Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.

EXODUS 22:28KJV
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Exodus 22:28 (KJV)

What does Exodus 22:28 mean?

Exodus 22:28 commands the Israelites not to speak disrespectfully about "the gods" or to curse the leader of their people. The verse sets boundaries for how people should speak about both spiritual authorities and human rulers.

Moses is relaying laws from God to the people of Israel, guiding their behavior as a community. The verse addresses both religious and civil respect, warning against contemptuous speech toward those in positions of authority. In its context, this instruction is part of a larger section on justice and social order in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 22:28

  • "revile" (קָלַל, qalal): This word means to treat lightly, insult, or show contempt. The command is not just about avoiding harsh words, but about refusing to belittle or disrespect.
  • "gods" (אֱלֹהִים, elohim): While often used for the God of Israel, here it is often understood as referring to judges or authorities, not pagan deities. The word can mean "mighty ones" or those who exercise authority.
  • "curse" (אָרַר, arar): This word means to utter a formal curse or pronounce harm. The verse warns against invoking harm or speaking evil against leaders.
  • "ruler" (נָשִׂיא, nasi): This term refers to a leader, chief, or prince among the people. It highlights that the command is about respecting those with responsibility in the community.

Why Exodus 22:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that respect for authority—both spiritual and civil—is a foundational value in the community life of ancient Israel.
  • The use of "elohim" for judges or leaders shows that the Bible sometimes uses words for God to refer to human authorities, emphasizing their responsibility and dignity.
  • By placing this command among laws about justice and fairness, the passage connects respect for leaders with the broader theme of maintaining order and justice in society.

Where else these words appear

“curse” Hebrew H779 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 3:14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
  • Deuteronomy 27:15 Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
  • Joshua 9:23 Now therefore ye are cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.

“revile” Hebrew H7043 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 8:8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
  • 2 Samuel 16:9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.
  • Psalms 109:28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.

“ruler” Hebrew H5387 · used in 120 verses

  • Genesis 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
  • Numbers 7:60 On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered:
  • 2 Chronicles 5:2 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.