Exodus 23:6
“You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in his lawsuit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Exodus 23:6
“You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in his lawsuit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just about not favoring the poor; it's a stern warning against manipulating justice against them because of their poverty. The emphasis on "thy poor" highlights that they are part of the community, entrusted to their care, and their rights must be upheld regardless of their social standing or ability to influence.
This passage is part of a series of laws guiding the Israelites on how to live justly and righteously. Following instructions on proper testimony and not showing favoritism, these verses now address the administration of justice, specifically warning against decisions that unfairly disadvantage the poor or the vulnerable. The prohibition against perverting the judgment of the poor directly follows the command not to take a bribe, highlighting the interconnectedness of honesty and impartiality in legal proceedings.
It's easy to feel sympathy for the underdog. But in God's eyes, even compassion can lead us astray if it compromises justice.
This verse commands us not to 'pervert the justice due to your poor in his lawsuit.' This isn't just about avoiding outright corruption; it's about maintaining absolute impartiality. While we might naturally feel inclined to favor the poor due to their vulnerability, the command here is to give them their due justice, no more and no less. This means not twisting their case to give them an unfair advantage, just as we wouldn't twist it to their disadvantage. True justice means upholding the truth, regardless of the parties' social standing or our emotional responses.
God calls the poor 'your poor.' What does this intimate connection reveal about His heart and our responsibility?
The phrase 'your poor' is significant. It reminds the people of Israel that the poor within their community are not strangers, but part of their shared life and nation. God, who is the ultimate protector of the vulnerable, entrusts their well-being and their right to justice to the community. This isn't merely a legal directive; it's a call to recognize the inherent dignity and value of every person, especially those who are marginalized. Perverting justice for the poor is not just an offense against a person, but a disregard for God's own care for them.
Understand the original words
natah · Hebrew Verb
To twist, distort, or turn aside from what is right. In a legal context, it refers to the deliberate corruption of judicial fairness or moral rectitude.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
The quality of righteousness, equity, and fair judgment according to God's law. It involves upholding the rights of others and acting in accordance with divine standards of truth.
ebyon · Hebrew Noun
The state of being destitute, needy, or lacking social power. Biblically, God commands special protection for the poor to ensure they are not exploited by the powerful.
rib · Hebrew Noun
A legal dispute, controversy, or case. It represents the formal setting in which justice must be administered.
This passage directly parallels Exodus 23:6 by commanding, "You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not show partiality to the poor or favor an))^{''}] "Your God" means God is their protector. This emphasizes that denying justice to the poor is an offense against God Himself, who sees and cares for the vulnerable.
Deuteronomy 1:17This verse echoes the principle of impartial justice, stating, "You shall not show partiality in judgment. You shall listen equally to small and great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment belongs to God." It highlights that justice is a divine responsibility, not influenced by human status or fear.
Job 34:19This verse speaks of God's perfect justice, noting that He "shows no partiality to princes, nor does he regard the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands." This reminds us that God Himself treats everyone equally, setting the standard for human judges.
Proverbs 22:22-23This proverb warns against exploiting the vulnerable: "Do not exploit the poor because they are poor, nor crush the needy in court, for the LORD will plead their cause, and will rob of life those who rob them." It underscores the divine protection over the poor and the severe consequences for those who wrong them.
Amos 5:12clarkeExodus 23:6: "Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause."
Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor - Thou shalt neither countenance him in his crimes, nor condemn him in his righteousness. See Exodus 23:5 , Exodus 23:7 .
bensonExodus 23:6: "Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause."
Exodus 23:6 . Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor — As a judge should beware, lest through motives of compassion, or an affectation of popularity, he be biassed in favour of the poor; so, on the other hand, he must not despise a man because he is poor and without friends: he must not take advantage of his poverty to misrepresent his cause, to refuse to give him an impartial hearing, to strain a point of equity…
This verse isn't just about not favoring the poor; it's a stern warning against manipulating justice against them because of their poverty. The emphasis on "thy poor" highlights that they are part of the community, entrusted to their care, and their rights must be upheld regardless of their social standing or ability to influence.
This passage is part of a series of laws guiding the Israelites on how to live justly and righteously. Following instructions on proper testimony and not showing favoritism, these verses now address the administration of justice, specifically warning against decisions that unfairly disadvantage the poor or the vulnerable. The prohibition against perverting the judgment of the poor directly follows the command not to take a bribe, highlighting the interconnectedness of honesty and impartiality in legal proceedings.
This passage is part of a series of laws guiding the Israelites on how to live justly and righteously. Following instructions on proper testimony and not showing favoritism, these verses now address the administration of justice, specifically warning against decisions that unfairly disadvantage the poor or the vulnerable. The prohibition against perverting the judgment of the poor directly follows the command not to take a bribe, highlighting the interconnectedness of honesty and impartiality in legal proceedings.
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This prophetic denunciation condemns those who "trample on the needy and... exact taxes of grain from him" and "afflict the righteous, take a bribe, and turn aside the needy from justice in the gate." It shows that perverting justice, especially against the poor, was a grave sin that drew God's judgment.
"“You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in his lawsuit." — This verse isn't just about not favoring the poor; it's a stern warning against manipulating justice against them because of their poverty. The emphasis on "thy poor" highlights that they are part…