Exodus 23:8

KJV

And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt take {H3947} no gift {H7810}: for the gift {H7810} blindeth {H5786} the wise {H6493}, and perverteth {H5557} the words {H1697} of the righteous {H6662}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to receive a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clearsighted and subverts the cause of the righteous.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt take no bribe: for a bribe blindeth them that have sight, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:8 issues a profound prohibition against the acceptance of bribes, articulating a foundational principle for maintaining integrity and justice within the Israelite community. This divine command underscores the insidious power of a "gift" to corrupt even the most discerning individual, distorting their judgment and twisting the very words of those committed to righteousness. It serves as a timeless warning against any influence that would compromise impartial truth and ethical conduct, particularly within judicial or leadership roles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 23:8 is situated within the "Book of the Covenant," a collection of statutes and ordinances delivered by God to Moses immediately following the Ten Commandments. This section, found primarily in [Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20-22-33 "The Book of the Covenant - Statutes and Ordinances"), provides the practical application of the broader covenant principles for daily life in ancient Israel. Specifically, [Exodus 23](/exodus/23 "Exodus 23 - Laws of Justice and Compassion") focuses heavily on civil and social laws, emphasizing justice, fairness, and compassion, especially towards the vulnerable members of society. Verses preceding this one, such as [Exodus 23:6](/exodus/23-6 "Exodus 23:6 - Do not pervert justice for the poor"), explicitly forbid perverting justice for the poor, setting the stage for the absolute condemnation of bribery as a direct threat to the integrity of the judicial system and the well-being of the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the giving of "gifts" to officials or judges was a common practice, often blurring the lines between legitimate honorariums and outright bribes intended to sway judgment. God's command in [Exodus 23:8](/exodus/23-8 "Exodus 23:8 - Prohibition of Bribery") stands in stark contrast to this prevailing cultural norm, presenting a radical call for judicial purity and ethical governance. The Israelite legal system, unlike many of its contemporaries, was to be founded on divine righteousness and impartiality, reflecting the character of God Himself. Judges and elders, who administered justice at the city gates, were considered representatives of God's justice, making the prohibition against bribery paramount to maintaining the sanctity of the covenant community. This command was crucial for establishing a society where justice was accessible and equitable for all, not just for the wealthy or influential.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive throughout the Book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among them is the theme of **Divine Justice and Righteousness**, emphasizing that God's character demands an uncorrupted and impartial administration of justice among His people. It also reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as obedience to such laws demonstrates Israel's commitment to reflecting God's holiness in their societal structures. Furthermore, the prohibition against bribery underscores the theme of **Protection of the Vulnerable**, as bribery disproportionately harms the poor and powerless who cannot afford to influence judicial outcomes, ensuring that the legal system serves all members of the community equitably.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gift (Hebrew, _shachad'_):** Derived from H7810, this word refers to a donation, which can be venal (a bribe) or redemptive (a present). In the context of this verse, particularly within judicial settings, it almost invariably signifies a bribe—an illicit payment or favor given to corrupt or influence a decision, thereby perverting justice.
* **Blindeth (Hebrew, _ʻâvar'_):** From H5786, this primitive root means "to blind." In this verse, it powerfully conveys the effect of the bribe, implying not merely a temporary obscuring of vision but a fundamental distortion of perception. It causes even those with inherent wisdom or discernment (H6493, _piqqêach_) to lose their ability to see truth and justice clearly, leading them astray from righteousness.
* **Perverteth (Hebrew, _çâlaph'_):** From H5557, this primitive root means "to wrench" or "to subvert." It describes the active corruption or twisting of what is right and true. In the context of "the words (H1697, _dâbâr_) of the righteous (H6662, _tsaddîyq_)," it indicates that bribery can lead to false testimony, misrepresentation of facts, or unjust rulings, thereby undermining the very foundation of righteous judgment and fair legal proceedings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt take no gift":** This is a direct, absolute prohibition. The command is clear and unequivocal, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the acceptance of any form of _shachad_ in the context of judgment or influence. It establishes a non-negotiable standard for judicial and administrative integrity within the Israelite community.
* **"for the gift blindeth the wise":** This clause explains the destructive power of the bribe. It asserts that even individuals possessing wisdom, discernment, and a strong moral compass are susceptible to its corrupting influence. The "gift" acts as a veil, obscuring their ability to perceive truth and render impartial judgment, leading them astray from righteousness and causing them to misinterpret facts or situations.
* **"and perverteth the words of the righteous":** This second consequence highlights the insidious impact of bribery on truth and justice itself. It implies that a bribe can cause those who are inherently righteous, or those who are meant to speak truth (e.g., witnesses, judges, or those giving counsel), to twist their testimony, misrepresent facts, or issue unjust rulings. This directly subverts the very purpose of a just legal system and undermines the integrity of true statements and ethical pronouncements.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 23:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its warning with impactful clarity. **Metaphor** is prominently used in the phrase "the gift blindeth the wise," where the bribe is not literally blinding but metaphorically obscures one's judgment and perception of truth, akin to physical blindness. This vivid image emphasizes the profound and deceptive power of corruption to distort internal moral vision. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** through its two descriptive clauses: "blindeth the wise" and "perverteth the words of the righteous." These two phrases function in tandem, reinforcing the comprehensive destructive impact of bribery on both the individual's discernment and the objective standard of truth. The strong, concise language also lends an air of **Aphorism**, making the statement memorable and universally applicable as a fundamental principle of justice and integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly reflects God's character as a God of perfect justice and righteousness, who cannot be bribed or swayed by human influence, as explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God shows no partiality"). It underscores the theological imperative for His people to mirror His integrity in their societal structures, particularly in the administration of justice. The prohibition against bribery is not merely a legalistic rule but a call to uphold the divine standard of impartiality, ensuring that human systems reflect God's own uncorrupted nature. It highlights the theme of integrity as central to covenant faithfulness, recognizing that corruption undermines the very fabric of a community built on truth and equity, and ultimately dishonors the holy character of God.

* [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Do not pervert justice or show partiality")
* [Proverbs 17:23](/proverbs/17-23 "Proverbs 17:23 - The wicked accept a bribe")
* [Isaiah 1:23](/isaiah/1-23 "Isaiah 1:23 - Corrupt Leaders of Judah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 23:8 serves as a timeless and urgent call to integrity, extending far beyond ancient judicial settings to every sphere of human interaction. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and the systems we operate within, asking whether truth and justice are truly paramount, or if they are subtly compromised by personal gain, favoritism, or external pressures. In a world where influence peddling and corruption remain pervasive, this verse reminds us that true wisdom and righteousness demand an unwavering commitment to impartiality. It compels individuals to resist temptations that would cloud their judgment or twist their words, and it calls societies to establish and uphold structures that safeguard against all forms of undue influence, ensuring that decisions are made based on truth and equity, not on the allure of a "gift." Upholding this principle is not just about avoiding legal infractions, but about preserving the moral fabric of our communities, fostering trust, and honoring the God who is perfectly just in all His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be susceptible to "gifts" (literal or figurative) that could subtly blind my judgment or pervert my words?**
* **How can I actively promote integrity and resist corruption in my personal, professional, and civic spheres, even when it is inconvenient or costly?**
* **What are the consequences, both personal and societal, when the principle of impartial justice is compromised by undue influence, and how can I advocate for systems that uphold righteousness?**

### FAQ

**Why is bribery so strongly condemned in the Old Testament, and how does this apply beyond the judicial context?**

Answer: Bribery is strongly condemned throughout the Old Testament because it directly undermines the foundational principles of God's character—justice, righteousness, and impartiality. For a people called to reflect God's holiness, corrupting the judicial system was an affront to His very nature. It created a society where the poor and vulnerable were exploited, and truth was subverted by self-interest, directly opposing God's command to care for the marginalized, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 27:19](/deuteronomy/27-19 "Deuteronomy 27:19 - Cursed is the one who perverts justice for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow"). Beyond the judicial context, this principle applies to any situation where decisions are made that impact others. This includes business dealings, political leadership, educational institutions, and even personal relationships. Any "gift" or favor that compromises one's ability to act truthfully, fairly, and impartially, whether in a formal or informal capacity, falls under the spirit of this prohibition. It calls for integrity in all forms of leadership and stewardship, ensuring that actions are driven by righteousness rather than personal gain or undue influence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:8, with its stark warning against the corrupting power of bribes, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law exposed the human propensity to pervert justice for gain, Christ perfectly upheld and lived out God's unblemished righteousness. He was the only one who could not be "blinded" or "perverted" by any earthly "gift" or temptation, even when offered all the kingdoms of the world by Satan, as recorded in [Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8-10 "Matthew 4:8-10 - The Temptation of Jesus"). Unlike earthly judges who could be swayed, Jesus rendered perfect, impartial judgment, always speaking the truth and never compromising His Father's will. His entire ministry was characterized by an unwavering commitment to justice for the oppressed and vulnerable, culminating in His righteous sacrifice on the cross, where He bore the full weight of humanity's sin, not through a perverted judgment, but through perfect, divine justice and love, as explained in [Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith"). As the Lamb of God, He was the ultimate "gift" from God to humanity, but one given to redeem, not to corrupt, and His "words" are eternally righteous and true, never to be perverted, as affirmed in [John 1:1-5](/john/1-1-5 "John 1:1-5 - The Word Became Flesh") and [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life"). In Him, we find the absolute standard of integrity and the power to live righteously, free from the blinding and perverting influence of the world's corrupting systems.

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

Deuteronomy 16:19

Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

Proverbs 17:23

¶ A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

Isaiah 5:23

Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!

Proverbs 15:27

¶ He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

1 Samuel 8:3

And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

Proverbs 17:8

¶ A gift [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

Psalms 26:10

In whose hands [is] mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.