This verse isn't just about avoiding outright lies; it also warns against complicity. "Joining hands" implies actively participating in injustice, not just being a passive bystander to the wicked. The call to not "raise a false report" extends beyond courtrooms, urging us to be vigilant against gossip and rumors that can destroy reputations.
“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a series of laws given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, as they journey toward the Promised Land. These commands, found within what's often called the "Book of the Covenant," are meant to shape their society and guide them in living justly. Immediately following these instructions, the text will continue with more laws about justice, care for the poor, and religious observances, all building toward establishing a faithful community under God's direction.
Ever felt the sting of a rumor? This verse calls us to be incredibly careful about the words we speak and spread, even when it seems small.
This command, "You shall not spread a false report," isn't just about outright lies. It includes:
Essentially, this principle calls us to be guardians of truth, both in what we say and what we allow ourselves to believe about others.
The second part of this verse is a stark warning against complicity. It's about more than just not lying; it's about not partnering with those who do.
The command "You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness" calls us to a deeper level of integrity:
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This calls us to examine who we associate with and ensure our actions don't enable or support injustice, even if we aren't the primary instigator.
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.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
The moral requirement to maintain objectivity and truthfulness in legal proceedings, regardless of pressure from a majority or public opinion. It reflects God’s own character as a righteous Judge.
This passage directly echoes the prohibition against falsehood and theft, reinforcing the importance of truthfulness in all dealings, including speech and witness.
Proverbs 10:19This proverb highlights the danger of excessive talk and connects it to sin, underscoring the wisdom of guarding one's tongue, as emphasized in Exodus 23:1.
Matthew 5:33-37Jesus expands on oaths and truthfulness, teaching a higher standard of integrity where one's 'yes' is 'yes' and 'no' is 'no,' which aligns with the spirit of not bearing false witness.
Acts 5:1-11The story of Ananias and Sapphira striking illustrates the severe consequences of lying, even in matters of possessions, showing how dishonesty is an offense against God, similar to bearing false witness.
James 3:1-12James powerfully describes the destructive potential of the tongue, likening it to a wild animal or a spark, which directly speaks to the danger of spreading false reports and the need for careful 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 isn't just about avoiding outright lies; it also warns against complicity. "Joining hands" implies actively participating in injustice, not just being a passive bystander to the wicked. The call to not "raise a false report" extends beyond courtrooms, urging us to be vigilant against gossip and rumors that can destroy reputations.
This verse is part of a series of laws given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, as they journey toward the Promised Land. These commands, found within what's often called the "Book of the Covenant," are meant to shape their society and guide them in living justly. Immediately following these instructions, the text will continue with more laws about justice, care for the poor, and religious observances, all building toward establishing a faithful community under God's direction.
This verse is part of a series of laws given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, as they journey toward the Promised Land. These commands, found within what's often called the "Book of the Covenant," are meant to shape their society and guide them in living justly. Immediately following these instructions, the text will continue with more laws about justice, care for the poor, and religious observances, all building toward establishing a faithful community under God's direction.
"“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert jus…" — This verse isn't just about avoiding outright lies; it also warns against complicity. "Joining hands" implies actively participating in injustice, not just being a passive bystander to the wicked. Th…
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Last reviewed October 2026
