Exodus 23:8 kjv

And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

Exodus 23:8 nkjv

And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous.

Exodus 23:8 niv

"Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent.

Exodus 23:8 esv

And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right.

Exodus 23:8 nlt

"Take no bribes, for a bribe makes you ignore something that you clearly see. A bribe makes even a righteous person twist the truth.

Exodus 23 verses

Exodus 23 8 Meaning

Exodus 23:8 delivers a strict prohibition against accepting bribes, explaining that such gifts corrupt judgment, distort perception of truth, and ultimately undermine the just cause of the innocent. It highlights the destructive nature of bribery, showing how it perverts justice even for those who are naturally discerning, leading to the oppression of the righteous. This verse is a foundational principle for ensuring equity and integrity within the legal system and societal interactions.

Exodus 23 8 Context

Exodus 23:8 is embedded within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exod 20:22–23:33), which elaborates on the Ten Commandments given at Mount Sinai. Specifically, verses 1-9 of chapter 23 focus on principles of justice and judicial fairness, setting out laws to govern the people's interaction with the legal system. Following injunctions against bearing false witness, favoring the powerful or the poor in a lawsuit, and even a command to help a stranded enemy’s animal, this verse serves as a crucial safeguard against corruption in judgment. Historically, in the Ancient Near East, many societies experienced widespread corruption in their legal systems, often through "gifts" that swayed outcomes. God’s law for Israel stands in sharp contrast to such practices, establishing a divine standard of justice that mirrors His own righteous and impartial character, emphasizing that every individual's case, regardless of social status, should be judged solely on its merit.

Exodus 23 8 Word analysis

• And you shall take no bribe
  • take (תִּקַּח - tiqqach): Derived from the root לָקַח (laqach), meaning "to take" or "to receive." In this legal context, it specifically refers to receiving something with the intent to influence a decision or outcome, acting as an imperative command not to accept.
  • bribe (שֹׁחַד - shochad): This Hebrew term signifies a gift or present that is offered to pervert judgment or induce a favorable (and unjust) decision. It is distinct from an ordinary gift in its corrupting intent and outcome. The word emphasizes the payment for influence, rather than a genuine expression of goodwill. The absolute prohibition demonstrates that any such inducement, regardless of its form, is seen as morally and legally corrosive.
• for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted
  • for (כִּי - ki): Functions here as a conjunction introducing the reason or explanation for the preceding command. It provides the divine rationale behind the prohibition.
  • blinds (יְעַוֵּר - y'avver): A causative form of the verb עָוַר (avar), meaning "to be blind." This refers not to physical blindness, but to a moral, intellectual, or judicial blindness. It means the bribe obscures one's perception of right and wrong, truth and falsehood. It suggests that even intelligent and discerning individuals (the "clear-sighted") are susceptible to its distorting influence, highlighting the insidious power of corruption.
  • clear-sighted (פִקְחִים - piqchīm): Plural form, from פָּקַח (paqach), meaning "to open the eyes," "to see." This term describes those who are normally perceptive, wise, or possess sound judgment. The verse’s specific mention of the "clear-sighted" underscores that bribery has such potent corrupting power that it can compromise even the most discerning individuals, preventing them from seeing the truth or acting justly. This makes the sin of bribery particularly dangerous for society.
• and subverts the cause of the righteous
  • subverts (וִיסַלֵּף - wīsallēf): From סָלַף (salaph), meaning "to twist," "to pervert," "to overturn," or "to distort." This verb describes a forceful distortion of what is correct or upright. It implies a complete reversal or undermining of justice, leading to a warped outcome.
  • cause (דִּבְרֵי - divrê): From דָּבָר (davar), which has a broad range of meanings including "word," "matter," "thing," "affair," or "case." In this context, it refers to the legal case, the plea, or the rightful claim of an individual.
  • righteous (צַדִּיקִים - tzaddiqīm): Plural of צַדִּיק (tzaddiq), meaning "righteous one" or "just one." Here, it refers to innocent parties or those whose cause is inherently just and true.

Exodus 23 8 Bonus section

The repeated emphasis on prohibiting bribery throughout the Pentateuch, particularly in Deuteronomy (Deut 10:17, 16:19), highlights its paramount importance for the moral and functional health of the Israelite judiciary and, by extension, the entire community. The divine instruction moves beyond simple prohibition by providing the reason for the command, instructing God's people not just on what to do, but why it is necessary—a common feature of God’s laws that distinguishes them from many other ancient codes. The concept of "bribe" is expansive; while it primarily denotes financial corruption in judicial settings, its principle extends to any form of undue influence or favoritism that compromises objectivity and fairness in decision-making, including personal bias, cronyism, or exploitation of one's position for advantage. The clarity and precision of this law aimed to establish a radical standard of justice that would set God's people apart as a holy nation reflecting His righteous character to the world.

Exodus 23 8 Commentary

Exodus 23:8 encapsulates a fundamental ethical demand of God's covenant with Israel: justice must be uncompromised. The absolute prohibition against taking a שֹׁחַד (shochad) or bribe reveals God’s intolerance for corruption in any form, especially within the sacred realm of justice. The immediate and tangible reason provided—that a bribe "blinds the clear-sighted" and "subverts the cause of the righteous"—serves as a timeless warning. It acknowledges the potent, insidious nature of financial or material gain to warp judgment, not only for the undiscerning but even for those expected to possess wisdom and integrity.

The divine standard for a righteous judge or official is impartiality, reflecting the very character of God Himself (Deut 10:17). A bribe attacks this foundation by replacing truth with self-interest, thereby dismantling the trust essential for societal cohesion. When justice can be bought, the innocent suffer, the guilty go unpunished, and the vulnerable are systematically oppressed, leading to chaos and a complete disregard for divine order. This command therefore protects the social fabric of Israel, ensuring that every citizen has access to equitable judgment and preventing the corrupt practices prevalent in surrounding pagan nations. In practical terms, this verse demands that individuals in positions of influence or power maintain utmost integrity, rejecting any inducement that could compromise their duty to uphold truth and righteousness.