King James Version

What Does Exodus 23:5 Mean?

Exodus 23:5 in the King James Version says “If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him. and: or, wilt thou cease to help him? or, and wouldest cease to leave thy business for him: thou shalt surely leave it to join with him”

Exodus 23:5 · KJV

Context

3

Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.

4

If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

5

If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him. and: or, wilt thou cease to help him? or, and wouldest cease to leave thy business for him: thou shalt surely leave it to join with him

6

Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.

7

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

Read Exodus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.

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.

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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 · 13 words
כִּֽי1 of 13
H3588

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

תִרְאֶ֞ה2 of 13

“If thou see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

חֲמ֣וֹר3 of 13

“the ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

שֹׂנַֽאֲךָ֗4 of 13

“of him that hateth”

H8130

to hate (personally)

רֹבֵץ֙5 of 13

“thee lying”

H7257

to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

תַּ֣חַת6 of 13
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

מַשָּׂא֔וֹ7 of 13

“under his burden”

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

וְחָֽדַלְתָּ֖8 of 13

“and wouldest forbear”

H2308

properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle

תַּֽעֲזֹ֖ב9 of 13

“help”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

ל֑וֹ10 of 13
H0
תַּֽעֲזֹ֖ב11 of 13

“help”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

תַּֽעֲזֹ֖ב12 of 13

“help”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

עִמּֽוֹ׃13 of 13
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

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 23:5 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 23:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 22:4

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