Exodus 23:7
Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.
Original Language Analysis
מִדְּבַר
matter
H1697
מִדְּבַר
matter
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
1 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
שֶׁ֖קֶר
from a false
H8267
שֶׁ֖קֶר
from a false
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
2 of 11
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
תִּרְחָ֑ק
Keep thee far
H7368
תִּרְחָ֑ק
Keep thee far
Strong's:
H7368
Word #:
3 of 11
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
אַֽל
H408
אַֽל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
6 of 11
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Ephesians 4:25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.Exodus 34:7Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.Exodus 23:1Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.Deuteronomy 27:25Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.Leviticus 19:11Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.Romans 1:18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;1 Thessalonians 5:22Abstain from all appearance of evil.
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
- 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
Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.
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.