Exodus 22:28
Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
the gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
the gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
1 of 7
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תְקַלֵּ֑ל
Thou shalt not revile
H7043
תְקַלֵּ֑ל
Thou shalt not revile
Strong's:
H7043
Word #:
3 of 7
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
וְנָשִׂ֥יא
the ruler
H5387
וְנָשִׂ֥יא
the ruler
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
בְעַמְּךָ֖
of thy people
H5971
בְעַמְּךָ֖
of thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
Acts 23:5Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.Ecclesiastes 10:20Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.Jude 1:8Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.2 Peter 2:10But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.Exodus 21:17And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.Acts 23:3Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?Psalms 32:6For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.Psalms 138:1I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.1 Samuel 24:6And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.1 Samuel 24:10Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.
Historical Context
The Hebrew elohim is ambiguous—can mean God, gods, judges, or rulers. Context (parallel with 'ruler') suggests judges/magistrates. Respecting authority, even flawed authority, maintains social order.
Questions for Reflection
- How can Christians balance respect for governing authorities with prophetic critique of injustice?
- What does Paul's application of this verse (Acts 23:5) teach about respecting even corrupt leaders?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
'Revile the gods' (אֱלֹהִים לֹא תְקַלֵּל, Elohim lo teqallel)—'gods' is likely judges/rulers (elohim can mean God, gods, or judges; Psalm 82:6). The parallel with 'ruler' (נָשִׂיא, nasi) supports this. Paul quotes this in Acts 23:5 regarding the high priest—even corrupt authority deserves respect for office's sake. The principle: honor authority even when disagreeing. Peter and Paul command respect for governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17). We can critique policy without cursing persons. Daniel and his friends obeyed Babylon's king when possible, disobeyed when conscience required, but never 'cursed' him.