Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say to avoid false accusations; it commands us to "keep far from" them, implying a need for active avoidance, not just passive non-participation. This means not only refusing to lie but also strategically distancing ourselves from situations where falsehood might tempt us or where our silence could be misinterpreted as complicity in an unjust outcome.
Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a series of laws within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33) that guide the Israelites on justice and community life. It immediately follows instructions about upholding justice in legal proceedings, specifically forbidding the spread of false reports and corrupt testimony. The surrounding verses continue to address fairness in legal matters and judicial conduct, emphasizing impartiality and integrity in all dealings.
What does it truly mean to 'keep far' from something in God's eyes? This verse isn't just about avoiding lies; it's about actively stepping away from injustice.
The phrase 'false matter' (or 'false cause') points to any situation tainted by dishonesty or injustice. It's not just about not telling a lie, but about refusing to get involved in anything that twists truth or harms others.
Active Avoidance
God's command is to 'keep far' – to actively distance yourself. This means not just avoiding participation but also avoiding even the appearance of wrongdoing. Think of it like avoiding a dangerous cliff edge; you don't just walk near it, you stay well back.
Beyond Mere Words
This applies to all areas of life:
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God's justice is absolute. This verse reveals a powerful connection between how we treat others and how God will treat us.
The second half of the verse, '...for I will not acquit the wicked,' is a divine guarantee and a solemn warning. God Himself is the ultimate judge, and His justice is perfect and unavoidable.
God's Impartiality
God declares that He will not 'justify' (or acquit) the wicked. This means He will not let wrongdoing go unpunished. He sees every sin, every injustice, and every false accusation.
Reflecting God's Character
This divine principle is the foundation for the command to protect the innocent. Because God will not acquit the wicked, His people are called to act justly. If judges or accusers condemn the innocent, they are acting contrary to God's nature and will face His judgment themselves. It's a call for us to mirror God's commitment to righteousness in our own dealings.
Understand the original words
shav · Hebrew Noun
A false report, lie, or slanderous accusation. It is strictly forbidden as it violates the ninth commandment and destroys the integrity of truth.
naqi · Hebrew Adjective
One who is blameless, having committed no crime or wrongdoing. To kill such a person is a heinous violation of God's mandate for the sanctity of life.
tsaddiq · Hebrew Adjective
One who is morally upright, acting in accordance with God’s standard of behavior. They are characterized by faithfulness to the covenant and integrity before God and man.
tsadaq · Hebrew Verb
To declare not guilty, pardon, or hold guiltless. In a legal sense, it implies a judicial verdict of exoneration.
rasha · Hebrew Adjective
One who is morally guilty, acting in opposition to God's will. It describes a person characterized by evil deeds and a rebellious heart.
This passage directly echoes Exodus 23:7 by stating that acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent are both detestable to the Lord, reinforcing the divine imperative for justice.
Deuteronomy 19:16-19This passage elaborates on the command against false testimony, detailing the severe consequences for a false witness, which underscores the seriousness of bringing false charges that could lead to the death of the innocent.
Psalm 106:31This Psalm recounts how Phinehas acted with zealous justice, intervening to stop wrongdoing and being credited for it, illustrating a proactive stance against wickedness that aligns with God's intolerance for the wicked.
Matthew 27:24-25When Pilate washes his hands, he is symbolically distancing himself from the unjust condemnation of Jesus, showing a recognition of guilt and divine judgment, though ultimately failing to act righteously as Exodus 23:7 demands.
1 Kings 21:13This passage describes how Naboth was falsely accused and executed, serving as a tragic Old Testament example of the 'false matter' and the killing of the innocent that Exodus 23:7 warns against.
bensonExodus 23:7: "Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked."
Exodus 23:7 . Keep thee far from a false matter — From assisting or abetting all ill thing. Yea, keep thee far from it, dread it as a dangerous snare. I will not just i fy the wicked — That is, I will condemn him that unjustly condemns others.
pulpitExodus 23:7: "Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked."
Verse 7. - Keep thee far from a false matter. Hold aloof, i.e., from anything like a false accusation. Neither bring one, nor countenance one, else those mayest cause the death of an innocent and righteous man, and bring down on thyself the vengeance of him, who will not justify the wicked.
The verse doesn't just say to avoid false accusations; it commands us to "keep far from" them, implying a need for active avoidance, not just passive non-participation. This means not only refusing to lie but also strategically distancing ourselves from situations where falsehood might tempt us or where our silence could be misinterpreted as complicity in an unjust outcome.
This verse is part of a series of laws within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33) that guide the Israelites on justice and community life. It immediately follows instructions about upholding justice in legal proceedings, specifically forbidding the spread of false reports and corrupt testimony. The surrounding verses continue to address fairness in legal matters and judicial conduct, emphasizing impartiality and integrity in all dealings.
This verse is part of a series of laws within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33) that guide the Israelites on justice and community life. It immediately follows instructions about upholding justice in legal proceedings, specifically forbidding the spread of false reports and corrupt testimony. The surrounding verses continue to address fairness in legal matters and judicial conduct, emphasizing impartiality and integrity in all dealings.
"Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked." — The verse doesn't just say to avoid false accusations; it commands us to "keep far from" them, implying a need for active avoidance, not just passive non-participation. This means not only refusing t…
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Last reviewed October 2026