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

EXODUS 23:7KJV
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Exodus 23:7 (KJV)

What does Exodus 23:7 mean?

Exodus 23:7 warns people to stay far away from anything false or dishonest, and commands them not to harm or kill those who are innocent or righteous, because God will not declare the wicked to be right. This verse stresses the importance of justice and truth, especially in legal matters.

In this part of Exodus, God is giving laws to the Israelites through Moses, focusing on how they should treat others in court and daily life. The verse addresses judges and witnesses, urging them to avoid lies, protect the innocent, and remember that God does not excuse wrongdoing, even if humans do.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 23:7

  • "far" (רָחַק, rachaq): This word means to keep a great distance, not just physically but also in attitude or involvement. The command is not just to avoid falsehood, but to actively separate oneself from it.
  • "false" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): This refers to something deceptive or untrue, often used for lies in testimony or legal cases. The verse highlights how seriously God takes honesty, especially in matters affecting others’ lives.
  • "innocent" (נָקִי, naqiy) and "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): Both words point to people who have done nothing wrong or who live rightly. The verse makes clear that harming such people is especially serious in God’s eyes.
  • "justify" (צָדַק, tsadaq): This means to declare someone right or in the clear. God says He will not declare the wicked (רָשָׁע, rasha‘) right, even if a human court does, reminding hearers that God’s justice is higher than human judgment.

Why Exodus 23:7 matters

  • Exodus 23:7 clarifies that justice is not just about following procedures, but about protecting the innocent and refusing to support lies, even indirectly.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s standard for justice is higher than human standards; He sees beyond outward appearances and cares about the truth.
  • This command fits into a larger section where God instructs Israel on how to build a just society, showing that fairness and honesty are at the heart of God’s law.