Exodus 22:24
And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
Original Language Analysis
וְחָרָ֣ה
shall wax hot
H2734
וְחָרָ֣ה
shall wax hot
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
1 of 10
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַפִּ֔י
And my wrath
H639
אַפִּ֔י
And my wrath
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶּחָ֑רֶב
you with the sword
H2719
בֶּחָ֑רֶב
you with the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
5 of 10
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וְהָי֤וּ
H1961
וְהָי֤וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Psalms 109:9Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.Jeremiah 15:8Their widows are increased to me above the sand of the seas: I have brought upon them against the mother of the young men a spoiler at noonday: I have caused him to fall upon it suddenly, and terrors upon the city.Psalms 69:24Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.Lamentations 5:3We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers are as widows.
Historical Context
Widows, orphans, and foreigners in ancient societies often faced destitution without male protection. Israel's laws mandated care for these groups, making compassion a covenant obligation rather than optional charity.
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
God's special concern for society's vulnerable appears throughout Scripture. The poor (אֶבְיוֹן, evyon), widows (אַלְמָנָה, almanah), and strangers (גֵּר, ger) lacked powerful advocates—so God becomes their defender. These laws protect against economic exploitation, demanding compassion rather than merely permitting it. Israel's own Egyptian oppression should create empathy for the marginalized. James defines pure religion as caring for widows and orphans (James 1:27); the early church prioritized these groups.