34 ,35. The ruler of thy peop…
pulpitExodus 22:28: "Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people."
Verse 28.- Law against reviling God, or rulers. It has been proposed to render Elohim here either 1. "God;" or 2. "The gods;" or 3
This verse reveals that "God" here refers not to idols, but to judges and magistrates – those who hold authority as God's representatives. It connects the sin of reviling earthly rulers directly to blaspheming God himself, highlighting the deep spiritual implications of respecting those He has placed in power.
This verse appears within a section of laws dealing with justice and community order, following instructions on restitution for property damage and sexual offenses. It directly follows stipulations about treating strangers, widows, and orphans with care, emphasizing a consistent theme of righteous conduct and respect for others in the community. The command to honor God and rulers is presented as a fundamental principle for a stable society, underscoring the divine authority behind both spiritual and civil leadership.
This verse appears within a section of laws dealing with justice and community order, following instructions on restitution for property damage and sexual offenses. It directly follows stipulations about treating strangers, widows, and orphans with care, emphasizing a consistent theme of righteous conduct and respect for others in the community. The command to honor God and rulers is presented as a fundamental principle for a stable society, underscoring the divine authority behind both spiritual and civil leadership.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Exodus 22:28 is available in the Sola app.
"“You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people." — This verse reveals that "God" here refers not to idols, but to judges and magistrates – those who hold authority as God's representatives. It connects the sin of reviling earthly rulers directly to b…