Exodus 23:6
Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 5
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַטֶּ֛ה
Thou shalt not wrest
H5186
תַטֶּ֛ה
Thou shalt not wrest
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
2 of 5
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
Cross References
Malachi 3:5And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.Jeremiah 5:28They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.Ecclesiastes 5:8If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.Deuteronomy 27:19Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.Deuteronomy 16:19Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.Leviticus 19:15Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
Historical Context
Ancient courts often favored wealthy litigants who could afford bribes or influence. God's law demanded impartial justice regardless of economic status—revolutionary in the ancient world and still challenging today.
Questions for Reflection
- How do modern legal systems sometimes 'pervert the judgment of the poor'?
- What practical steps can Christians take to ensure the vulnerable receive justice in society?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
'Wrest judgment' (לֹא תַטֶּה מִשְׁפַּט, lo tatteh mishpat) means 'don't pervert justice.' The rich often oppress the poor through legal manipulation—expensive lawyers, bribes, intimidation. This command protects 'thy poor' (אֶבְיֹנְךָ, evyonkha)—'your poor,' covenant brother. Courts must not favor rich over poor (nor poor over rich, Leviticus 19:15). Impartial justice regardless of economic status is rare historically and presently. Prophets repeatedly condemn justice-perversion (Isaiah 10:1-2, Amos 5:12). James warns against favoritism toward the wealthy (James 2:1-9). God champions the poor; His people must ensure they receive just treatment.