Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

EXODUS 23:2KJV
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Exodus 23:2 (KJV)

What does Exodus 23:2 mean?

Exodus 23:2 warns against joining a crowd in doing wrong or giving false testimony just because many others are doing so. The verse tells people not to let the majority sway them into twisting justice or making unfair decisions.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to the Israelites through Moses about how to act justly, especially in legal matters. The focus is on personal responsibility: even if a large group is acting unjustly or pressuring someone to go along, each person must stand for what is right and not be influenced by popular opinion or numbers.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 23:2

  • "follow" (אַחֲרֵי, 'acharei'): This word means to go after or follow behind. Here, it highlights the idea of being led by others’ actions rather than making independent, right choices.
  • "multitude" (רַבִּים, rabbim): This word means many or a crowd. The verse specifically warns against the pressure that comes from a large group, not just one or two people.
  • "wrest" (נָטָה, natah): This word means to bend or turn aside. In this context, it describes twisting or distorting justice, not just making a simple mistake but deliberately changing what is right.

Why Exodus 23:2 matters

  • Exodus 23:2 clarifies that being in the majority does not make an action right, especially in matters of justice or truth.
  • The verse emphasizes that justice should not be swayed by popular opinion or social pressure, a principle that is still relevant in legal and everyday decisions.
  • This instruction fits into a larger section where God is teaching the Israelites how to build a fair and honest society, showing that justice depends on integrity, not numbers.

Where else these words appear

“cause” Hebrew H7379 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Job 31:35 Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.
  • Proverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.