King James Version

What Does Exodus 23:22 Mean?

Exodus 23:22 in the King James Version says “But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adv... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. an adversary: or, I will afflict them that afflict thee

Exodus 23:22 · KJV


Context

20

Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.

21

Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.

22

But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. an adversary: or, I will afflict them that afflict thee

23

For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.

24

Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

This command shapes Israel's covenant community life, applying moral law to social relationships. God's justice concerns everyday matters—truthfulness, fairness, compassion. The accumulation of ordinances creates comprehensive ethic governing Israelite society. These aren't arbitrary rules but revelations of God's character. He is just, merciful, truthful; His people must reflect these attributes. New Testament ethics build on this foundation, radicalizing commands while maintaining their spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Book of the Covenant concludes with liturgical calendar and worship regulations, integrating Israel's civil, moral, and ceremonial life under God's comprehensive rule.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
  2. What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כִּ֣י1 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם2 of 15
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּשְׁמַע֙3 of 15

But if thou shalt indeed

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

תִּשְׁמַע֙4 of 15

But if thou shalt indeed

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּקֹל֔וֹ5 of 15

his voice

H6963

a voice or sound

וְעָשִׂ֕יתָ6 of 15

and do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כֹּ֖ל7 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֲדַבֵּ֑ר9 of 15

all that I speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וְאָֽיַבְתִּי֙10 of 15

unto thine enemies

H341

hating; an adversary

אֶת11 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֹ֣יְבֶ֔יךָ12 of 15

then I will be an enemy

H340

to hate (as one of an opposite tribe or party); hence to be hostile

וְצַרְתִּ֖י13 of 15

unto thine adversaries

H6696

to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)

אֶת14 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

צֹֽרְרֶֽיךָ׃15 of 15

and an adversary

H6887

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive


Study Guide

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 23:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 23:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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