King James Version

What Does Exodus 23:1 Mean?

“Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. raise: or, receive”

Context

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

Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: speak: Heb. answer

Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XXIII. (1-19) The “miscellaneous laws” are here continued. From Exodus 23:1 to Exodus 23:9 no kind of sequence in the laws can be traced; from Exodus 23:10 to the first clause of Exodus 23:19 there is, on the contrary, a certain connection, since the laws enunciated are concerned with ceremonial observance. The closing law, however, is not ceremonial, but the prohibition of a practice considered to be cruel. On the whole, it may be said that The Book of the Covenant maintains its unsystematic character to the close. (See Note on Exodus 20:22-26.) (1) Thou shalt not raise a false report.—The LXX. and Vulg. Translate, “Thou shalt not *receive *a false report”—*i.e., *give it credit, accept it as true, and act upon it. This meaning accords well with the succeeding clause, which forbids our giving support to the false testimony of others. In both clauses the principle of the ninth commandment is extended from principals to accessories.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 23:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.