Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.

EXODUS 23:3KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 23:3 (KJV)

What does Exodus 23:3 mean?

Exodus 23:3 instructs that a judge or decision-maker should not show favoritism to a poor person simply because of their poverty when deciding a legal case. The verse emphasizes that justice should be impartial, not swayed by sympathy for someone’s financial situation.

In this part of Exodus, God is giving laws to the Israelites through Moses, focusing on fair treatment in legal matters. The verse warns against letting compassion for the poor override the facts or fairness in a dispute, balancing other commands that warn against favoring the rich. The goal is equal justice for all, regardless of wealth or status.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 23:3

  • "countenance" (הָדַר, hadar): This word often means to honor or show partiality. Here, it carries the sense of giving special consideration or favor, which the verse forbids in legal decisions.
  • "poor" (דַּל, dal): This term refers to someone who is weak or lacking resources. The verse singles out the poor to make clear that even good intentions—like wanting to help someone disadvantaged—should not lead to unfair rulings.
  • "cause" (רִיב, riv): This word means a legal dispute or case. The context is a courtroom or judgment setting, stressing that the rule applies specifically to legal decisions.

Why Exodus 23:3 matters

  • Exodus 23:3 corrects the idea that justice should always side with the underprivileged; instead, it insists on fairness for everyone, regardless of their social standing.
  • This verse balances other biblical commands that warn against favoring the rich, showing that true justice is not about siding with either the powerful or the powerless, but about impartiality.
  • In the wider context, Exodus 23:3 is part of a series of laws meant to build a just society, where decisions are based on truth and fairness rather than emotion or bias.

Where else these words appear

“countenance” Hebrew H1921 · used in 7 verses

  • Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
  • Proverbs 25:6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
  • Isaiah 63:1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

“poor” Hebrew H1800 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 30:15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
  • Psalms 72:13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
  • Proverbs 28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

“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.