King James Version
Exodus 23:2 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgmen...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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”
Exodus 23:2 · KJV
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.
If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
KJV Study — Public Domain
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“Thou shalt not follow”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“neither shalt thou speak”
H6030properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“to decline”
H5186to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
“Thou shalt not follow”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
“to decline”
H5186to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
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.
Exodus 23:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Exodus 23:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge