Exodus 22:23 kjv

If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;

Exodus 22:23 nkjv

If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry;

Exodus 22:23 niv

If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry.

Exodus 22:23 esv

If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry,

Exodus 22:23 nlt

If you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry.

Exodus 22 verses

Exodus 22 23 Meaning

Exodus 22:23 declares God's absolute and certain response to the cry of the vulnerable. If foreigners, widows, or orphans are afflicted in any way, and they cry out to the Lord, He guarantees to hear their plea and intervene. This verse underscores God's nature as a righteous judge and protector of the defenseless, implying swift divine action against those who oppress them.

Exodus 22 23 Context

Exodus chapter 22 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exod 20:22-23:33), given immediately after the Ten Commandments. It details specific laws governing various aspects of Israelite life, emphasizing social justice and communal responsibility. Verses 21-27 particularly focus on the protection of vulnerable groups: foreigners, widows, and orphans, along with laws regarding loans and pledges. This section underscores that ethical and moral behavior, especially towards the powerless, is not separate from their covenant relationship with God but integral to it. Historically, in ancient Near Eastern societies, these groups often lacked legal protection or social support, making them susceptible to exploitation. By enacting these laws, God established Israel as a distinct nation, characterized by divine compassion and justice, differentiating them from surrounding cultures that often neglected or abused the vulnerable. This directly echoes God's character revealed in their deliverance from Egyptian oppression, where He heard their cry (Exod 3:7).

Exodus 22 23 Word analysis

• If (אִם - im): Introduces a conditional statement. It does not imply uncertainty on God's part but rather presents a real possibility of a human action leading to a divine reaction. It sets a clear consequence.
• you afflict (עָנָה - ‘anah): This verb is repeated in the Hebrew (infinitive absolute followed by the imperfect verb – ‘annoh ta‘aneh) emphasizing intensity and certainty: "you shall surely afflict," "you truly oppress." It means to humble, mistreat, oppress, vex, or cause suffering, particularly with an intentional, harsh, or violent quality.
• them: Refers specifically to the groups mentioned in the preceding verses (Exod 22:21-22): the foreigner, widow, and orphan. These are the most marginalized and powerless in society.
• in any way / and they cry at all (אִם־צָעֹק יִצְעַק אֵלַי - im tsa‘oq yits‘aq elay): This also uses the infinitive absolute with the verb (tsa‘oq yits‘aq), translating to "if crying, they should cry," or "they shall certainly cry out." It denotes a desperate, loud, urgent call for help, born out of deep distress. It implies a direct, unmediated appeal to a higher power.
• to me (אֵלַי - elay): Direct and personal. The cry is directed to God Himself. This highlights His direct involvement and personal interest in the plight of the oppressed, underscoring His sovereignty.
• I will surely hear (שָׁמֹעַ אֶשְׁמַע - shamōa‘ ’eshma‘): Again, the infinitive absolute is used with the verb (shamōa‘ ’eshma‘), meaning "hearing, I will hear," or "I will certainly hear." This emphasizes the absolute certainty and attentiveness of God's hearing. It's not just perceiving a sound, but listening intently with a readiness to respond and act effectively.
• their cry (צַעֲקָתָם - tsa‘aqatam): Specifically their urgent appeal. This reinforces the idea that God acknowledges and responds to the very act of distress and seeking help from those He is sworn to protect.

Words-Group Analysis

• "If you afflict them, and they cry out to me": This clause sets up the divine principle of cause and effect. Human action (affliction) directly leads to a victim's desperate plea, which directly reaches God's ear. The emphasis is on the direct consequences of oppression.
• "I will surely hear their cry": This is God's unwavering promise of divine intervention. The emphatic double verb construction signifies the absolute certainty and immediacy of His response. God does not ignore the suffering of the helpless; His hearing is always active and leads to decisive action. This underscores God's active justice and compassionate nature as central to the covenant.

Exodus 22 23 Bonus section

• This verse represents a strong polemic against the often indifferent or capricious gods of surrounding pagan cultures. The God of Israel actively hears the poor and oppressed and promises direct intervention on their behalf, a stark contrast to deities who might require complex rituals or ignore the suffering of the common person.
• The Hebrew text's use of the infinitive absolute for emphasis is a powerful literary device that communicates God's unwavering resolve and certainty in His actions, leaving no room for doubt regarding the consequence of oppression or the efficacy of the victim's cry.
• This verse highlights that God values righteous living, particularly in social interactions, as much as, if not more than, cultic ritual. The well-being of the most vulnerable members of society is a direct indicator of a community's fidelity to God's covenant.
• The cry mentioned (tsa‘aq) often denotes a spontaneous, desperate plea from a heart of deep distress, rather than a formalized prayer. God hears this authentic expression of suffering, regardless of its articulation.

Exodus 22 23 Commentary

Exodus 22:23 is a powerful declaration of God's character and covenant faithfulness. It directly follows commands against oppressing the vulnerable, establishing a foundational truth: mistreatment of the powerless is a direct affront to God. The repeated emphatic verbal structures ("you shall surely afflict," "they shall certainly cry," "I will surely hear") underscore the certainty of the actions described, particularly God's immediate and decisive response. This verse serves as both a stern warning to potential oppressors and a profound assurance to the afflicted. God is not a distant deity but one whose ears are acutely sensitive to the cries of those exploited or marginalized. His "hearing" is synonymous with active intervention and justice. This teaching forms a core pillar of biblical ethics, demonstrating that genuine piety includes concrete actions of justice and compassion towards the weakest members of society, reflecting God's own nature as their ultimate protector.