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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 23:7 Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/23-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/02_Exo_23_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 23:7 - Justice and Mercy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Stay far away from a false accusation. 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Never sentence an innocent or blameless person to death, for I never declare a guilty person to be innocent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent or the righteous, for I will not acquit the guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent or the righteous, for I will not acquit the guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent or the righteous, for I will not acquit the guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent or the righteous, for I will not justify the guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Keep far away from a false charge <i>or</i> action, and do not condemn to death the innocent or the righteous, for I will not justify <i>and</i> acquit the guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent and the just, because I will not justify the guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent and the just, because I will not justify the guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't bring false charges against anyone or sentence an innocent person to death. I won't forgive you if you do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Avoid telling lies. Don't kill innocent or honest people, because I will never declare guilty people innocent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do not make false accusations, and do not put an innocent person to death, for I will condemn anyone who does such an evil thing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Stay far away from a false charge, and don't kill the innocent or the righteous, because I won't acquit the guilty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Keep your distance from a false charge--do not kill the innocent and the righteous, for I will not justify the wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous: for I will not justify the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Keep far from a false charge, and don’t kill the innocent and righteous; for I will not justify the wicked. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />you keep far off from a false matter, and you do not slay an innocent and righteous man; for I do not justify a wicked man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> from a false matter thou dost keep far off, and an innocent and righteous man thou dost not slay; for I do not justify a wicked man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />From the word of falsehood thou shalt go far away; and the innocent and the just one thou shalt not kill: for I will not justify the unjust one.<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 fly lying. The innocent and just person thou shalt not put to death: because I abhor the wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You shall flee from lies. The innocent and the just you shall not kill. For I shun 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 keep away from anything dishonest. The innocent and the just you shall not put to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and those in the right, for I will not acquit the guilty.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Keep far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous you shall not slay; for I will not justify the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And keep far away from a lying word, and you shall not kill the innocent ones and the righteous ones, because I do not justify the guilty.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not; for I will not justify the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt abstain from every unjust thing: thou shalt not slay the innocent and just, and thou shalt not justify the wicked for gifts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/23-7.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=5771" 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">6</span>You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7368.htm" title="7368: tir·ḥāq (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To be or become far or distant. A primitive root; to widen, i.e. recede or remove.">Stay far away</a> <a href="/hebrew/8267.htm" title="8267: še·qer (N-ms) -- Deception, disappointment, falsehood. From shaqar; an untruth; by implication, a sham.">from a false</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: mid·də·ḇar- (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">accusation.</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/2026.htm" title="2026: ta·hă·rōḡ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">kill</a> <a href="/hebrew/5355.htm" title="5355: wə·nā·qî (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Clean, free from, exempt. Or naqiyi,; from naqah; innocent.">the innocent</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: wə·ṣad·dîq (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">or the just,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <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.">I will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6663.htm" title="6663: ’aṣ·dîq (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- To be just or righteous. A primitive root; to be right.">acquit</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rā·šā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">the guilty.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.…<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="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Proverbs 17:15</a></span><br />Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous—both are detestable to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a></span><br />Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23</a></span><br />who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-24.htm">Proverbs 24:24</a></span><br />Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”—peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2-4</a></span><br />“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah / Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Leviticus 19:15</a></span><br />You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/27-25.htm">Deuteronomy 27:25</a></span><br />‘Cursed is he who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a></span><br />Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-5.htm">Proverbs 18:5</a></span><br />Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/34-12.htm">Job 34:12</a></span><br />Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-12.htm">Amos 5:12</a></span><br />For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-42.htm">Luke 11:42</a></span><br />Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Romans 1:32</a></span><br />Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-9.htm">James 2:9</a></span><br />But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Keep you far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay you not: for I will not justify the wicked.</p><p class="hdg">far from</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1</a></b></br> Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/19-11.htm">Leviticus 19:11</a></b></br> Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.</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="hdg">the innocent</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/27-25.htm">Deuteronomy 27:25</a></b></br> Cursed <i>be</i> he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.</p><p class="hdg">for I will not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/34-7.htm">Exodus 34:7</a></b></br> Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear <i>the guilty</i>; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth <i>generation</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Proverbs 17:15</a></b></br> He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both <i>are</i> abomination to the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nahum/1-3.htm">Nahum 1:3</a></b></br> The LORD <i>is</i> slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit <i>the wicked</i>: the LORD <i>hath</i> his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds <i>are</i> the dust of his feet.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/16-13.htm">Acquit</a> <a href="/genesis/47-3.htm">Business</a> <a href="/exodus/23-6.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/exodus/22-25.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/exodus/22-31.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/exodus/21-8.htm">False.</a> <a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Far</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/genesis/42-34.htm">Honest</a> <a href="/genesis/44-10.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/genesis/44-16.htm">Justify</a> <a href="/exodus/22-24.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/exodus/22-9.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/exodus/9-27.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/exodus/20-20.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/exodus/22-24.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/exodus/15-8.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/exodus/23-6.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Acquit</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-14.htm">Business</a> <a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/exodus/27-20.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/exodus/23-27.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-13.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-3.htm">False.</a> <a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">Far</a> <a href="/exodus/34-7.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-36.htm">Honest</a> <a href="/numbers/5-31.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-1.htm">Justify</a> <a href="/exodus/29-11.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/exodus/24-14.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/leviticus/5-3.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/exodus/23-33.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/exodus/29-16.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-14.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/leviticus/4-3.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">Yourselves</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>Stay far away from a false accusation.</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity in legal and personal matters. In the ancient Near Eastern context, false accusations could lead to severe consequences, including unjust punishment or death. The command to avoid false accusations aligns with the Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a>). This principle is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a>, where a lying tongue and a false witness are listed among the things the Lord detests. The call to distance oneself from falsehood reflects God's nature as a God of truth (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>) and sets a standard for His people to emulate.<p><b>Do not kill the innocent or the just,</b><br>This directive underscores the sanctity of life and the importance of justice. The prohibition against killing the innocent is rooted in the Sixth Commandment, "You shall not murder" (<a href="/exodus/20-13.htm">Exodus 20:13</a>). In biblical law, the protection of the innocent and just is paramount, reflecting God's justice and righteousness. The story of Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21) serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of violating this command. Jesus Christ, the ultimate innocent and just one, was unjustly condemned and crucified, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>. His sacrifice highlights the gravity of this command and God's ultimate plan for justice and redemption.<p><b>for I will not acquit the guilty.</b><br>This phrase reveals God's character as a just judge who holds individuals accountable for their actions. The assurance that God will not acquit the guilty serves as a warning against injustice and a comfort to those who suffer wrongfully. In the broader biblical narrative, God's justice is a recurring theme, as seen in passages like <a href="/deuteronomy/32-4.htm">Deuteronomy 32:4</a>, which describes God as a "God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He." The ultimate fulfillment of divine justice is found in Jesus Christ, who bore the penalty for sin, allowing believers to be justified before God (<a href="/romans/3-26.htm">Romans 3:26</a>). This phrase assures that while human justice may falter, divine justice will ultimately prevail.<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 the instructions found in <a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm">Exodus 23</a>.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, who were given these laws to guide their conduct and ensure justice within their community.<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, including the instructions in <a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm">Exodus 23</a>.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate judge and lawgiver, who emphasizes justice and righteousness in His laws.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_innocent_and_the_just.htm">The Innocent and the Just</a></b><br>Individuals who are wrongfully accused or harmed, whom God commands to protect.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_speech_and_action.htm">Integrity in Speech and Action</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we must ensure that our words and actions reflect truth and justice. Avoiding false accusations is crucial in maintaining integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_human_life.htm">Value of Human Life</a></b><br>This verse underscores the sanctity of life, reminding us that God values the innocent and just. We are called to protect and uphold the dignity of every person.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice.htm">God's Justice</a></b><br>Trust in God's ultimate justice. While human systems may fail, God promises that He will not acquit the guilty, assuring us of His righteous judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responsibility_to_others.htm">Responsibility to Others</a></b><br>We have a responsibility to stand up for those who are wrongfully accused or oppressed, reflecting God's heart for justice and mercy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Regularly examine your own heart and actions to ensure you are not contributing to injustice or falsehood in any form.<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/how_does_esther_8_11_fit_ot_justice.htm">How does the violent response sanctioned in Esther 8:11 align with broader Old Testament teachings on justice and mercy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_31_5-8_oppose_human_fallibility.htm">Does Job's assertion of moral completeness in Job 31:5-8 conflict with the broader biblical theme of universal human fallibility?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_judgment_on_deceitful_tongues.htm">Psalm 120:2-3 - Is there archaeological or textual evidence that consistently attributes judgment on 'deceitful tongues' in this manner?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_7_8_contradict_romans_3_10.htm">If Psalm 7:8 claims personal righteousness, does this contradict the broader biblical teaching of universal sinfulness (e.g., Romans 3:10)?</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>(7) <span class= "bld">Keep thee far from a false matter.</span>--A false <span class= "ital">accusation </span>seems to be intended. If we make one it may result in an innocent man's death, and we shall be murderers; God will then assuredly hold us guilty.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Keep thee far from a false matter</span>. Hold aloof, <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, from anything like a false accusation. Neither bring one, nor countenance one, else those mayest cause the death of an innocent and righteous man, and bring down on thyself the vengeance of him, who <span class="cmt_word">will not justify</span> <span class="cmt_word">the wicked.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/23-7.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">Stay far away</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּרְחָ֑ק</span> <span class="translit">(tir·ḥāq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7368.htm">Strong's 7368: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become far or distant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from a false</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֖קֶר</span> <span class="translit">(še·qer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8267.htm">Strong's 8267: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deception, disappointment, falsehood</span><br /><br /><span class="word">accusation.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִדְּבַר־</span> <span class="translit">(mid·də·ḇar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַֽל־</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">kill</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּהֲרֹ֔ג</span> <span class="translit">(ta·hă·rōḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smite with deadly intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the innocent</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנָקִ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nā·qî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5355.htm">Strong's 5355: </a> </span><span class="str2">Clean, free from, exempt</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the just,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְצַדִּיק֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṣad·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</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">acquit</span><br /><span class="heb">אַצְדִּ֖יק</span> <span class="translit">(’aṣ·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6663.htm">Strong's 6663: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be just or righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the guilty.</span><br /><span class="heb">רָשָֽׁע׃</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">OT Law: Exodus 23:7 Keep far from a false charge (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/23-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 23:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 23:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/23-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 23:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 23:8" /></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>