Exodus Chapter 22 · Verse 23
If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
Original Language Analysis
אִם
If
H518
אִם
If
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 12
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תְעַנֶּ֖ה
them in any wise
H6031
תְעַנֶּ֖ה
them in any wise
Strong's:
H6031
Word #:
2 of 12
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
תְעַנֶּ֖ה
them in any wise
H6031
תְעַנֶּ֖ה
them in any wise
Strong's:
H6031
Word #:
3 of 12
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
אֹת֑וֹ
H853
אֹת֑וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
If
H518
אִם
If
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 12
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יִצְעַק֙
and they cry
H6817
יִצְעַק֙
and they cry
Strong's:
H6817
Word #:
7 of 12
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
יִצְעַק֙
and they cry
H6817
יִצְעַק֙
and they cry
Strong's:
H6817
Word #:
8 of 12
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
אֶשְׁמַ֖ע
hear
H8085
אֶשְׁמַ֖ע
hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
10 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Cross References
Psalms 18:6In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.Job 34:28So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.Luke 18:7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?Job 35:9By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.Deuteronomy 15:9Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.James 5:4Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.Psalms 145:19He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
Historical Context
These civil regulations distinguished Israel from surrounding nations, creating a society reflecting God's justice. The laws balance individual rights with community welfare, property rights with compassion for the poor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Analysis & Commentary
If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
This ordinance reveals God's comprehensive justice—regulating economic transactions, property rights, and social relationships. The mishpatim create framework for covenant community to flourish. Each law applies broader principles: love God supremely, love neighbor practically. Modern believers aren't bound by ceremonial laws but should pursue their spirit—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). God's character revealed in law guides Christian ethics.