Exodus 23:22

Authorized King James Version

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But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 2 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תִּשְׁמַע֙ But if thou shalt indeed H8085
תִּשְׁמַע֙ But if thou shalt indeed
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 3 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
תִּשְׁמַע֙ But if thou shalt indeed H8085
תִּשְׁמַע֙ But if thou shalt indeed
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 4 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בְּקֹל֔וֹ his voice H6963
בְּקֹל֔וֹ his voice
Strong's: H6963
Word #: 5 of 15
a voice or sound
וְעָשִׂ֕יתָ and do H6213
וְעָשִׂ֕יתָ and do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 6 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֹּ֖ל H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 7 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 8 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר all that I speak H1696
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר all that I speak
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 9 of 15
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וְאָֽיַבְתִּי֙ unto thine enemies H341
וְאָֽיַבְתִּי֙ unto thine enemies
Strong's: H341
Word #: 10 of 15
hating; an adversary
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 11 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֹ֣יְבֶ֔יךָ then I will be an enemy H340
אֹ֣יְבֶ֔יךָ then I will be an enemy
Strong's: H340
Word #: 12 of 15
to hate (as one of an opposite tribe or party); hence to be hostile
וְצַרְתִּ֖י unto thine adversaries H6696
וְצַרְתִּ֖י unto thine adversaries
Strong's: H6696
Word #: 13 of 15
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 14 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
צֹֽרְרֶֽיךָ׃ and an adversary H6887
צֹֽרְרֶֽיךָ׃ and an adversary
Strong's: H6887
Word #: 15 of 15
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

Analysis & Commentary

But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

This command shapes Israel's covenant community life, applying moral law to social relationships. God's justice concerns everyday matters—truthfulness, fairness, compassion. The accumulation of ordinances creates comprehensive ethic governing Israelite society. These aren't arbitrary rules but revelations of God's character. He is just, merciful, truthful; His people must reflect these attributes. New Testament ethics build on this foundation, radicalizing commands while maintaining their spirit.

Historical Context

The Book of the Covenant concludes with liturgical calendar and worship regulations, integrating Israel's civil, moral, and ceremonial life under God's comprehensive rule.

Questions for Reflection

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