CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 23:1 "You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/23-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/02_Exo_23_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 23:1 - Justice and Mercy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/23-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/23-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.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/22-31.htm" title="Exodus 22:31">◄</a> Exodus 23:1 <a href="/exodus/23-2.htm" title="Exodus 23:2">►</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/23.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/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“You must not pass along false rumors. You must not cooperate with evil people by lying on the witness stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“You shall not give a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked person to be a malicious witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“You shall not give a false report; you shall not join hands with the wicked to be a malicious witness [promoting wrong and violence].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“You must not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked to be a malicious witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked to be a malicious witness.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thou shalt not take up a false report: put not thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't spread harmful rumors or help a criminal by giving false evidence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thou shalt not take up a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[The LORD continued,] "Never spread false rumors. Don't join forces with wicked people by giving false testimony.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Do not spread false rumors, and do not help a guilty person by giving false testimony. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"You are not to spread a false report, nor are you to join forces with the wicked to be a malicious witness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"You must not give a false report. Do not make common cause with the wicked to be a malicious witness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"You shall not spread a false report. Do not join your hand with the wicked to be an unjust witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“You shall not spread a false report. Don’t join your hand with the wicked to be a malicious witness. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You do not lift up a vain report; you do not put your hand with a wicked man to be a violent witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Thou dost not lift up a vain report; thou dost not put thy hand with a wicked man to be a violent witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not take up a false report: thou shalt not put thy hand with the unjust one to be a witness of wrong.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt not receive the voice of a lie: neither shalt thou join thy hand to bear false witness for a wicked person. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“You shall not accept a lying voice. Neither shall you join your hand so as to give false testimony on behalf on the impious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You shall not repeat a false report. Do not join your hand with the wicked to be a witness supporting violence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with the wicked to act as a malicious witness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />YOU shall not confirm a false report: do not stretch out your hand taking oaths with the guilty to become a false witness for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />You shall not confirm a false report; you shall not stretch your hand with the guilty to be a lying witness for him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thou shalt not utter a false report; put not thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not receive a vain report: thou shalt not agree with the unjust <i>man</i> to become an unjust witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/23-1.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=5732" 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/23.htm">Justice and Mercy</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“You shall not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: ṯiś·śā (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">spread</a> <a href="/hebrew/7723.htm" title="7723: šāw (N-ms) -- Or shav; from the same as show' in the sense of desolating; evil, literally or morally; figuratively idolatry, uselessness.">a false</a> <a href="/hebrew/8088.htm" title="8088: šê·ma‘ (N-msc) -- A hearing, report. From shama'; something heard, i.e. A sound, rumor, announcement; abstractly, audience.">report.</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7896.htm" title="7896: tā·šeṯ (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-2ms) -- To put, set. A primitive root; to place.">join</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rā·šā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">the wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: lih·yōṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">by being</a> <a href="/hebrew/2555.htm" title="2555: ḥā·mās (N-ms) -- Violence, wrong. From chamac; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. Unjust gain.">a malicious</a> <a href="/hebrew/5707.htm" title="5707: ‘êḏ (N-msc) -- A witness. Contracted from uwd; concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. Prince.">witness.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.…<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="/leviticus/19-11.htm">Leviticus 19:11</a></span><br />You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">Deuteronomy 19:16-19</a></span><br />If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, / both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. / The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-5.htm">Proverbs 19:5</a></span><br />A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a></span><br />There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: / haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, / a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-2.htm">Psalm 15:2-3</a></span><br />He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, / who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-17.htm">Proverbs 12:17</a></span><br />He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-5.htm">Proverbs 14:5</a></span><br />An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-28.htm">Proverbs 24:28</a></span><br />Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Matthew 5:11</a></span><br />Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-60</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-56.htm">Mark 14:56-57</a></span><br />For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14</a></span><br />Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” “Do not take money by force or false accusation,” he said. “Be content with your wages.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-8.htm">Luke 19:8</a></span><br />But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/6-13.htm">Acts 6:13</a></span><br />where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-13.htm">Acts 24:13</a></span><br />Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You shall not raise a false report: put not your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.</p><p class="hdg">shalt not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7</a></b></br> Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a></b></br> Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16</a></b></br> Thou shalt not go up and down <i>as</i> a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I <i>am</i> the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">raise or receive.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-20.htm">Deuteronomy 5:20</a></b></br> Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">Deuteronomy 19:16-21</a></b></br> If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him <i>that which is</i> wrong; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/21-10.htm">1 Kings 21:10-13</a></b></br> And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And <i>then</i> carry him out, and stone him, that he may die… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/exodus/21-31.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/exodus/21-4.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-9.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/genesis/49-13.htm">Extend</a> <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Further</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/exodus/18-4.htm">Help</a> <a href="/exodus/1-10.htm">Join</a> <a href="/exodus/20-25.htm">Lift</a> <a href="/3_john/1-10.htm">Malicious</a> <a href="/exodus/14-16.htm">Raise</a> <a href="/genesis/45-16.htm">Report</a> <a href="/genesis/18-21.htm">Reports</a> <a href="/exodus/10-21.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/james/5-16.htm">Statement</a> <a href="/revelation/22-11.htm">Unrighteous</a> <a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Utter</a> <a href="/genesis/49-7.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/exodus/9-27.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/exodus/22-13.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/exodus/23-32.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/exodus/23-2.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-9.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/exodus/25-32.htm">Extend</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-33.htm">Further</a> <a href="/exodus/23-3.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/29-10.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/exodus/23-5.htm">Help</a> <a href="/exodus/26-3.htm">Join</a> <a href="/exodus/40-37.htm">Lift</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">Malicious</a> <a href="/exodus/24-11.htm">Raise</a> <a href="/leviticus/5-1.htm">Report</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-25.htm">Reports</a> <a href="/exodus/25-20.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/exodus/32-5.htm">Statement</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">Unrighteous</a> <a href="/leviticus/5-1.htm">Utter</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/exodus/23-2.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Of slander, false witness, and partiality</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Of charitableness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-6.htm">Of justice in judgment</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Of taking bribes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">Of oppressing a stranger</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-10.htm">Of the year of rest</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Of the Sabbath</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-13.htm">Of idolatry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-14.htm">Of the three feasts</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-18.htm">Of the blood and the fat of the sacrifice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-20.htm">An angel is promised, with a blessing, if they obey him</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/23.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/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You shall not spread a false report.</b><br>This commandment emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity in communication. In the ancient Near Eastern context, spreading false reports could lead to severe consequences, including unjust punishment or social unrest. The Bible consistently condemns lying and deceit (<a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a>, <a href="/colossians/3-9.htm">Colossians 3:9</a>). The Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a>), aligns with this directive, underscoring the value God places on truth. Jesus, who is described as "the way, the truth, and the life" (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>), embodies the ultimate standard of truthfulness that believers are called to emulate.<p><b>Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.</b><br>This phrase warns against complicity in injustice. In biblical times, legal systems relied heavily on witness testimony, making the integrity of witnesses crucial for justice. A malicious witness could pervert justice, leading to the condemnation of the innocent or the acquittal of the guilty. <a href="/proverbs/19-5.htm">Proverbs 19:5</a> states, "A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape." The call to avoid joining the wicked reflects the broader biblical theme of separating oneself from evil influences (<a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a>). Jesus, during His trial, faced false witnesses (<a href="/mark/14-56.htm">Mark 14:56</a>), highlighting the destructive power of deceit and the importance of truth in the pursuit of justice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>- The leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai, including this commandment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>- The people to whom the laws were given, as they journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>- The place where God delivered the Ten Commandments and other laws to Moses.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>- The divine lawgiver who establishes moral and ethical standards for His people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wicked_witnesses.htm">Wicked Witnesses</a></b><br>- Individuals who bear false testimony, which this commandment warns against.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_speech.htm">Integrity in Speech</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to uphold truth and integrity in all our communications. Spreading false reports damages relationships and dishonors God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_gossip.htm">Avoiding Gossip</a></b><br>Gossip can be a form of spreading false reports. We must be vigilant in avoiding conversations that could harm others or distort the truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witnessing_with_righteousness.htm">Witnessing with Righteousness</a></b><br>When called to testify or share information, ensure that your words are truthful and just, reflecting God's righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_listening.htm">Discernment in Listening</a></b><br>Be discerning about the information you receive. Verify facts before accepting or passing them on to others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_impact.htm">Community Impact</a></b><br>Recognize the impact of your words on the community. False reports can sow discord and division, contrary to the unity God desires for His people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_justice.htm">What does the Bible say about justice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_widows.htm">What is the Bible's stance on snitching?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_sensationalism_in_media.htm">What defines sensationalism in media?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/impact_of_slander_on_ties,_reputations.htm">How does slander affect relationships and reputations?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XXIII.</span><p>(1-19) The "miscellaneous laws" are here continued. From <a href="/exodus/23-1.htm" title="You shall not raise a false report: put not your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.">Exodus 23:1</a> to <a href="/exodus/23-9.htm" title="Also you shall not oppress a stranger: for you know the heart of a stranger, seeing you were strangers in the land of Egypt.">Exodus 23:9</a> no kind of sequence in the laws can be traced; from <a href="/exodus/23-10.htm" title="And six years you shall sow your land, and shall gather in the fruits thereof:">Exodus 23:10</a> to the first clause of <a href="/exodus/23-19.htm" title="The first of the first fruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God. You shall not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.">Exodus 23:19</a> there is, on the contrary, a certain connection, since the laws enunciated are concerned with ceremonial observance. The closing law, however, is not ceremonial, but the prohibition of a practice considered to be cruel. On the whole, it may be said that The Book of the Covenant maintains its unsystematic character to the close. (See Note on <a href="/context/exodus/20-22.htm" title="And the LORD said to Moses, Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, You have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.">Exodus 20:22-26</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - The ninth commandment is here expanded and developed. <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt not raise a false report</span>, forbids the origination of a calumny; the other clause prohibits the joining with others in spreading one. Both clauses have a special reference to bearing witness in a court, but neither would seem to be confined to it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/23-1.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">You shall not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spread</span><br /><span class="heb">תִשָּׂ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiś·śā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a false</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֑וְא</span> <span class="translit">(šāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7723.htm">Strong's 7723: </a> </span><span class="str2">Evil, idolatry, uselessness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">report.</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁ֣מַע</span> <span class="translit">(šê·ma‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8088.htm">Strong's 8088: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something heard, a sound, rumor, announcement, audience</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">join</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּ֤שֶׁת</span> <span class="translit">(tā·šeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7896.htm">Strong's 7896: </a> </span><span class="str2">To put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רָשָׁ֔ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā·šā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by being</span><br /><span class="heb">לִהְיֹ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(lih·yōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a malicious</span><br /><span class="heb">חָמָֽס׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·mās)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2555.htm">Strong's 2555: </a> </span><span class="str2">Violence, wrong, by meton, unjust gain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">witness.</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(‘êḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5707.htm">Strong's 5707: </a> </span><span class="str2">A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">OT Law: Exodus 23:1 You shall not spread a false report (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/22-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 22:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 22:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/23-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 23:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 23:2" /></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>