Exodus 23:8
And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִקָּ֑ח
And thou shalt take
H3947
תִקָּ֑ח
And thou shalt take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
3 of 10
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וִֽיסַלֵּ֖ף
and perverteth
H5557
וִֽיסַלֵּ֖ף
and perverteth
Strong's:
H5557
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, to wrench, i.e., (figuratively) to subvert
Cross References
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.Isaiah 5:23Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!Proverbs 17:23A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.Proverbs 15:27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.1 Samuel 8:3And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.Psalms 26:10In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.Proverbs 17:8A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.Ecclesiastes 7:7Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.Deuteronomy 10:17For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:1 Samuel 12:3Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.
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
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Analysis & Commentary
And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
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.