If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
EXODUS 22:23KJVWhat does Exodus 22:23 mean?
Exodus 22:23 warns that if anyone mistreats vulnerable people and those people cry out to God, He will certainly listen to their plea. The verse emphasizes that God is attentive to the suffering of those who are wronged, especially the defenseless.
In this verse, God is speaking through Moses to the Israelites, giving them laws about how to treat others, especially widows and orphans. The situation is about protecting those who have little power in society. The verse stresses that God personally cares about justice and will respond when the oppressed call out to Him.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 22:23
- "afflict" (עָנָה, ‘anah): This word means to oppress, mistreat, or humble someone. Here, it highlights any kind of harm or abuse against the vulnerable.
- "cry" (צָעַק, tsa‘aq): This word means to call out or cry for help, often in distress. It shows that God pays attention to the desperate prayers of those who are suffering.
- "surely hear" (שָׁמַע, shama‘): The Hebrew repeats this word for emphasis, making it clear that God will absolutely listen and not ignore the cry for help.
Why Exodus 22:23 matters
- Exodus 22:23 makes it clear that God is not distant or indifferent to suffering; He is personally involved and responsive when people are mistreated.
- The verse highlights the seriousness with which God views injustice, especially against those who are powerless, setting a strong moral tone for the community.
- By connecting God’s response directly to the cries of the oppressed, the verse warns that mistreating others is not just a social issue but a matter that God Himself will address.