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)
The command to not "follow a multitude to do evil" extends beyond just legal settings; it warns against letting popular opinion or the actions of the masses sway you into wrong, even if it feels easier or more comfortable. This isn't just about avoiding crowd mentality in court, but about resisting the pressure to conform to widespread unethical practices in any part of life.
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 larger section detailing laws for justice and ethical conduct within the Israelite community. It directly follows prohibitions against spreading false rumors and acting as a dishonest witness, emphasizing the importance of truth and fairness, especially in legal matters. The commands here warn against succumbing to popular opinion or pressure from influential people when making decisions or giving testimony, particularly when it might lead to injustice.
Ever felt pressured to go along with the group, even when it felt wrong? This ancient command speaks directly to that struggle.
This verse warns against the powerful pull of the crowd, especially when it leads toward wrongdoing. It's not just about avoiding big sins; it's about resisting the subtle influence of popular opinion or behavior that drifts away from what's right.
Why the Crowd is Tricky
In a courtroom or in everyday disagreements, how do we ensure justice isn't twisted?
This command gets very specific about legal settings, but its principles apply to any situation where truth and fairness are at stake. It's a call to personal integrity, especially when giving testimony or making judgments.
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Upholding the Truth
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.
This passage echoes the warning against following the many, highlighting that the path to destruction is broad and populated, while the path to life is narrow and less traveled.
1 Samuel 8:5The Israelites demanded a king like the other nations, following the multitude's desire for conformity, which ultimately led them away from God's direct leadership and justice.
John 18:38When Pilate asked 'What is truth?', he was surrounded by a crowd swayed by popular opinion, ultimately choosing to release Barabbas and condemn Jesus, a stark example of perverting justice to appease the masses.
Galatians 1:10Paul challenges believers not to seek the approval of men, but of God, directly addressing the temptation to align with popular opinion or pressure, even within the church, for fear of reproach.
Romans 12:2This verse calls believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, so that they may discern God's will and not be conformed to the 'patterns of this world,' which often aligns with the majority that does evil.
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…
The command to not "follow a multitude to do evil" extends beyond just legal settings; it warns against letting popular opinion or the actions of the masses sway you into wrong, even if it feels easier or more comfortable. This isn't just about avoiding crowd mentality in court, but about resisting the pressure to conform to widespread unethical practices in any part of life.
This verse is part of a larger section detailing laws for justice and ethical conduct within the Israelite community. It directly follows prohibitions against spreading false rumors and acting as a dishonest witness, emphasizing the importance of truth and fairness, especially in legal matters. The commands here warn against succumbing to popular opinion or pressure from influential people when making decisions or giving testimony, particularly when it might lead to injustice.
This verse is part of a larger section detailing laws for justice and ethical conduct within the Israelite community. It directly follows prohibitions against spreading false rumors and acting as a dishonest witness, emphasizing the importance of truth and fairness, especially in legal matters. The commands here warn against succumbing to popular opinion or pressure from influential people when making decisions or giving testimony, particularly when it might lead to injustice.
"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," — The command to not "follow a multitude to do evil" extends beyond just legal settings; it warns against letting popular opinion or the actions of the masses sway you into wrong, even if it feels easi…
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Last reviewed October 2026