Exodus 23:2

KJV

Thou shalt not follow a multitude to [do] evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest [judgment]:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not follow {H310} a multitude {H7227} to do evil {H7451}; neither shalt thou speak {H6030} in a cause {H7379} to decline {H5186} after {H310} many {H7227} to wrest {H5186} judgment:

Complete Jewish Bible

Do not follow the crowd when it does what is wrong; and don't allow the popular view to sway you into offering testimony for any cause if the effect will be to pervert justice.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to turn aside after a multitude to wrest justice:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:2 delivers a foundational divine command to ancient Israel, establishing a crucial principle of moral integrity and judicial fairness. It functions as a dual warning against the pervasive danger of succumbing to group pressure, first in general conduct where the majority might incline towards evil, and second, specifically within the legal system, where popular sentiment or the influence of a large group must not be allowed to pervert or corrupt the truth of a judgment. This verse profoundly underscores God's expectation for individual righteousness and unwavering impartiality, even when it necessitates standing courageously against the prevailing tide of popular opinion or collective wrongdoing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the "Book of the Covenant" ([Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20-22-23-33 "Exodus 20:22-23:33 - The Book of the Covenant")), a comprehensive collection of divine statutes given to Moses directly after the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")). This section serves as a practical exposition, detailing how the broad moral principles of the Decalogue are to be applied in the daily life and judicial system of Israel. Specifically, [Exodus 23](/exodus/23 "Exodus 23 - Civil and Social Laws") focuses on civil and social laws, emphasizing justice, equity, and compassion within the covenant community. The preceding verse ([Exodus 23:1](/exodus/23-1 "Exodus 23:1 - Warning Against False Reports")) introduces the theme of judicial integrity by prohibiting the spreading of false reports and dishonest testimony, thereby setting the immediate stage for the prohibition against perverting justice due to popular influence in [Exodus 23:2](/exodus/23-2 "Exodus 23:2 - Do Not Follow a Multitude to Do Evil"). The verses that follow continue to elaborate on laws concerning impartiality in judgment, care for the vulnerable, and the sanctity of oaths, all contributing to God's vision for a righteous society governed by His unwavering standards rather than human corruption or popular whims.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, much like other ancient Near Eastern societies, community consensus and the role of elders at the city gate were significant in legal proceedings. Public opinion could exert immense pressure, making the temptation to "follow a multitude" or "decline after many" a very real and dangerous threat to fair judgment. This command directly addresses this societal vulnerability, reflecting the unique nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel, which demanded a higher standard of ethical and judicial conduct than that of surrounding nations. Unlike other contemporary legal codes that might prioritize social cohesion, the power of the elite, or even the will of the majority, God's law consistently emphasized impartial justice, robust protection for the vulnerable, and an unyielding commitment to truth, even if it meant challenging the consensus of the community. This verse was absolutely critical for establishing a society where individual righteousness and adherence to divine truth were paramount, safeguarding against the dangers of mob rule, tribalism, and corruption within the nascent judicial system of a people called to be a distinct light to the nations ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")).
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 23:2](/exodus/23-2 "Exodus 23:2 - Do Not Follow a Multitude to Do Evil") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Exodus and broader biblical theology. A primary theme is **Divine Justice and Righteousness**, emphasizing that God's character is the ultimate standard for all human conduct, particularly in legal and ethical matters. This verse underscores the **Sovereignty of God's Law** over human opinion, highlighting that truth and morality are not determined by popular vote but by divine revelation. It also strongly promotes **Individual Responsibility and Moral Courage**, calling each Israelite to personal integrity and a willingness to stand for what is right, even when isolated. Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **Holiness and Distinctiveness** for God's people, who are called to live differently from the surrounding nations, resisting their corrupting influences and embodying God's impartial justice in all their dealings ([Leviticus 19:15](/leviticus/19-15 "Leviticus 19:15 - Impartiality in Judgment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Multitude (Hebrew, _rab'_):** This word (H7227) is derived from a root meaning "to abound" and signifies "abundant" in quantity, size, or number. Its use here emphasizes not just a few individuals, but a significant, often overwhelming, number of people. It highlights the inherent danger when popular consensus or widespread practice becomes the de facto standard for behavior, even when that behavior is morally corrupt or leads to evil. The command is specifically against conforming to the *majority* when that majority is engaged in wrongdoing, underscoring the profound truth that righteousness is determined by divine standards, not by popular vote or prevailing cultural norms.
* **Decline (Hebrew, _nâṭâh'_):** This primitive root (H5186) means "to stretch or spread out," but by implication, it also means "to bend away," encompassing moral deflection. In the context of "decline after many," it vividly portrays a deviation from a straight, upright path of truth and justice. It implies a leaning or bending towards the popular opinion or pressure of the crowd, rather than maintaining an unswerving commitment to what is right. This word captures the subtle yet dangerous shift in one's moral or judicial stance under external influence.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This word (H7451) denotes something "bad" or "evil," whether in a natural or moral sense. Here, it specifically refers to moral evil, wickedness, or wrongdoing. When the verse warns against following a multitude "to do evil," it is a direct prohibition against participating in or condoning actions that are contrary to God's righteous character and His revealed law. It underscores that the numerical strength of a group does not legitimize their actions if those actions are inherently evil in God's sight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not follow a multitude to [do] evil":** This initial clause serves as a broad, foundational moral injunction. It prohibits allowing the actions, opinions, or prevailing trends of the majority to dictate one's ethical choices, especially when those choices lead to sin or moral compromise. This command calls for profound individual moral courage and an unwavering adherence to God's law, even if it means standing alone or going directly against the prevailing cultural tide. It firmly establishes that righteousness is defined solely by divine standards, never by popular consensus or the comfort of conformity.
* **"neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest [judgment]":** This second clause applies the general principle of the first to the specific and critical context of legal proceedings and judicial integrity. It explicitly forbids allowing the pressure, desires, or popular sentiment of a large group to influence one's testimony, verdict, or any legal decision, thereby perverting or corrupting justice. Whether one is serving as a witness, a judge, or is otherwise involved in a legal dispute, this command demands absolute impartiality, uncompromising truthfulness, and an unwavering commitment to fairness, irrespective of the parties involved or what the crowd may demand. It acts as a vital safeguard for the integrity of the legal system, protecting it from the destructive forces of mob mentality, tribalism, and corruption.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 23:2 masterfully employs several literary techniques to amplify its profound message. Foremost is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous and antithetical parallelism. The two clauses are syntactically and semantically parallel, with the second clause ("neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest [judgment]") serving as a specific, intensified application of the general principle stated in the first ("Thou shalt not follow a multitude to [do] evil"). This structure reinforces the continuity between general moral conduct and specific judicial integrity. The verse also utilizes **Antithesis**, implicitly setting God's immutable standard of righteousness against the human tendency to conform to popular opinion or succumb to group pressure. This creates a powerful contrast between divine truth and worldly compromise. Furthermore, the phrase "wrest judgment" employs vivid **Imagery** or **Metaphor**, portraying justice as something that can be physically bent, twisted, or turned aside from its straight and true course. This makes the abstract concept of perversion tangible and impactful, underscoring the severe consequences of compromising judicial integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 23:2 is profoundly theological, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over justice and morality. It reveals that God's standard of righteousness is not relative, culturally determined, or subject to popular vote, but is immutable, eternal, and demands individual adherence. The verse emphasizes the paramount importance of personal conviction rooted in divine truth over societal conformity, a theme central to all biblical ethics. It highlights that true justice is intrinsically rooted in God's own character—impartial, truthful, and unwavering—and that God's covenant people are called to embody this very character in all spheres of life, especially in matters of law, public conduct, and personal decision-making. This command reflects God's fervent desire for a holy and distinct community where every individual actively contributes to upholding truth and fairness, rather than allowing the collective to descend into corruption or moral compromise.

This command resonates deeply with several other biblical passages:
* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World") powerfully calls believers to "be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
* [Proverbs 1:10](/proverbs/1-10 "Proverbs 1:10 - Avoid Sinners' Enticement") warns the young, "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not."
* [Leviticus 19:15](/leviticus/19-15 "Leviticus 19:15 - Impartiality in Judgment") directly commands impartiality in legal matters: "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour."
* [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13-14 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow and Wide Gates") illustrates that the path to life is often narrow and traveled by few, contrasting sharply with the broad path that leads to destruction, which many follow.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 23:2 remains profoundly relevant and critically important in contemporary society, perhaps more so than ever before. In an age dominated by instantaneous social media trends, pervasive political polarization, and the often-overwhelming influence of groupthink, this verse serves as a powerful and urgent challenge to cultivate deep personal conviction rooted firmly in biblical truth, rather than being swayed by popular opinion or the loudest voices. It calls us to develop robust moral courage, enabling us to stand resolutely against injustice, unethical practices, or widespread moral compromise, even when doing so makes us unpopular, ostracized, or requires us to courageously go against the prevailing cultural flow. Whether in our personal choices, professional ethics, civic engagement, or online interactions, believers are called to be vigilant agents of truth and justice, steadfastly refusing to let the crowd dictate their moral compass or compromise their God-given integrity. This command powerfully reminds us that God values individual righteousness and an unwavering commitment to fairness above mere consensus, social acceptance, or the comfort of conformity. It encourages us to prayerfully discern God's will and to act with unwavering integrity, knowing that our ultimate accountability is to Him alone, not to any human multitude or fleeting popular sentiment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do popular opinions, social trends, or online echo chambers in my current context challenge my commitment to biblical truth and ethical conduct?**
* **In what specific areas of my life—personal decisions, professional interactions, or civic engagement—am I most susceptible to "following a multitude to do evil" or compromising my integrity due to group pressure?**
* **What practical, actionable steps can I take to cultivate deeper moral courage and consistently stand for justice and truth, even when it means being unpopular, misunderstood, or going against the prevailing tide?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse only about legal settings, or does it apply more broadly?**

Answer: While the second part of the verse, "neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest [judgment]," clearly applies to legal and judicial contexts, the first part, "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to [do] evil," is a general moral injunction. It warns against conforming to popular sinful behavior in any area of life. Therefore, the verse has both a specific application to judicial integrity and a broader, pervasive application to overall moral conduct, urging believers to maintain righteousness regardless of what the majority is doing. This holistic command emphasizes that God's people are to be distinct in their ethical standards, not merely in their legal system, but in every facet of their lives.

**How does this command relate to democratic processes or the concept of majority rule?**

Answer: Exodus 23:2 is not an indictment of democracy or majority rule in principle, but rather a profound warning against the inherent potential for a majority to lead to moral or judicial corruption. It teaches that truth and righteousness are not determined by popular vote or what "everyone else is doing" but by God's unchanging, absolute standards. In a democratic society, this verse challenges believers to be salt and light, actively influencing public opinion towards righteousness rather than simply conforming to it. It encourages active, principled participation that seeks to align societal norms with divine truth, even if it means advocating for unpopular positions. It reminds us that while human systems may rely on consensus, God's kingdom operates on absolute truth and justice ([Psalm 89:14](/psalms/89-14 "Psalm 89:14 - Righteousness and Justice are the Foundation of Your Throne")).

**What if the "multitude" is doing something seemingly good or neutral? Does this verse still apply?**

Answer: The verse specifically warns against following a multitude "to do evil." It does not prohibit joining a large group for a good or neutral purpose. However, the underlying principle of independent moral discernment remains crucial. Even when a multitude appears to be doing good, this verse implicitly encourages believers to critically evaluate all actions based on divine principles, rather than blindly following. The inherent danger lies in the human tendency to conform, which can easily lead to subtle compromise if the group's direction subtly shifts towards evil or away from God's perfect will. Therefore, while not a direct prohibition in such cases, it serves as a perpetual reminder to anchor one's moral compass firmly in God's word and character, not in fleeting popular sentiment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound illustration in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who absolutely refused to "follow a multitude to do evil" or "wrest judgment." Throughout His earthly ministry, from His teachings to His trial, Jesus consistently stood against the prevailing currents of His day, whether it was the legalistic traditions of the Pharisees ([Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23-1-36 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")), the political ambitions of the zealots, or the fickle opinions of the crowd. When the multitude, swayed by manipulative leaders, cried out, "Crucify him!" ([John 19:6](/john/19-6 "John 19:6 - The Cry for Crucifixion")), Jesus remained steadfast in His divine mission and unwavering commitment to truth, refusing to compromise or pervert justice for His own sake. His entire life was a living embodiment of perfect righteousness and unblemished integrity, even unto His sacrificial death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He did not conform to the world's fallen standards but lived in perfect obedience to the Father's will ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). As the spotless Lamb of God, He bore the judgment that humanity justly deserved, thereby demonstrating both perfect justice and boundless mercy ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). For believers, Christ is not only the perfect example to emulate but also the indwelling and empowering Spirit ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")). Through His indwelling presence, we are enabled and empowered to resist the pervasive pressure to conform to the world's evil, to courageously stand for truth and justice, and to walk the narrow path that leads to life, even when it means going against the broad way that many follow ([Matthew 7:14](/matthew/7-14 "Matthew 7:14 - The Narrow Gate")). His kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")), and His followers are therefore called to live as faithful citizens of that kingdom, reflecting His righteous character in every sphere of their lives.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 1:10

¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

Proverbs 1:11

If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

Proverbs 1:15

My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

Luke 23:23

And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

Luke 23:24

And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.

Matthew 27:24

When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it].

Matthew 27:26

¶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered [him] to be crucified.