Exodus 23:6

KJV

Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not wrest {H5186} the judgment {H4941} of thy poor {H34} in his cause {H7379}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Do not deny anyone justice in his lawsuit simply because he is poor.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not wrest the justice due to thy poor in his cause.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:6 stands as a powerful mandate within the Mosaic Law, prohibiting the perversion of justice for the poor. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to equity and fairness, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring that their legal rights are upheld without prejudice or distortion. This command is foundational to establishing a righteous community where the judicial system reflects divine character, championing the cause of the disadvantaged against exploitation and corruption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 23:6 is embedded within a broader section of the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22-23:33), specifically addressing judicial ethics and social justice. The preceding verses establish principles for righteous conduct in legal proceedings: a prohibition against spreading false reports ([Exodus 23:1](/exodus/23-1 "Exodus 23:1 - No False Reports")), a warning against following the crowd in doing evil or perverting justice ([Exodus 23:2](/exodus/23-2 "Exodus 23:2 - Do Not Follow the Crowd to Do Evil")), and a directive not to show partiality even to the poor in a lawsuit ([Exodus 23:3](/exodus/23-3 "Exodus 23:3 - Do Not Show Partiality to the Poor")). This immediate context highlights the absolute necessity of impartial justice, emphasizing that while one should not show undue favor to the poor (as that would distort justice), neither should one *wrest* their judgment against them. The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on compassionate justice, including commands to help an enemy's animal ([Exodus 23:4](/exodus/23-4 "Exodus 23:4 - Help Your Enemy's Animal")) and to avoid bribery ([Exodus 23:8](/exodus/23-8 "Exodus 23:8 - Do Not Take a Bribe")), collectively painting a picture of a just and merciful society.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the judicial system was primarily administered at the city gate by elders, judges, or priests, who were responsible for hearing disputes and rendering verdicts. This system, while decentralized, was meant to embody God's righteous character. The poor (`dal`), often landless, lacking powerful family connections, or resources, were inherently vulnerable to exploitation and injustice. Their social standing made them susceptible to having their legitimate claims ignored or twisted by those with more influence or wealth. God's repeated commands throughout the Torah to protect the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the sojourner (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable")) reveal a divine concern for social equity that ran counter to many ancient Near Eastern legal codes, which often favored the wealthy and powerful. This verse, therefore, was a radical declaration of divine justice, ensuring that even the most marginalized had a right to a fair hearing and a just outcome, reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where justice was a cornerstone of their societal structure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wrest (Hebrew, _natah'_):** This verb literally means "to stretch out," "to incline," "to turn aside," or "to bend." In a legal context, it signifies distorting, perverting, or twisting justice away from its rightful course. It implies a deliberate act of manipulation, where the law or the facts are bent to disadvantage one party, specifically the poor. It's not merely an error, but an intentional deviation from truth and equity.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpat'_):** A rich and comprehensive term, _mishpat_ refers to justice, legal right, verdict, ordinance, or the entire judicial process. It encompasses the principles by which justice is administered, the specific legal claim or case, and the righteous outcome. To "wrest the judgment" means to deny the poor person their legitimate legal right or to corrupt the process that should lead to a just verdict for their cause.
* **Poor (Hebrew, _dal'_):** This term refers to someone who is weak, lowly, or economically disadvantaged. Unlike _'ebyon_ (beggar) or _ani_ (afflicted), _dal_ emphasizes a state of being economically or socially weak, making them vulnerable to oppression and exploitation. The command specifically targets the protection of this vulnerable group within the legal system, acknowledging their inherent disadvantage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not wrest":** This is a direct, absolute prohibition, indicating a divine command against the perversion of justice. The negative imperative "Thou shalt not" emphasizes the severity of the act and its complete incompatibility with God's righteous character. It demands active resistance to injustice.
* **"the judgment of thy poor":** This phrase specifies the target of the prohibited action: the legal rights, claims, or verdict due to the poor. It highlights God's particular concern for those who are most vulnerable in society, recognizing that their lack of power or resources makes them easy targets for exploitation within the legal system. The "thy" emphasizes the responsibility of the Israelite community, especially judges and those in authority, to protect their own disadvantaged members.
* **"in his cause":** This refers to the specific legal dispute or case in which the poor person is involved. It underscores that the command applies to practical, real-world scenarios where a poor individual has a legitimate claim or is facing an accusation. Justice must be applied fairly and impartially to their specific situation, ensuring they receive a just hearing and outcome, regardless of their social standing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Direct Command** and **Legal Language** to convey its absolute prohibition. The use of "Thou shalt not" is characteristic of Mosaic Law, emphasizing the divine authority behind the injunction and its non-negotiable nature. This direct address places the responsibility squarely on the individual (or the judicial system) to uphold justice. There is also an element of **Antithesis** when read in conjunction with [Exodus 23:3](/exodus/23-3 "Exodus 23:3 - Do Not Show Partiality to the Poor"), which warns against showing partiality even to the poor. Together, these verses create a balanced understanding of justice: it must be truly blind, neither biased against the poor nor unduly biased *for* them, but always rooted in truth and righteousness. The focus on the "poor" also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting God's consistent concern for the marginalized throughout the Law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 23:6 profoundly reveals God's character as the ultimate arbiter of justice and the champion of the oppressed. It establishes a core theological principle: true righteousness in a community is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable members. God demands a legal system that mirrors His own impartiality and compassion, where the scales of justice are balanced for everyone, regardless of their social or economic standing. This command is not merely a legal statute but a theological declaration that God's covenant people are called to embody His justice in all their dealings, particularly in matters of law and judgment. It underscores the sanctity of individual rights, even for the powerless, and condemns any form of corruption or bias that would deny them their due.

* [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Do Not Pervert Justice")
* [Proverbs 22:22-23](/proverbs/22-22 "Proverbs 22:22-23 - Do Not Oppress the Poor")
* [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice, Defend the Oppressed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 23:6 remains profoundly relevant for individuals and societies today, extending beyond formal legal settings. It calls us to cultivate a heart for justice that actively seeks to protect and advocate for the vulnerable. In our daily lives, this means refusing to take advantage of those in weaker positions, whether in business dealings, social interactions, or community decisions. It compels us to challenge systemic injustices, support initiatives that provide legal aid or resources to the marginalized, and ensure that our own judgments and actions are free from prejudice or bias. For those in positions of authority—whether in government, business, or ministry—it serves as a stark reminder of the sacred trust to administer fairness and equity to all, especially those who cannot advocate for themselves. Ultimately, living out this verse means mirroring God's own character, becoming agents of His impartial justice and compassion in a world too often characterized by exploitation and inequality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community might I be inadvertently "wresting the judgment" of the poor or vulnerable, perhaps through inaction or complacency?**
* **How can I actively advocate for and protect the rights of the marginalized in my sphere of influence, whether personally or systemically?**
* **What biases might I hold that could prevent me from rendering truly impartial judgment in various situations, and how can I address them?**

### FAQ

**What does "wrest the judgment" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: To "wrest the judgment" means to twist, pervert, or distort the legal rights or case of someone, especially the poor. It implies a deliberate act of manipulation or corruption within the judicial process, where the truth or the law is bent to deny a fair outcome. It's not just making a mistake, but actively causing an unjust outcome for the vulnerable party in a legal dispute. This could involve misinterpreting evidence, applying the law unfairly, or allowing bribery or partiality to influence a verdict. The command is against any action that would deny the poor person their legitimate due in a court of law.

**Why does God specifically mention the "poor" in this command?**

Answer: God specifically mentions the "poor" because they were, and often still are, the most vulnerable members of society, lacking the power, influence, and resources to defend themselves effectively in legal disputes. In ancient Israel, the wealthy and powerful could easily exploit the legal system to their advantage, while the poor were often defenseless. God's consistent concern for the marginalized (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Orphan and Widow")) is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, reflecting His own righteous character. This command ensures that His people's judicial system would reflect His justice, protecting those who are most susceptible to injustice and exploitation, thereby establishing a truly equitable society.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:6, with its demand for impartial justice for the poor, finds its ultimate fulfillment and embodiment in Jesus Christ. While the Mosaic Law provided external statutes for a just society, Jesus perfectly modeled and inaugurated the kingdom where true justice and righteousness reign. He consistently identified with the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed, declaring a special blessing upon them ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit"); [Luke 6:20](/luke/6-20 "Luke 6:20 - Blessed Are You Who Are Poor")). His ministry was characterized by defending those whose "judgment" was often "wrested" by the religious and political powers of His day, whether it was the woman caught in adultery ([John 8:1-11](/john/8-1 "John 8:1-11 - The Woman Caught in Adultery")), the tax collectors and sinners ([Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners")), or the sick and outcast. Jesus did not merely uphold the law; He fulfilled it by living out its spirit of radical compassion and justice, demonstrating that true righteousness involves actively seeking the well-being and rights of the vulnerable. His ultimate act of justice was offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice, taking upon Himself the judgment due to humanity, so that all who believe, rich or poor, might receive true spiritual justice and eternal life ([Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Through Him, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to pursue justice and mercy in the world, reflecting the very heart of God for the oppressed ([Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - Act Justly, Love Mercy")).

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.