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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/22-22.htm" title="Exodus 22:22">◄</a> Exodus 22:23 <a href="/exodus/22-24.htm" title="Exodus 22:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If you afflict them in any way, <i>and</i> they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you oppress him at all, <i>and</i> if he does cry out to Me, I will assuredly hear his cry;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“If you afflict him at all, <i>and</i> if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And if you indeed afflict him, <i>and</i> if he earnestly cries out to Me, I will surely hear his cry;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If you harm <i>or</i> oppress them in any way, and they cry at all to Me [for help], I will most certainly hear their cry;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you do mistreat them, they will no doubt cry to me, and I will certainly hear their cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you do mistreat them, they will no doubt cry to Me, and I will certainly hear their cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If thou afflict them at all, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you do, they will beg for my help, and I will come to their rescue. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If you do and they cry out to me, you can be sure that I will hear their cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you do, I, the LORD, will answer them when they cry out to me for help, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If you do mistreat them, they'll certainly cry out to me, and I'll immediately hear their cry. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If you afflict them in any way and they cry to me, I will surely hear their cry,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If you take advantage of them at all, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If thou shalt afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry:<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If you take advantage of them at all, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />if you really afflict him, surely if he cries to Me at all, I certainly hear his cry;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> if thou dost really afflict him, surely if he at all cry unto Me, I certainly hear his cry;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If afflicting, thou shalt afflict him, if crying, he shall cry to me, hearing, I will hear his cry.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If you hurt them they will cry out to me, and I will hear their cry: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If you hurt them, they will cry out to me, and I will hear their cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me, I will surely listen to their cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If you do abuse them, when they cry out to me, I will surely heed their cry;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If you harm them, and they pray before me, I will surely hear their prayer;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And if you trouble them and they pray before me, I shall certainly hear their prayers;<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If thou afflict them in any wise--for if they cry at all unto Me, I will surely hear their cry--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And if ye should afflict them by ill-treatment, and they should cry aloud to me, I will surely hear their voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/22-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=5656" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/22.htm">Laws of Social Responsibility</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/6031.htm" title="6031: ‘an·nêh (V-Piel-InfAbs) -- To be bowed down or afflicted. A primitive root; to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive.">you do mistreat</a> <a href="/hebrew/6031.htm" title="6031: ṯə·‘an·neh (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To be bowed down or afflicted. A primitive root; to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive.">them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/6817.htm" title="6817: ṣā·‘ōq (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To cry, cry out, call. A primitive root; to shriek; to proclaim.">and they cry out</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. ">to Me</a> <a href="/hebrew/6817.htm" title="6817: yiṣ·‘aq (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To cry, cry out, call. A primitive root; to shriek; to proclaim.">in distress,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šā·mō·a‘ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">I will surely hear</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: ’eš·ma‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6818.htm" title="6818: ṣa·‘ă·qā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A cry, outcry. From tsa'aq; a shriek.">their cry.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a></span><br />Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/68-5.htm">Psalm 68:5</a></span><br />A father of the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18</a></span><br />He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/146-9.htm">Psalm 146:9</a></span><br />The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a></span><br />For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-10.htm">Proverbs 23:10-11</a></span><br />Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, / for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">Isaiah 10:1-2</a></span><br />Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, / to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and orphans their plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/7-9.htm">Zechariah 7:9-10</a></span><br />“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. / Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1-8</a></span><br />Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: / “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. / And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/29-12.htm">Job 29:12-13</a></span><br />because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper. / The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Malachi 3:5</a></span><br />“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3</a></span><br />Honor the widows who are truly widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/24-17.htm">Deuteronomy 24:17-18</a></span><br />Do not deny justice to the foreigner or the fatherless, and do not take a widow’s cloak as security. / Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you from that place. Therefore I am commanding you to do this.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If you afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry;</p><p class="hdg">they cry at all</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/15-9.htm">Deuteronomy 15:9</a></b></br> Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/24-15.htm">Deuteronomy 24:15</a></b></br> At his day thou shalt give <i>him</i> his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he <i>is</i> poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/31-38.htm">Job 31:38,39</a></b></br> If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain; … </p><p class="hdg">I will surely</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/34-28.htm">Job 34:28</a></b></br> So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-17.htm">Psalm 10:17,18</a></b></br> LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-6.htm">Psalm 18:6</a></b></br> In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, <i>even</i> into his ears.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/22-22.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/exodus/22-22.htm">Afflict</a> <a href="/exodus/6-9.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/exodus/14-15.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/exodus/21-6.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/exodus/20-19.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">Really</a> <a href="/exodus/22-19.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Way</a> <a href="/exodus/7-11.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/25-14.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-29.htm">Afflict</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-4.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/exodus/22-27.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/exodus/22-27.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/exodus/22-27.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-24.htm">Really</a> <a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/exodus/22-30.htm">Way</a> <a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-1.htm">Of Theft</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-5.htm">Of damage</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Of trespasses</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-14.htm">Of borrowing</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-16.htm">Of fornication</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-18.htm">Of witchcraft</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-19.htm">Of bestiality</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-20.htm">Of idolatry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Of strangers, widows, and fatherless</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-25.htm">Of usury</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-26.htm">Of pledges</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Of reverence to magistrates</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-29.htm">Of the first fruits</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-31.htm">Of torn flesh</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If you do mistreat them</b><br>This phrase addresses the treatment of vulnerable individuals, specifically widows and orphans, as mentioned in the preceding verses. In ancient Israelite society, these groups were particularly vulnerable due to the lack of a male protector or provider. The command reflects God's concern for justice and compassion, emphasizing the moral responsibility of the community to protect and care for those who cannot defend themselves. This principle is consistent with the broader biblical theme of justice for the oppressed, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a> and <a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a>.<p><b>and they cry out to Me in distress</b><br>The act of crying out to God signifies a plea for divine intervention and justice. In the biblical narrative, God is portrayed as a defender of the oppressed and a righteous judge who responds to the cries of those in distress. This is evident in the story of the Israelites in Egypt, where God hears their cries and delivers them from slavery (<a href="/exodus/3-7.htm">Exodus 3:7-9</a>). The phrase underscores the belief that God is attentive to human suffering and responsive to the prayers of those who are wronged.<p><b>I will surely hear their cry</b><br>This assurance of God's attentiveness highlights His role as a just and compassionate deity who is actively involved in the lives of His people. The certainty of God's response serves as both a comfort to the oppressed and a warning to potential oppressors. It reflects the biblical principle that God is not indifferent to injustice and will act on behalf of those who are wronged. This theme is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/34-17.htm">Psalm 34:17</a>, which affirms that God hears the cries of the righteous and delivers them from their troubles. The phrase also foreshadows the ultimate justice and deliverance found in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's compassion and commitment to justice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>- The speaker in this verse, emphasizing His role as a just and compassionate deity who hears the cries of the oppressed.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_oppressed.htm">The Oppressed</a></b><br>- Refers to the vulnerable individuals, such as widows and orphans, mentioned in the surrounding context of <a href="/bsb/exodus/22.htm">Exodus 22</a>, who are at risk of being mistreated.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>- The original audience of the laws given in Exodus, who are being instructed on how to treat the vulnerable members of their society.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>- The location where God delivered the laws to Moses, including this commandment, as part of the covenant with Israel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>- The leader and prophet who received the laws from God and communicated them to the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_compassionate_justice.htm">God's Compassionate Justice</a></b><br>God is deeply concerned with justice and compassion, especially for those who are vulnerable and oppressed. This verse assures us that God hears and responds to their cries.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responsibility_to_the_vulnerable.htm">Responsibility to the Vulnerable</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God's character by caring for and protecting the vulnerable in our communities, such as widows, orphans, and others in distress.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_crying_out_to_god.htm">The Power of Crying Out to God</a></b><br>This passage encourages believers to cry out to God in times of distress, trusting that He hears and will act on behalf of those who are wronged.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_injustice.htm">Consequences of Injustice</a></b><br>The warning in this verse serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of mistreating others, highlighting the importance of living justly and righteously.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_heart.htm">Reflecting God's Heart</a></b><br>Our actions towards the vulnerable should reflect God's heart, demonstrating His love and justice in practical ways in our daily lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_i_find_rest_from_my_burdens.htm">How should we care for widows according to scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_orphans_and_widows_still_suffer.htm">In Psalm 146:9, why do fatherless children and widows still suffer if God truly intervenes on their behalf?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_against_killing_night_thieves.htm">Exodus 22:2-3: Is there evidence outside the Bible supporting or questioning the practice of killing a thief at night but not during the day?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_god_hidden_in_innocent_suffering.htm">If God is omnipresent, why does He appear hidden when the innocent suffer? (Psalm 10:1)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">If thou afflict them sore, and they cry earnestly unto me. </span>On the transgression of the laws against oppression by the later Israelites, see <a href="/jeremiah/5-28.htm" title="They are waxen fat, they shine: yes, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.">Jeremiah 5:28</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/7-6.htm" title="If you oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt:">Jeremiah 7:6</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm" title="Thus said the LORD; Execute you judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.">Jeremiah 22:3</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/22-17.htm" title="But your eyes and your heart are not but for your covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.">Jeremiah 22:17</a>; Zech. 7:20; <a href="/malachi/3-5.htm" title="And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, said the LORD of hosts.">Malachi 3:5</a>; <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm" title="Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayer: therefore you shall receive the greater damnation.">Matthew 23:14</a>, &c. The sword of the Babylonians and the sword of the Romans avenged the sufferers, according to the prophecy of <a href="/exodus/22-24.htm" title="And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.">Exodus 22:24</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And they cry at all unto me</span> Rather, "<span class="accented">Surely</span>, if they cry unto me." Compare <a href="/genesis/31-42.htm">Genesis 31:42</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/22-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you do mistreat</span><br /><span class="heb">עַנֵּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘an·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6031.htm">Strong's 6031: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be bowed down or afflicted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them,</span><br /><span class="heb">תְעַנֶּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṯə·‘an·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6031.htm">Strong's 6031: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be bowed down or afflicted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] they cry out</span><br /><span class="heb">צָעֹ֤ק</span> <span class="translit">(ṣā·‘ōq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6817.htm">Strong's 6817: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shriek, to proclaim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Me</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלַ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in distress,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִצְעַק֙</span> <span class="translit">(yiṣ·‘aq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6817.htm">Strong's 6817: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shriek, to proclaim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will surely hear</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁמֹ֥עַ</span> <span class="translit">(šā·mō·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their cry.</span><br /><span class="heb">צַעֲקָתֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṣa·‘ă·qā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6818.htm">Strong's 6818: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cry, outcry</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/22-23.htm">Exodus 22:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/22-23.htm">Exodus 22:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/22-23.htm">Exodus 22:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/22-23.htm">Exodus 22:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/22-23.htm">Exodus 22:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/22-23.htm">Exodus 22:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/22-23.htm">Exodus 22:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/22-23.htm">Exodus 22:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/22-23.htm">Exodus 22:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/22-23.htm">Exodus 22:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/22-23.htm">OT Law: Exodus 22:23 If you take advantage of them at (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/22-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 22:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 22:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/22-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 22:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 22:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>