“You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse doesn't just forbid cursing rulers; it links that act directly to reviling God Himself. The ancient Hebrew word translated "revile" carries a sense of treating something with utter contempt, as if it were worthless, highlighting that disrespecting earthly authority, especially when ordained by God, is a deeply spiritual offense. It reveals that honoring leaders, even imperfect ones, is an act of faith in God's established order.
“You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a section detailing laws for the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, following specific instructions on justice and property. It's a direct command from God, establishing reverence for Him and for those He places in authority, connecting the disrespect of a ruler to a disrespect of God Himself, who appoints them. The context emphasizes that rulers are God's representatives, and dishonoring them is akin to dishonoring God.
This verse starts with a command not to revile 'gods.' What does that mean? Are we talking about statues or something else entirely?
The Divine Connection
The word for 'gods' here is the same Hebrew word used for the one true God. While some ancient translations and interpreters understood it to mean idols or even the gods of surrounding nations, the most consistent interpretation within Scripture, and supported by later New Testament application, is that it refers to the one God.
However, the context and the parallel phrase 'ruler of your people' strongly suggest that this 'gods' also encompasses human authorities who represent God's rule on earth. Think of judges, magistrates, and leaders. They are given authority by God, and thus, disrespecting them can be seen as disrespecting the divine order they represent.
Why would God include a rule about not cursing rulers? It seems a bit counterintuitive, especially when rulers aren't always perfect.
Respect for God's Ordained Order
This commandment isn't just about protecting the egos of leaders; it's about safeguarding the integrity of God's established order. Rulers, whether they act perfectly or not, are placed in positions of authority by God's sovereign will.
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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 of 'God holding court in the heavenly assembly; he renders judgment among the gods,' using the same term ('elohim') for divine beings and rulers, highlighting the concept of earthly authorities acting as God's representatives.
Acts 23:5The Apostle Paul directly quotes this verse (or a close parallel), demonstrating its enduring relevance and showing that even when confronting an unjust ruler (the high priest Ananias), he acknowledged the prohibition against reviling him.
Romans 13:1-7This passage profoundly expands on the idea of respecting governing authorities, teaching that they are established by God and that resisting them is resisting God's ordinance.
1 Samuel 24:6King David, when given the opportunity to harm King Saul, refuses, stating, 'The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, and put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD’s anointed.' This echoes the respect due to a divinely appointed ruler.
Proverbs 24:21-22This proverb directly parallels the command, urging, 'My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with those who are given to change, for their destruction will come suddenly from the LORD; and who knows the ruin that they and their households may bring?'
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 doesn't just forbid cursing rulers; it links that act directly to reviling God Himself. The ancient Hebrew word translated "revile" carries a sense of treating something with utter contempt, as if it were worthless, highlighting that disrespecting earthly authority, especially when ordained by God, is a deeply spiritual offense. It reveals that honoring leaders, even imperfect ones, is an act of faith in God's established order.
This verse is part of a section detailing laws for the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, following specific instructions on justice and property. It's a direct command from God, establishing reverence for Him and for those He places in authority, connecting the disrespect of a ruler to a disrespect of God Himself, who appoints them. The context emphasizes that rulers are God's representatives, and dishonoring them is akin to dishonoring God.
This verse is part of a section detailing laws for the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, following specific instructions on justice and property. It's a direct command from God, establishing reverence for Him and for those He places in authority, connecting the disrespect of a ruler to a disrespect of God Himself, who appoints them. The context emphasizes that rulers are God's representatives, and dishonoring them is akin to dishonoring God.
"“You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people." — This verse doesn't just forbid cursing rulers; it links that act directly to reviling God Himself. The ancient Hebrew word translated "revile" carries a sense of treating something with utter contemp…
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Last reviewed October 2026