Exodus 23:8

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

Complete Jewish Bible:

You are not to receive a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clearsighted and subverts the cause of the righteous.

Berean Standard Bible:

Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.

American Standard Version:

And thou shalt take no bribe: for a bribe blindeth them that have sight, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And thou shalt take^{H3947} no gift^{H7810}: for the gift^{H7810} blindeth^{H5786} the wise^{H6493}, and perverteth^{H5557} the words^{H1697} of the righteous^{H6662}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Exodus 23:8

**Themes:**

1. **Justice and Integrity:** Exodus 23:8 emphasizes the importance of maintaining justice without corruption. It warns against accepting bribes, which can distort judgment and lead even wise and righteous individuals to make unjust decisions.
2. **Ethical Leadership:** The verse underscores the expectation for leaders and judges to be impartial and uphold the law without favoritism or influence from material gain.
3. **Moral Purity:** It reflects the broader biblical theme that external wealth or gifts should not compromise one's moral integrity or the truthfulness of one's words and actions.

**Historical Context:**

This verse is part of the Covenant Code within the book of Exodus, which contains a series of laws given to the Israelites after their escape from slavery in Egypt. These laws were meant to guide the social, moral, and religious life of the newly forming nation. The historical context suggests that the Israelites were being shaped into a society distinct from those around them, with a strong emphasis on justice and ethical conduct, especially for those in positions of authority.

During this period, the giving and receiving of gifts was a common practice in the ancient Near East, often associated with diplomacy and legal proceedings. However, the instruction in Exodus 23:8 serves as a divine command to resist the prevailing cultural norms that could lead to corruption and injustice within the Israelite community. It reflects God's desire for a just society where the poor and vulnerable are protected from the influence of the wealthy and powerful.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3947
   There are 909 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לָקַח
   Transliteration: lâqach
   Pronunciation: law-kakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win.
   
2. Strong's Number: H7810
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שַׁחַד
   Transliteration: shachad
   Pronunciation: shakh'-ad
   Description: from שָׁחַד; a donation (venal or redemptive); bribe(-ry), gift, present, reward.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5786
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָוַר
   Transliteration: ʻâvar
   Pronunciation: aw-var'
   Description: a primitive root (rather denominatively from עוֹר through the idea of a film over the eyes); to blind; blind, put out. See also עַיִר.
   
4. Strong's Number: H6493
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פִּקֵּחַ
   Transliteration: piqqêach
   Pronunciation: pik-kay'-akh
   Description: from פָּקַח; clear-sighted; figuratively, intelligent; seeing, wise.
   
5. Strong's Number: H5557
   There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סָלַף
   Transliteration: çâlaph
   Pronunciation: saw-laf'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to wrench, i.e. (figuratively) to subvert; overthrow, pervert.
   
6. Strong's Number: H1697
   There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּבָר
   Transliteration: dâbâr
   Pronunciation: daw-baw'
   Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work.
   
7. Strong's Number: H6662
   There are 197 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צַדִּיק
   Transliteration: tsaddîyq
   Pronunciation: tsad-deek'
   Description: from צָדַק; just; just, lawful, righteous (man).