Exodus 23:3

KJV

Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither shalt thou countenance {H1921} a poor {H1800} man in his cause {H7379}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the other hand, don't favor a person's lawsuit simply because he is poor.

Berean Standard Bible

And do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.

American Standard Version

neither shalt thou favor a poor man in his cause.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:3 commands Israelite judges and those involved in legal proceedings not to show partiality or undue favor to a poor person in their lawsuit. This instruction ensures that justice is administered impartially, based solely on the merits of the case and the truth, rather than on the socio-economic status or perceived vulnerability of the individual. It serves as a crucial counterbalance to other biblical commands emphasizing compassion for the poor, highlighting that even empathy must not pervert the course of righteousness and equitable judgment within the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 23:3 is situated within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), which immediately follows the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. This section elaborates on the foundational moral and ethical principles of the Decalogue, translating them into specific civil and social laws for the nascent nation of Israel. More precisely, verses 1-9 of chapter 23 form a distinct unit focused on judicial integrity, emphasizing truthfulness, impartiality, and the avoidance of bribery and oppression in legal settings. This particular verse, therefore, functions as a specific directive within a broader framework designed to establish a just and righteous legal system that reflects God's own character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, legal disputes were often settled by elders at the city gate or by designated judges. The judicial system was integral to the community's well-being and its covenant relationship with God. While the Mosaic Law repeatedly emphasizes compassion and protection for the vulnerable, including the poor, the sojourner, the widow, and the orphan (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Care for the Vulnerable") and [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24 "Deuteronomy 24 - Laws of Justice and Compassion")), this verse provides a critical caveat. It acknowledges the human tendency to be swayed by pity or sympathy for the disadvantaged, but firmly asserts that such emotions must not compromise the objective pursuit of truth and justice in a legal setting. The integrity of the judicial process was paramount for maintaining social order and reflecting God's righteousness among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Countenance (Hebrew, _nasa panim'_):** The KJV phrase "neither shalt thou countenance" translates the Hebrew idiomatic expression _nasa panim_ (נָשָׂא פָּנִים), which literally means "to lift up the face" or "to show favor/partiality." In a judicial context, it signifies giving undue weight, preferential treatment, or showing special regard to someone based on their status, condition, or appearance, rather than on the objective facts and merits of their case. It implies allowing personal sympathy or pity to sway a judgment, thereby perverting the course of justice. This command acts as a crucial counterpoint to the general biblical emphasis on compassion for the poor, ensuring that even virtuous intentions do not lead to unrighteous judgment.
* **Poor (Hebrew, _dal'_):** The Hebrew word _dal_ (דַּל) refers to someone who is weak, lowly, or impoverished. In the context of ancient Israel, the poor often lacked social standing, influence, and resources to defend themselves effectively. While other laws command specific care and provision for the _dal_, this verse specifically addresses the judicial context, ensuring that their disadvantaged status does not automatically grant them a favorable ruling, nor does it justify a judge's biased decision in their favor. Justice must be blind to economic standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither shalt thou countenance":** This is a direct, negative command, indicating a prohibition. The KJV's "countenance" captures the essence of showing favor or partiality. It forbids any action or attitude on the part of a judge, witness, or anyone involved in legal proceedings that would grant preferential treatment or undue sympathy. The underlying Hebrew implies a deliberate act of "lifting up" or elevating one party over another, not based on truth but on external factors.
* **"a poor man":** The object of the prohibition is specifically "a poor man." This is significant because the Bible elsewhere frequently commands compassion and care for the poor. However, this verse makes it clear that while compassion is vital in other spheres of life, it must not be allowed to distort justice in the courtroom. A poor person's case must stand or fall on its own merits, just like anyone else's.
* **"in his cause":** This phrase specifies the context: a legal dispute, a lawsuit, or any matter requiring judgment. The command is not about general charity or social aid, but about the administration of justice. It underscores that the legal system must operate with absolute integrity, ensuring that the outcome of a dispute is determined by truth and law, not by the socio-economic status of the litigants.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 23:3 employs **Legal Precept** as its primary literary device, presenting a direct, prescriptive command typical of the Book of the Covenant. It is a concise, unambiguous statement designed to guide judicial conduct. Furthermore, it functions as a form of **Antithesis** or **Balance** within the broader legal framework. While many Mosaic laws emphasize compassion for the vulnerable and the poor, this verse provides a crucial counterpoint, ensuring that such compassion does not inadvertently lead to the perversion of justice. It highlights the principle that true righteousness requires impartiality, even when dealing with those for whom one might naturally feel sympathy. The verse also implicitly uses **Ethical Instruction**, shaping the moral character of the Israelite community by demanding integrity and fairness from its judicial representatives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command in Exodus 23:3 is a profound statement about the nature of divine justice, which is inherently impartial and righteous. God Himself is described as one who "shows no partiality and accepts no bribes" ([Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God's Impartiality")). Therefore, His people, especially those entrusted with judgment, are called to reflect this divine attribute. This principle ensures that the legal system serves as a bulwark against corruption and bias, upholding truth and righteousness as the ultimate standards, regardless of a person's social standing. It underscores the theological truth that all individuals, rich or poor, stand equally before God's law and should, therefore, stand equally before human law.

* [Leviticus 19:15](/leviticus/19-15 "Leviticus 19:15 - Impartiality in Judgment")
* [Deuteronomy 1:17](/deuteronomy/1-17 "Deuteronomy 1:17 - Judges Must Be Impartial")
* [James 2:1-9](/james/2-1 "James 2:1-9 - Warning Against Partiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 23:3 challenges us to examine our own biases and predispositions, not just in formal legal settings, but in all areas of life where judgment, decision-making, or influence is exercised. While we are called to be compassionate and to advocate for the marginalized, this verse reminds us that true justice requires us to base our decisions on truth and righteousness, not on emotional appeal, social pressure, or personal sympathy. This applies to how we evaluate information, resolve conflicts, lead organizations, or even engage in social discourse. It calls us to cultivate a character that values truth above all, ensuring that our desire to help or protect the vulnerable does not lead us to overlook facts or condone wrongdoing. Ultimately, it encourages us to strive for a standard of impartiality that mirrors God's own perfect justice, promoting fairness and integrity in all our interactions and systems.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to show partiality, either for or against someone, based on their status or circumstances rather than on the truth?**
* **How can I ensure that my compassion for the needy does not inadvertently lead me to compromise on truth or fairness in specific situations?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater impartiality in my decision-making processes, whether at home, work, or in my community?**

### FAQ
**Doesn't the Bible command us to care for the poor? How does this verse fit?**

Answer: Yes, the Bible emphatically commands believers to care for the poor, the vulnerable, and the oppressed. Verses like [Deuteronomy 15:7](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7 - Lending to the Poor") and [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Honoring God by Helping the Poor") highlight God's heart for the disadvantaged and our responsibility to show compassion. Exodus 23:3 does not contradict this; rather, it provides a crucial clarification within the specific context of legal judgment. It teaches that while compassion should drive our actions in charity and social justice, it must not pervert the course of truth and fairness in a courtroom. Justice must be blind to status, ensuring that both the poor and the rich receive a verdict based solely on the evidence and the law, not on pity or prejudice. It's about balancing compassion with the unwavering demand for righteous judgment.

**Is this verse only for judges?**

Answer: While the immediate context is judicial, the principle extends beyond formal judges to anyone in a position of authority, influence, or decision-making. This includes leaders in business, government officials, teachers, parents, and even individuals forming opinions or making judgments about others in daily life. The command to "not countenance" someone based on their status applies wherever impartiality is required for a just outcome. It calls for integrity in all our dealings, ensuring that our assessments and decisions are based on truth and merit, not on personal bias or social standing.

**What does 'countenance' mean in modern English?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "countenance" in Exodus 23:3 means to show favor, support, or partiality. It refers to giving someone an unfair advantage or treating them differently based on their condition rather than the facts. Modern translations often render this phrase as "show partiality," "show favoritism," or "be biased." For example, the ESV translates it as "you shall not be partial to a poor man in his lawsuit," and the NIV says, "Do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit." The core meaning is to avoid allowing sympathy or pity to sway one's judgment in a legal or evaluative context.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:3, with its demand for impartial justice, finds its ultimate fulfillment and embodiment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly righteous Judge, whose judgments are always true and never swayed by external appearances or socio-economic status. Unlike human judges who might be tempted to "countenance" the poor out of pity or the rich out of fear, Jesus consistently judged with divine wisdom and equity, seeing beyond the surface to the heart ([John 7:24](/john/7-24 "John 7:24 - Judge with Righteous Judgment")). His ministry demonstrated radical impartiality, as He ministered to the poor and the rich, the outcast and the esteemed, without favoritism, always upholding truth and righteousness. The gospel itself is the ultimate demonstration of God's impartial justice and grace, offering salvation equally to all who believe, regardless of their background or status ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ")). Furthermore, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross provided the righteous basis for God to be both "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness and Justification")), demonstrating that divine justice is perfectly upheld even as mercy is extended to all humanity. As the coming Judge of all the earth, He will execute perfect justice, not swayed by any human condition or plea, but based solely on truth and righteousness ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World Through Christ")).

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.