King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
Complete Jewish Bible:
"You are not to curse God, and you are not to curse a leader of your people.
Berean Standard Bible:
You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.
American Standard Version:
Thou shalt not revile God, nor curse a ruler of thy people.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Thou shalt not revile{H7043} the gods{H430}, nor curse{H779} the ruler{H5387} of thy people{H5971}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Acts 23:5
- Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
Ecclesiastes 10:20
- Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.
Jude 1:8
- ¶ Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Romans 13:2
- Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Romans 13:7
- ¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Exodus 22:8
- If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, [to see] whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods.
Exodus 22:9
- For all manner of trespass, [whether it be] for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, [or] for any manner of lost thing, which [another] challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; [and] whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
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Commentary for Exodus 22:28
Exodus 22:28 is part of a larger section of the book known as the Covenant Code, which contains a series of laws that were to govern the behavior of the Israelites. This verse specifically deals with the prohibition against blasphemy, which is the act of speaking disrespectfully or insultingly about sacred things. The command "Thou shalt not revile the gods" likely refers to the prohibition against blaspheming the name of the Lord, which is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing the respect and reverence due to God.
The second part of the verse, "nor curse the ruler of thy people," reflects the ancient Near Eastern context where rulers were often seen as divinely appointed or even semi-divine figures. Cursing a ruler would not only be an act of insubordination but could also be seen as an affront to the divine order. In the historical context of Exodus, the ruler would have been a leader within the Israelite community, and respect for authority was crucial for maintaining social stability and cohesion.
In summary, Exodus 22:28 addresses the sanctity of both the divine and the civic realms. It underscores the importance of respecting the religious and political structures within ancient Israelite society, reflecting a broader biblical theme of maintaining proper order and reverence in both spiritual and temporal matters. This verse is an early example of the intersection between religious piety and civic duty, a concept that would continue to evolve throughout the biblical narrative and into later Jewish and Christian thought.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H7043
There are 79 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָלַל
Transliteration: qâlal
Pronunciation: kaw-lal'
Description: a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.); abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. - Strong's Number: H430
There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. - Strong's Number: H779
There are 177 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָרַר
Transliteration: ʼârar
Pronunciation: aw-rar'
Description: a primitive root; to execrate; [idiom] bitterly curse. - Strong's Number: H5387
There are 120 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָשִׂיא
Transliteration: nâsîyʼ
Pronunciation: naw-see'
Description: or נָשִׂא; from נָשָׂא; properly, an exalted one, i.e. a king or sheik; also a rising mist; captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. - Strong's Number: H5971
There are 1654 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עַם
Transliteration: ʻam
Pronunciation: am
Description: from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people.