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<!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 22:22 You must not mistreat any widow or orphan.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/22-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/02_Exo_22_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 22:22 - Laws of Social Responsibility" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You must not mistreat any widow or orphan." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script 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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/22-21.htm" title="Exodus 22:21">◄</a> Exodus 22:22 <a href="/exodus/22-23.htm" title="Exodus 22:23">►</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 />&#8220Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“You must not exploit a widow or an orphan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not mistreat any widow or orphan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You shall not oppress any widow or orphan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220You shall not afflict any widow or orphan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“You shall not afflict any widow or orphan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You shall not afflict any widow or orphan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You shall not harm <i>or</i> oppress any widow or fatherless child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“You must not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Do not mistreat widows or orphans. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Never take advantage of any widow or orphan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do not mistreat any widow or orphan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"You are not to mistreat any widow or orphan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"You must not afflict any widow or orphan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"You shall not take advantage of any widow or fatherless child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not mistreat any widow or orphan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“You shall not take advantage of any widow or fatherless child. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You do not afflict any widow or orphan;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Any widow or orphan ye do not afflict;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Every widow and orphan ye shall not afflict.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />You shall not hurt a widow or an orphan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You shall not harm a widow or an orphan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You shall not wrong any widow or orphan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall not abuse any widow or orphan.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You shall not harm any widow or orphan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And do not harm any widow or orphan.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Ye shall hurt no widow or orphan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/22-22.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=5653" 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">21</span>You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. <span class="reftext">22</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 must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6031.htm" title="6031: ṯə·‘an·nūn (V-Piel-Imperf-2mp:: Pn) -- To be bowed down or afflicted. A primitive root; to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive.">mistreat</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">any</a> <a href="/hebrew/490.htm" title="490: ’al·mā·nāh (N-fs) -- A widow. Fem of 'alman; a widow; also a desolate place.">widow</a> <a href="/hebrew/3490.htm" title="3490: wə·yā·ṯō·wm (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- An orphan. From an unused root meaning to be lonely; a bereaved person.">or orphan.</a> </span><span class="reftext">23</span>If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry.…<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="/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/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="/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="/zechariah/7-10.htm">Zechariah 7:10</a></span><br />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="/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="/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="/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="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1-7</a></span><br />In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3-16</a></span><br />Honor the widows who are truly widows. / But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. / The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers. ...<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="/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="/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="/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.</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 afflict any widow, or fatherless child.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18</a></b></br> He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/24-17.htm">Deuteronomy 24:17</a></b></br> Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, <i>nor</i> of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/27-19.htm">Deuteronomy 27:19</a></b></br> Cursed <i>be</i> he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jude/1-16.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/exodus/1-12.htm">Afflict</a> <a href="/exodus/21-22.htm">Child</a> <a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/james/1-27.htm">Fatherless</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-10.htm">Orphan</a> <a href="/genesis/38-11.htm">Widow</a> <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/22-23.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/exodus/22-23.htm">Afflict</a> <a href="/exodus/34-19.htm">Child</a> <a href="/leviticus/7-24.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/exodus/22-24.htm">Fatherless</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Orphan</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-13.htm">Widow</a> <a href="/exodus/23-2.htm">Wrong</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>You must not mistreat</b><br>This command is part of the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, emphasizing justice and compassion. The Hebrew word for "mistreat" implies oppression or affliction. This reflects God's character as a defender of the vulnerable, seen throughout Scripture. The law was given in a time when social structures often left widows and orphans without protection, making them susceptible to exploitation. This command underscores the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, aligning with the broader biblical theme of loving one's neighbor (<a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a>).<p><b>any widow</b><br>Widows in ancient Israel were particularly vulnerable due to the patriarchal society where inheritance and protection were typically provided by male relatives. Without a husband, a widow could easily fall into poverty and social isolation. The Bible frequently mentions God's special concern for widows, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18</a> and <a href="/psalms/68-5.htm">Psalm 68:5</a>, where God is described as a defender of widows. This concern is echoed in the New Testament, where the early church is instructed to care for widows (<a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3-16</a>).<p><b>or orphan</b><br>Orphans, like widows, were among the most vulnerable in society. Without parents, they lacked the familial support necessary for survival and protection. The biblical mandate to care for orphans is a recurring theme, highlighting God's justice and mercy. <a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a> reiterates this concern, defining pure religion as caring for orphans and widows in their distress. This reflects the heart of God, who is described as a "Father to the fatherless" (<a href="/psalms/68-5.htm">Psalm 68:5</a>). The care for orphans and widows is a type of Christ's ministry, who came to seek and save the lost and provide for those without hope.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/widows_and_orphans.htm">Widows and Orphans</a></b><br>In ancient Israel, widows and orphans were among the most vulnerable members of society. Without a husband or father, they often lacked financial support and protection.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelite_society.htm">Israelite Society</a></b><br>The context of this command is within the laws given to the Israelites, a community called to live in covenant relationship with God and to reflect His justice and compassion.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mosaic_law.htm">Mosaic Law</a></b><br>This verse is part of the Mosaic Law, a set of instructions given by God through Moses to guide the Israelites in living a life that honors God and promotes social justice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_heart_for_the_vulnerable.htm">God's Heart for the Vulnerable</a></b><br>God’s command not to mistreat widows and orphans reflects His deep compassion and justice. As believers, we are called to mirror this aspect of God's character by actively caring for those who are vulnerable in our communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/social_responsibility.htm">Social Responsibility</a></b><br>The command underscores the importance of social responsibility. Christians are encouraged to engage in acts of kindness and justice, ensuring that the needs of the marginalized are met.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_justice.htm">Reflecting God's Justice</a></b><br>By protecting and providing for widows and orphans, believers demonstrate the justice and righteousness of God. This is a practical expression of living out our faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a></b><br>The church is called to be a community that supports and uplifts those who are without family support, creating a family-like environment for them.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a></b><br>Obedience to God's commands, such as caring for widows and orphans, is a tangible way to show our love for God and our commitment to His ways.<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/do_they_exploit_widows.htm">Do they exploit and take advantage of widows?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/scriptural_care_for_widows.htm">How should we care for widows according to scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_widows.htm">What guidance does the Bible provide about widows?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_adoption.htm">What does the Bible say regarding adoption?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 22-24.</span> - <span class="accented">Law against oppressing widows and orphans</span>. With the stranger are naturally placed the widow and orphan; like him, weak and defenceless; like him, special objects of God's care. The negative precept here given was followed up by numerous positive enactments in favour of the widow and the orphan, which much ameliorated their sad lot. (See <a href="/exodus/23-11.htm">Exodus 23:11</a>; <a href="/leviticus/19-9.htm">Leviticus 19:9, 10</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/14-29.htm">Deuteronomy 14:29</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/16-11.htm">Deuteronomy 16:11, 14</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/24-19.htm">Deuteronomy 24:19-21</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/26-12.htm">Deuteronomy 26:12, 13</a>.) On the whole, these laws appear to have been fairly well observed by the Israelites; but there were times when, in spite of them, poor widows suffered much oppression. (See <a href="/psalms/94-6.htm">Psalm 94:6</a>; <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a>; <a href="/isaiah/10-2.htm">Isaiah 10:2</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/7-3.htm">Jeremiah 7:3-6</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3</a>; <a href="/zechariah/7-10.htm">Zechariah 7:10</a>; <a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Malachi 3:5</a>; <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Matthew 23:14</a>.) The prophets denounce this backsliding in the strongest terms. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Ye shall not afflict</span>. The word translated "afflict" is of wide signification. including ill-usage of all kinds. "Oppress," and even "vex," are stronger terms. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/22-22.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 must 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">mistreat</span><br /><span class="heb">תְעַנּֽוּן׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯə·‘an·nūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<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">any</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">widow</span><br /><span class="heb">אַלְמָנָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(’al·mā·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_490.htm">Strong's 490: </a> </span><span class="str2">A widow, a desolate place</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or orphan.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיָת֖וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yā·ṯō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3490.htm">Strong's 3490: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bereaved person</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/22-22.htm">OT Law: Exodus 22:22 You shall not take advantage of any (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/22-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 22:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 22:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/22-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 22:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 22:23" /></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>