Exodus 23:2
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)
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This verse isn't just about not following a mob; it warns specifically against letting the "many" influence your judgment, even when you're a witness or a judge. It cautions that even "great men" or those in positions of power can sway decisions unjustly, implying that true justice requires an independent mind, not just going along with popular opinion or influential figures.
This verse is part of a larger section of laws following the Ten Commandments, detailing how the Israelites should conduct themselves justly in society. It directly follows a prohibition against spreading false rumors and precedes commands about fairness in legal proceedings, like not showing partiality to the poor or the rich. The focus is on maintaining integrity in communal life, especially within the judicial system, so that God’s justice is upheld among His people.
Ever felt pressured to go along with the crowd, even when your gut said it was wrong? This ancient command speaks directly to that struggle.
This verse is a powerful warning against the seductive influence of popular opinion and the 'many.' It's not just about avoiding overtly evil acts, but about resisting the subtle pressure to conform, even in matters of justice.
More Than Just Numbers
The Hebrew word for 'multitude' or 'many' here can also refer to 'great men' or those in positions of power. This adds another layer: don't follow powerful people just because they're influential, especially when they're heading toward evil or injustice.
The Narrow Path
The allure of the crowd is strong because it offers comfort, affirmation, and often, a way to avoid personal responsibility. However, Scripture consistently warns that the popular path is often the one leading away from God's will. Our allegiance is to divine truth, not human consensus.
In a courtroom, or even in everyday life, your words carry weight. This verse shows how easily that weight can be misused, especially under pressure.
The command isn't just about not doing evil; it's about actively not participating in injustice, even when it's the popular or expected thing to do. Specifically, it addresses bearing witness:
The Witness Stand
'Siding with the many, so as to pervert justice' means actively participating in a decision that you know is wrong, simply because that's the direction the majority is leaning. This applies whether the 'many' are other witnesses, judges, or simply public opinion influencing the proceedings.
Truth Above All
This calls for courage to stand for truth, even if it means standing alone. It’s a reminder that justice is not determined by a vote or by popular sentiment, but by adherence to what is right and true. Even if you are a judge or juror, you are not to simply go with the majority if that majority is bent on injustice.
Understand the original words
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.
Jesus echoes this prohibition against following the crowd, directly contrasting the 'many' on the broad road to destruction with the 'few' on the narrow road to life.
1 Samuel 15:13-14This passage shows Saul justifying his disobedience to God by appealing to the actions of the multitude (the people who kept the best of the plunder), directly illustrating the danger of following popular will over divine command.
Proverbs 1:10-15This proverb warns against the allure of sin and the pressure to join wrongdoers, stating 'My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent,' highlighting the very temptation Exodus 23:2 seeks to prevent.
Galatians 5:14Paul summarizes the entire law as fulfilling the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself,' which inherently opposes the injustice and perversion of judgment condemned in Exodus 23:2.
John 18:38-40Pilate's dilemma in releasing Jesus illustrates the pressure of the crowd and popular opinion, showing how yielding to the multitude, even when justice is known, can lead to terrible outcomes.
bensonExodus 23:2: "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:"
Exodus 23:2 . Thou shalt not follow a multitude — Either their counsel or their example; to do evil — General usage will never excuse us in any ill practice; nor is the broad way ever the safer for its being crowded. We must inquire what we ought to do, not what the most do; because we must be judged by our Master, not our fellow-servants; and it is too great…
pulpitExodus 23:2: "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:"
Verse 2. - Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil. Rather, "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to evil." A law alike for deed, for word, and for thought. The example of the many is to be shunned. "Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat." But "strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which…
This verse isn't just about not following a mob; it warns specifically against letting the "many" influence your judgment, even when you're a witness or a judge. It cautions that even "great men" or those in positions of power can sway decisions unjustly, implying that true justice requires an independent mind, not just going along with popular opinion or influential figures.
This verse is part of a larger section of laws following the Ten Commandments, detailing how the Israelites should conduct themselves justly in society. It directly follows a prohibition against spreading false rumors and precedes commands about fairness in legal proceedings, like not showing partiality to the poor or the rich. The focus is on maintaining integrity in communal life, especially within the judicial system, so that God’s justice is upheld among His people.
This verse is part of a larger section of laws following the Ten Commandments, detailing how the Israelites should conduct themselves justly in society. It directly follows a prohibition against spreading false rumors and precedes commands about fairness in legal proceedings, like not showing partiality to the poor or the rich. The focus is on maintaining integrity in communal life, especially within the judicial system, so that God’s justice is upheld among His people.
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"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," — This verse isn't just about not following a mob; it warns specifically against letting the "many" influence your judgment, even when you're a witness or a judge. It cautions that even "great men" or…
