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 delivers a crucial legal injunction within the Mosaic Law, commanding judges and those involved in legal proceedings to refrain from showing partiality or undue favor towards a poor person in their lawsuit. This directive ensures that justice is administered with absolute impartiality, based solely on the merits of the case and the truth of the matter, rather than being swayed by the socio-economic status or perceived vulnerability of an individual. It serves as a vital counterbalance to other biblical commands emphasizing compassion for the poor, underscoring that even virtuous empathy must not be permitted to pervert the course of righteousness and equitable judgment within the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 23:3 is strategically positioned within the "Book of the Covenant" ([Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20-22-23-33 "The Book of the Covenant")), a foundational legal and ethical code immediately following the Ten Commandments given at Mount Sinai. This section elaborates upon the broad moral principles of the Decalogue, translating them into specific civil, social, and religious statutes for the nascent nation of Israel. More precisely, verses 1-9 of chapter 23 constitute a distinct unit focused on the integrity of the judicial system, emphasizing truthfulness, impartiality, and the strict prohibition of bribery and oppression in legal settings. Within this framework, Exodus 23:3 functions as a specific, targeted command designed to prevent a particular form of judicial bias, ensuring that the legal system reflects God's own righteous and just character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, legal disputes were typically resolved by elders at the city gate or by appointed judges, whose role was paramount for maintaining social order and upholding the community's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The Mosaic Law, uniquely among ancient Near Eastern codes, consistently championed the cause of 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 Love for the Vulnerable") and [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Laws of Compassion and Justice")). However, this verse provides a critical nuance: while compassion is a hallmark of God's people, it must not compromise the objective pursuit of truth and justice in a legal setting. It acknowledges the human inclination to be swayed by sympathy for the disadvantaged but firmly asserts that such emotions must not lead to a perversion of judgment. The integrity of the judicial process was essential for Israel to embody God's righteousness among the nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Impartiality**, as God Himself is portrayed as perfectly just and without partiality ([Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God Shows No Partiality")). The command for human judges to reflect this divine attribute underscores the theological truth that all individuals stand equally before God's law. Another key theme is **Legal Integrity**, emphasizing that the judicial system must operate with unwavering honesty and fairness, safeguarding against corruption and bias. This principle is foundational for maintaining social order and reflecting the moral character of the covenant community. Finally, the verse highlights the **Balance of Compassion and Truth**, demonstrating that while God's law mandates deep concern for the poor and vulnerable, this compassion must never override the absolute demand for truth and righteousness in the administration of justice. This tension is crucial for a truly ethical society.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Countenance (Hebrew, _hâdar'_ - H1921):** The KJV phrase "neither shalt thou countenance" translates the Hebrew verb _hâdar_ (הָדַר), which fundamentally means "to swell up," "to favor," or "to honor." In this judicial context, it signifies showing undue deference, preferential treatment, or special regard to someone, thereby "honoring" them in a way that perverts justice. It implies allowing personal sympathy, pity, or even a desire to appear compassionate to sway a judgment away from the objective facts and merits of the case. 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'_ - H1800):** The Hebrew word _dal_ (דַּל) describes someone who is weak, lowly, or impoverished. In ancient Israel, the _dal_ often lacked social standing, influence, and the resources necessary to effectively defend themselves in legal disputes. While other Mosaic laws mandate specific care and provision for the _dal_ in various social and economic contexts, this verse specifically addresses the judicial arena. It clarifies that a person's disadvantaged status does not automatically entitle them to a favorable ruling, nor does it justify a judge's biased decision in their favor. Justice must remain blind to economic standing.
* **Cause (Hebrew, _rîyb'_ - H7379):** The Hebrew term _rîyb_ (רִיב) refers to a contest, a legal dispute, a lawsuit, or a controversy. This word precisely defines the context of the prohibition: it is not about general charity or social aid, but specifically about the administration of justice in a legal setting. The command underscores that the legal system must operate with absolute integrity, ensuring that the outcome of a dispute is determined solely by truth and law, not by the socio-economic status of the litigants or the emotional appeal of their situation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither shalt thou countenance":** This opening phrase is a direct, emphatic negative command, indicating a strict prohibition. The verb _hâdar_ (H1921) here forbids any action or attitude on the part of a judge, witness, or anyone involved in legal proceedings that would grant preferential treatment, undue sympathy, or a biased advantage. It speaks against "honoring" or "lifting up" one party over another based on external factors rather than on the objective truth and legal merits of the case.
* **"a poor man":** The specific object of this prohibition is "a poor man" (_dal_, H1800). This is profoundly significant because, while the Bible elsewhere commands extensive compassion and care for the poor, this verse establishes a critical boundary. It makes clear that while empathy is vital in other spheres of life, it must not be allowed to distort or pervert justice in the courtroom. A poor person's case must stand or fall on its own merits, just like anyone else's, ensuring that the law is applied equally to all.
* **"in his cause":** This concluding phrase specifies the precise domain of the prohibition: a legal dispute, a lawsuit, or any matter requiring formal judgment (_rîyb_, H7379). The command is not about general acts of charity or social welfare, but specifically about the impartial administration of justice within the legal system. It underscores that the integrity of the judicial process demands that outcomes are determined by truth and law, not by the socio-economic status or emotional appeal of the litigants.

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

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command in Exodus 23:3 is a profound statement about the very nature of divine justice, which is inherently impartial, righteous, and unswayed by external circumstances. God Himself is consistently 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 covenant people, particularly those entrusted with the sacred duty of judgment, are called to reflect this divine attribute in their earthly legal systems. This principle ensures that the legal system serves as a bulwark against corruption, favoritism, and bias, upholding truth and righteousness as the ultimate standards, regardless of a person's social standing, wealth, or poverty. It underscores the profound theological truth that all individuals, whether rich or poor, stand equally before God's perfect 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/2-1-9 "James 2:1-9 - Warning Against Partiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 23:3 challenges us to deeply examine our own inherent biases and predispositions, not only in formal legal settings but in every area of life where judgment, decision-making, or influence is exercised. While we are unequivocally called to be compassionate, to advocate for the marginalized, and to care for the vulnerable, this verse serves as a crucial reminder that true justice demands that our decisions be rooted in truth and righteousness, rather than being swayed by emotional appeal, social pressure, or personal sympathy. This principle applies to how we evaluate information, resolve conflicts within our families or communities, lead organizations, or even engage in public discourse. It compels us to cultivate a character that values objective truth above all, ensuring that our genuine desire to help or protect the vulnerable does not inadvertently lead us to overlook facts, excuse wrongdoing, or compromise on fairness. Ultimately, it encourages us to strive for a standard of impartiality that mirrors God's own perfect and unwavering justice, promoting equity and integrity in all our interactions and the systems we uphold.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my personal or professional life might I be tempted to show partiality, either for or against someone, based on their status, background, or perceived vulnerability, rather than on the objective truth?**
* **How can I ensure that my genuine compassion for the needy and marginalized does not inadvertently lead me to compromise on truth or fairness in specific decision-making situations?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater impartiality in my judgments and decision-making processes, whether within my family, workplace, community, or even in my online interactions?**

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

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 profound heart for the disadvantaged and our solemn responsibility to show compassion and provide practical assistance. Exodus 23:3 does not contradict this overarching biblical theme; rather, it provides a crucial clarification within the specific context of legal judgment. It teaches that while compassion should indeed drive our actions in charity, social justice, and personal relationships, it must not be permitted to pervert the course of truth and fairness in a courtroom or any setting where objective judgment is required. Justice must be blind to status, ensuring that both the poor and the rich receive a verdict based solely on the evidence and the established law, not on pity or prejudice. It's about balancing the imperative of compassion with the unwavering demand for righteous and equitable judgment.

**Is this verse only applicable to formal judges in a courtroom setting?**

Answer: While the immediate and primary context of Exodus 23:3 is indeed judicial, the underlying principle of impartiality extends far beyond formal judges to anyone in a position of authority, influence, or decision-making. This includes leaders in business, government officials, teachers, parents, community leaders, 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 integrity and impartiality are required for a just and fair outcome. It calls for a deep-seated commitment to integrity in all our dealings, ensuring that our assessments, evaluations, and decisions are based on truth, merit, and established principles, not on personal bias, emotional appeal, or social standing.

**What does 'countenance' mean in modern English, as used in this verse?**

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 (in this case, being poor) rather than on the objective facts of the matter. Modern translations often render this phrase with greater clarity, using terms such as "show partiality," "show favoritism," or "be biased." For example, the English Standard Version (ESV) translates it as "you shall not be partial to a poor man in his lawsuit," and the New International Version (NIV) says, "Do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit." The core meaning is to avoid allowing sympathy, pity, or any personal bias to sway one's judgment in a legal, evaluative, or decision-making context, thereby ensuring that justice is truly blind.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:3, with its profound demand for impartial justice, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly righteous Judge, whose judgments are always true, just, and never swayed by external appearances, socio-economic status, or human prejudice. 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 perfect equity, seeing beyond the surface to the true condition of the heart ([John 7:24](/john/7-24 "John 7:24 - Judge with Righteous Judgment")). His earthly ministry powerfully demonstrated radical impartiality, as He ministered to the poor and the rich, the outcast and the esteemed, the Jew and the Gentile, without favoritism, always upholding truth and righteousness. The gospel itself is the supreme demonstration of God's impartial justice and boundless grace, offering salvation equally to all who believe, regardless of their background, status, or past deeds ([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 simultaneously "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 divine 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.

Cross-References

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Leviticus 19:15

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.

Psalms 82:2

How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.

Psalms 82:3

Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

Deuteronomy 1:17

Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; [but] ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment [is] God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring [it] unto me, and I will hear it.