Exodus 23:6 kjv

Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.

Exodus 23:6 nkjv

"You shall not pervert the judgment of your poor in his dispute.

Exodus 23:6 niv

"Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.

Exodus 23:6 esv

"You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in his lawsuit.

Exodus 23:6 nlt

"In a lawsuit, you must not deny justice to the poor.

Exodus 23 verses

Exodus 23 6 Meaning

Exodus 23:6 commands against perverting justice for the poor in their legal disputes. It dictates that judges or those in authority must not twist, obstruct, or deny the due legal rights and fair judgment that even the most vulnerable in society deserve. This principle emphasizes the impartial administration of justice regardless of a person's economic status, ensuring equity in the judicial process.

Exodus 23 6 Context

Exodus 23:6 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22–23:33), which elaborates on the Ten Commandments, providing civil and social laws for the nascent Israelite nation. This section, particularly chapters 21-23, lays out detailed statutes regarding social ethics, justice, and the treatment of various groups within the community, reflecting God's holy character. Verses 1-9 of chapter 23 focus specifically on judicial integrity, commanding fairness and honesty in legal proceedings for all, including witnesses, judges, and litigants. This specific verse, therefore, highlights God's particular concern for the vulnerable in society—the poor—who were often easy targets for exploitation and injustice in ancient legal systems. Historically, judicial decisions were often rendered by elders at the city gate, making transparency and fairness critical for societal trust. This command acts as a fundamental safeguard against corruption and oppression, rooted in God's own righteousness and His covenant relationship with Israel.

Exodus 23 6 Word analysis

• You shall not: The Hebrew phrase לא תטה (lo’ taṭṭeh) begins with לא (lo), meaning "not," a strong negative imperative. תטה (taṭṭeh) is from the root נטה (naṭah), meaning "to incline," "to stretch out," "to bend," "to turn aside." Here, in the hiphil stem, it signifies causing something to bend, turn aside, or pervert. This is a direct, absolute prohibition against any form of deviation from straight judgment.

• pervert: Implied by taṭṭeh. It means to twist, distort, deflect, or deny. It's not just about doing wrong but actively corrupting the process or outcome.

• the justice: The Hebrew word is מִשְׁפַּט (mishpat). This is a foundational theological term, encompassing judgment, legal decision, custom, right, and what is due. It signifies both the process of judging and the just outcome. Mishpat here means what is rightfully deserved and impartially applied according to God's standards.

• due to your poor: אֶבְיוֹנֶךָ (‘evyoneka) – אֶבְיוֹן (‘evyon) refers to a person in deep need, one who lacks, often translated as "poor," "needy," "destitute." It suggests vulnerability and dependence. The suffix ֶךָ (-eka) means "your," implying that the poor individual is part of the covenant community, a neighbor, whose rights are protected by the same God who is "your God."

• in his lawsuit: בְּרִיבֹו (b'rivo) – בְּ (b' ) is the preposition "in." רִיב (riv) means a legal dispute, quarrel, or controversy. The suffix ֹו (-o) means "his." This specifies the context: a legal setting where judgment is pronounced. It highlights that the poor, despite their lack of influence or resources, are entitled to a fair hearing and verdict.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "You shall not pervert the justice": This phrase unequivocally demands judicial integrity. It is a fundamental command for righteous governance and mirrors God's own just character, showing that human systems of law must reflect divine standards. It's a proactive command not merely to avoid injustice but to prevent its onset.
  • "due to your poor in his lawsuit": This critical addition emphasizes a particular demographic that is susceptible to injustice. The poor often lack power, connections, or financial means to secure adequate representation or ensure fairness. God singles them out not to grant them preferential treatment over justice, but to ensure that their vulnerability does not lead to a perversion of justice against them. It affirms their equal standing before the law, directly challenging social norms of the time where status often determined outcome.

Exodus 23 6 Bonus section

The emphasis on "the poor" (אֶבְיוֹן) in this verse, as opposed to simply "the oppressed" (עָנִי), often highlights their specific material deprivation which can directly impact their access to and experience within the legal system. This implies that economic disadvantage must not translate into legal disadvantage. The repeated mention of protecting the marginalized (widow, orphan, stranger, poor) throughout the Pentateuch forms a cornerstone of Israel's covenant ethics, establishing a distinct social fabric compared to surrounding nations. This concern for justice extends beyond the formal courtroom to all aspects of community life, urging individuals to exercise integrity and compassion in their daily dealings, especially towards those who cannot easily defend themselves. Ultimately, perverting justice for the poor is seen as an affront to God Himself, who champions their cause (Psa 140:12).

Exodus 23 6 Commentary

Exodus 23:6 stands as a powerful testament to God's deep concern for justice and the vulnerable. It's not just a legalistic prohibition but a moral imperative rooted in God's righteous character. While some ancient law codes might make concessions for the poor, the uniqueness of this command in the Mosaic Law is its absolute prohibition against any perversion of justice against them, putting them on equal footing with the rich concerning their right to a fair hearing. This divine insistence ensures that courts, acting on God's behalf, champion impartiality. It mandates that a person's lack of economic standing or social influence must never be a reason for them to receive less than what is rightfully due in legal proceedings. This command implies a positive duty for judges to be meticulous, honest, and courageous, defending the poor even against powerful adversaries. It reflects the broader biblical theme that true faith is inseparable from active care and just treatment of those society might otherwise neglect.

• Practical Examples:
  • A judge giving a lighter sentence to a wealthy offender due to connections, while being strict with a poor offender for the same crime.
  • Lawyers purposefully misrepresenting evidence against a poor person because they lack the funds to hire good counsel.
  • A community leader dismissing the valid complaints of a low-income family due to their social standing.