“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights the seriousness of gossip and slander by framing it as a form of "joining hands" with wickedness. It's not just about not lying, but actively refusing to be part of a conspiracy, even a verbal one, that seeks to harm another through false testimony.
“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears in the midst of the "Book of the Covenant," a collection of laws given to the Israelites after they received the Ten Commandments. It's part of a broader section detailing various moral and civil regulations aimed at shaping their society, coming right after laws about restitution and before instructions on how to deal with enemies. The context highlights a concern for truthfulness and fairness in legal proceedings and community interactions, extending beyond just outright lies to include complicity in spreading falsehoods.
Ever felt the sting of a rumor that twisted the truth? God's command goes beyond just not lying.
This verse calls us to actively reject and refuse to spread anything that is not true, whether it's a direct lie or a misleading half-truth. It's about guarding the truth in our words and actions.
Beyond Just Not Lying
Why does the Bible talk about 'joining hands'? It reveals a deep warning about the companies we keep and the causes we support.
The second part of the verse addresses the danger of aligning yourself with those who are actively doing wrong, especially in the context of bearing witness. It’s a powerful image of partnership in sin.
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The Danger of Complicity
Understand the original words
shaw · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Refers to information, statements, or claims that are untrue, deceptive, or contrary to the truth. In biblical law, it is strictly forbidden to protect the integrity of the community and uphold God's standard of truthfulness.
rasha · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A person characterized by moral corruption, hostility toward God’s law, or active pursuit of injustice. Throughout the Bible, the 'wicked' stand in contrast to the 'righteous' who fear God.
ed chamas · Hebrew Noun phrase
Testimony given with the intent to harm, deceive, or destroy another person. It represents a corruption of the judicial process, which is designed to protect the innocent.
This verse warns against an abundance of words leading to sin, directly relating to the prohibition of spreading false reports or engaging in dishonest speech.
Leviticus 19:16This passage reiterates the command not to go about spreading slander or to stand idly by when a neighbor's life is at stake, expanding on the theme of truthfulness and justice.
Psalm 15:3This psalm describes the kind of person who can dwell in God's presence, including one who 'does not slander with his tongue and brings noGPS trace on his neighbor'.
Matthew 5:37Jesus calls for simple truthfulness, stating that one's word should be 'Yes' or 'No', which directly opposes the concept of bearing false witness or spreading falsehoods.
1 Peter 3:16This verse urges believers to maintain a good conscience so that those who speak maliciously of them may be put to shame, highlighting the importance of integrity in speech.
gillExodus 23:1: "Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness."
Thou shalt not raise a false report,.... Of a neighbour, or of any man whatever, either secretly by private slanders, whispers, backbiting and tale bearing, by innuendos, detracting from his good name and credit, suggesting things false and wicked concerning him; or publicly in a court of judicature, bringing a false accusation, laying a false charge, and bearing a false testimon…
pooleExodus 23:1: "Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness."
False witness and report forbidden, Exodus 23:1 . Right must not be wrested, Exodus 23:2 . He commands man to do good to his enemies, Exodus 23:3-5 . Bribes are forbidden, Exodus 23:8 . The years of sowing appointed, and gathering, Exodus 23:10 . Of the seventh year, which is the year of rest; God’s command concerning it, Exodus 23:11 . Of the sabbath day, Exodus 23:12 . Other go…
This verse highlights the seriousness of gossip and slander by framing it as a form of "joining hands" with wickedness. It's not just about not lying, but actively refusing to be part of a conspiracy, even a verbal one, that seeks to harm another through false testimony.
This verse appears in the midst of the "Book of the Covenant," a collection of laws given to the Israelites after they received the Ten Commandments. It's part of a broader section detailing various moral and civil regulations aimed at shaping their society, coming right after laws about restitution and before instructions on how to deal with enemies. The context highlights a concern for truthfulness and fairness in legal proceedings and community interactions, extending beyond just outright lies to include complicity in spreading falsehoods.
This verse appears in the midst of the "Book of the Covenant," a collection of laws given to the Israelites after they received the Ten Commandments. It's part of a broader section detailing various moral and civil regulations aimed at shaping their society, coming right after laws about restitution and before instructions on how to deal with enemies. The context highlights a concern for truthfulness and fairness in legal proceedings and community interactions, extending beyond just outright lies to include complicity in spreading falsehoods.
"“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness." — This verse highlights the seriousness of gossip and slander by framing it as a form of "joining hands" with wickedness. It's not just about not lying, but actively refusing to be part of a conspiracy…
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Last reviewed October 2026