Exodus 23:7

KJV

Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.

KJV (with Strong's)

Keep thee far {H7368} from a false {H8267} matter {H1697}; and the innocent {H5355} and righteous {H6662} slay {H2026} thou not: for I will not justify {H6663} the wicked {H7563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Keep away from fraud, and do not cause the death of the innocent and righteous; for I will not justify the wicked.

Berean Standard Bible

Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.

American Standard Version

Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:7 stands as a cornerstone of biblical jurisprudence within the Mosaic Law, issuing a stern command for absolute truthfulness, unwavering integrity, and impartial justice, particularly within judicial proceedings. It unequivocally prohibits any involvement in deceit or false accusations that could lead to the wrongful condemnation of the blameless, asserting this divine standard by declaring God's own unyielding commitment to justice—He will never declare the wicked innocent. This verse thus establishes the foundational principle that human justice must mirror the perfect righteousness of God, safeguarding life and upholding truth.

### 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 collection of civil and social laws given by God to Israel immediately following the Ten Commandments. This section serves as a practical application of the broader ethical principles outlined in the Decalogue, demonstrating how God's holiness and justice are to be reflected in the daily life and legal framework of the Israelite community. Specifically, [Exodus 23](/exodus/23 "Exodus 23 - Laws of Justice and Mercy") focuses on the administration of justice, emphasizing fairness, mercy, and truthfulness in legal matters. Preceding verses, such as [Exodus 23:1-3](/exodus/23-1-3 "Exodus 23:1-3 - Warnings Against False Reports and Partiality"), warn against spreading false reports and showing partiality, setting the stage for the absolute prohibition against false testimony and judicial murder found in [Exodus 23:7](/exodus/23-7 "Exodus 23:7 - Command Against Falsehood and Unjust Judgment"). This verse directly reinforces and amplifies the ninth commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" ([Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")), extending its scope to the grave consequences of perverting justice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Given at Mount Sinai as Israel transitioned from slavery to nationhood, these laws were designed to establish a distinct, holy society fundamentally different from the surrounding pagan cultures of the ancient Near East. In that era, judicial systems often lacked the rigorous standards of evidence and impartiality that God demanded. Corruption, bribery, and the manipulation of truth were common in local courts, where elders or appointed judges held significant power. God's commands in [Exodus 23](/exodus/23 "Exodus 23 - Laws of Justice and Mercy") represented a radical counter-cultural call to a higher standard of righteousness, directly reflecting His own character. The emphasis on protecting the vulnerable—the poor, the sojourner, the widow, and the orphan—as seen in verses like [Exodus 23:6](/exodus/23-6 "Exodus 23:6 - Do Not Pervert Justice for the Poor") and [Exodus 23:9](/exodus/23-9 "Exodus 23:9 - Do Not Oppress a Sojourner")—was a hallmark of biblical justice, contrasting sharply with the often arbitrary and oppressive legal systems prevalent among Israel's neighbors. The concluding divine declaration, "for I will not justify the wicked," served as a powerful theological underpinning, reminding the Israelites that their judicial system was to mirror the divine standard of perfect, unyielding justice.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 23:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Righteousness**, revealing God's intrinsic nature as one who is perfectly just and cannot tolerate wickedness or falsehood. His character serves as the ultimate blueprint for human ethical and legal conduct. Second, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Obedience and Holiness**, demonstrating that Israel's covenant relationship with God required them to embody His moral attributes in their societal structures and personal interactions. Administering justice fairly and truthfully was a core aspect of their call to be a "holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")). Third, the verse speaks to the theme of **Protection of the Vulnerable**, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the imperative to safeguard the innocent from harm, especially within the legal system. This concern for the marginalized is a recurring motif throughout the Mosaic Law and the prophetic literature. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Truthfulness and Integrity**, establishing that honesty is not merely a social courtesy but a divine command with profound implications for the well-being of the community and the honor of God's name.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **False (Hebrew, _sheqer'_ - H8267):** This term denotes an untruth, deceit, falsehood, or anything sham or lying. In the context of judicial proceedings, it specifically refers to false testimony, perjury, or any deliberate misrepresentation intended to pervert justice. The command to "keep thee far from" such a "false matter" implies not only abstaining from direct participation in deceit but also actively distancing oneself from any situation, person, or system that promotes or tolerates such untruths. It calls for a proactive and deliberate separation from unrighteousness and a commitment to absolute integrity in all public and private dealings.
* **Slay (Hebrew, _hârag'_ - H2026):** This primitive root means "to smite with deadly intent," encompassing actions like destroying, killing, or murdering. In the legal context of this verse, it refers to judicial murder—the act of causing the death or severe harm (including reputation or livelihood) of an innocent person through a perverted legal process, typically by false accusation or unjust judgment. The prohibition "slay thou not" underscores the sanctity of human life and the extreme gravity of miscarrying justice, equating a wrongful conviction leading to death with murder in God's eyes.
* **Justify (Hebrew, _tsâdaq'_ - H6663):** This verb means "to be right," "to be just," or "to declare righteous/innocent." When God declares, "I will not justify the wicked," it signifies His unwavering moral character and His absolute commitment to upholding true justice. It means He will never declare the guilty innocent, acquit them, or treat them as righteous based on their own merit or continued wickedness. This divine principle serves as the ultimate standard for human judges, demanding that they too must not pervert justice by excusing or acquitting the truly guilty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Keep thee far from a false matter":** This is a direct, emphatic command to every Israelite, and by extension, to the community as a whole, to have no part whatsoever in falsehood, especially within legal or public discourse. It encompasses not just bearing false witness but also spreading rumors, engaging in slander, or participating in any form of deception that could lead to an unjust outcome. The phrase "keep thee far" (Hebrew: _râchaq_) suggests a proactive, intentional, and even physical distancing from anything tainted by untruth, highlighting the profound seriousness of integrity and the destructive nature of deceit.
* **"and the innocent and righteous slay thou not":** This clause issues a severe prohibition against judicial murder or the wrongful condemnation and execution of those who are blameless and upright. It underscores the profound sanctity of human life and the absolute imperative for justice to protect the vulnerable members of society. To "slay" (`hârag`) here extends beyond mere physical execution to include the destruction of reputation, livelihood, or social standing through false accusation, leading to an unjust verdict. It emphasizes that justice must be administered with the utmost care and precision to preserve life and uphold righteousness, ensuring that those who are `nâqîy` (innocent, guiltless) and `tsaddîyq` (righteous, just) are protected.
* **"for I will not justify the wicked":** This concluding phrase provides the divine rationale and ultimate motivation for the preceding commands. God Himself declares His unwavering commitment to perfect justice. He will not acquit, declare innocent, or excuse those who are truly guilty of wickedness (`râshâʻ`). This serves as a powerful reminder to human judges and the entire community that their judicial standards must align with God's perfect righteousness. It implies that any human attempt to justify the wicked, whether through bribery, partiality, or false testimony, is a direct affront to God's character and will ultimately be judged by Him. This statement undergirds the entire system of justice, ensuring that divine judgment stands as the final arbiter.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 23:7 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound ethical and theological message. The primary device is **Prohibition**, expressed through direct negative commands ("Keep thee far," "slay thou not"), which unequivocally delineate unacceptable behavior and establish clear moral boundaries. This is powerfully reinforced by **Divine Declaration** in the final clause, "for I will not justify the wicked," where God Himself articulates His unalterable character and judicial standard. This declaration lends ultimate authority, gravity, and theological weight to the preceding human commands, making them non-negotiable. The verse also utilizes stark **Contrast**, setting the "false matter" and the "wicked" against the "innocent and righteous," thereby highlighting the clear moral opposition God demands from His people and the stark choices they must make in upholding justice. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **Ethical Imperative**, presenting a moral command that is not merely arbitrary but is deeply rooted in the very nature and character of God, thereby demanding adherence from His covenant people as a reflection of His own perfect justice and righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 23:7 is a profound theological statement on the very nature of divine justice and the ethical responsibilities incumbent upon God's covenant people. It reveals God as inherently righteous and just, utterly incapable of declaring the guilty innocent or overlooking wickedness. This immutable divine attribute serves as the ultimate standard for all human legal systems, judicial conduct, and personal ethics. The verse emphasizes the sanctity of truth and the paramount importance of protecting the innocent, themes that are central to biblical ethics and resonate throughout the Old and New Testaments. It teaches that true justice is not merely a set of rules or procedures, but a reflection of God's character, demanding that His people uphold truth, condemn falsehood, and safeguard life. This principle of integrity and impartiality is foundational, highlighting the importance of righteousness in all aspects of life, from the courtroom to personal interactions, as a testament to God's unwavering and perfect justice.

* [Deuteronomy 19:16-19](/deuteronomy/19-16-19 "Deuteronomy 19:16-19 - Punishment for False Witness")
* [Proverbs 17:15](/proverbs/17-15 "Proverbs 17:15 - Abomination to the Lord")
* [Isaiah 5:23](/isaiah/5-23 "Isaiah 5:23 - Woe to Those Who Acquit the Guilty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 23:7 issues a timeless and urgent call to a profound commitment to truth and justice in a world that often struggles with deceit, misinformation, and the perversion of righteousness. It challenges believers to actively distance themselves from any "false matter"—whether it manifests as gossip, unverified information, deliberate falsehoods, or manipulative narratives—and to become courageous champions of truth in their personal lives, within their communities, and in the broader public discourse. Furthermore, this command compels us to advocate for and actively participate in systems that genuinely protect the innocent and ensure fair judgment, standing resolutely against corruption, bias, and any form of injustice that would harm the vulnerable or exploit the weak. Our actions, our words, and our advocacy should consistently reflect the unwavering character of God, who is perfectly just and will never justify the wicked. This means cultivating a life of integrity, speaking truth with conviction and compassion, and striving for righteousness in every sphere, knowing that we are called to embody the justice of the Kingdom of God in a fallen and often unjust world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be unknowingly or subtly participating in a "false matter," and what concrete steps can I take to actively distance myself from it?**
* **How can I more effectively advocate for truth and justice in my local community or sphere of influence, especially on behalf of those who are innocent, marginalized, or vulnerable?**
* **How does God's powerful declaration, "I will not justify the wicked," motivate and empower me to live a life of unwavering integrity, courageous truth-telling, and active righteousness?**

### FAQ
**What does "keep thee far from a false matter" mean in practical terms for believers today?**

Answer: This command extends far beyond merely avoiding perjury in a courtroom. Practically, it means actively shunning, refusing to participate in, and even confronting any form of falsehood, deceit, or misinformation in our daily lives. This includes refraining from spreading gossip or rumors, verifying information before sharing it, avoiding dishonest business practices, upholding integrity in all our financial and relational dealings, and resisting the temptation to exaggerate or embellish for personal gain. It calls us to be people of truth, whose words and actions are consistently reliable, honest, and transparent, thereby reflecting the character of God who cannot lie ([Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God Who Cannot Lie")).

**How does God's statement "I will not justify the wicked" relate to the New Testament concept of justification by faith?**

Answer: The phrase "I will not justify the wicked" in [Exodus 23:7](/exodus/23-7 "Exodus 23:7 - God's Unyielding Justice") refers to God's refusal to declare a *factually guilty* person innocent in a legal or moral sense, based on their own deeds or lack of wrongdoing. It underscores His perfect justice and absolute opposition to sin. In contrast, the New Testament concept of justification by faith (e.g., [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith")) speaks of God declaring *sinners* righteous, not based on their own merit or inherent innocence, but solely on the basis of Christ's perfect atoning sacrifice, received through faith. This is a theological declaration of righteousness, where Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death are imputed to believers, allowing a just God to declare the ungodly righteous while remaining perfectly just Himself ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God is Just and the Justifier")). The Exodus passage refers to judicial acquittal of the factually guilty; the New Testament refers to a gracious declaration of righteousness for the spiritually ungodly through Christ's work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:7 finds its most profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the divine standard of justice and righteousness. He is the supremely "innocent and righteous" one ([Luke 23:47](/luke/23-47 "Luke 23:47 - Centurion's Confession")), yet He was unjustly "slain" through a perversion of justice, marked by false accusations and manipulated legal proceedings ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus") and [John 19:1-16](/john/19-1-16 "John 19:1-16 - Jesus Before Pilate")). His crucifixion, though a heinous human act of injustice, was paradoxically God's perfect plan to address the very problem of "wickedness" that God promises not to justify. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, God, who "will not justify the wicked" on their own merit, can now justly "justify the ungodly" ([Romans 4:5](/romans/4-5 "Romans 4:5 - God Justifies the Ungodly")) who place their faith in Him. Jesus, the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bore the full weight of the judgment that the wicked deserve, so that those who believe might be declared righteous in God's sight. He is also the ultimate righteous Judge who will, at the end of time, perfectly execute the promise that God "will not justify the wicked," rendering righteous judgment upon all who have rejected His grace and persisted in unrighteousness ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead") and [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, Christ is both the innocent victim of perverted justice and the divine agent through whom God's perfect justice and justifying grace are fully revealed and reconciled.

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

Ephesians 4:25

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Exodus 23:1

¶ Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

Deuteronomy 27:25

Cursed [be] he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Exodus 34:7

Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].

1 Thessalonians 5:22

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Leviticus 19:11

¶ Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.

Deuteronomy 19:16

If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him [that which is] wrong;