Exodus 23:7 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Stay far away from false accusations and lies. Do not kill innocent people or those who are doing right, because I will not excuse or forgive those who do evil.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is commanding His people to avoid lies and false accusations, and never to harm innocent people, because He will hold the wicked accountable for their actions.

📚 Historical Context

This command was given to the Israelites as part of God's laws for governing their new nation after leaving slavery in Egypt. It comes within a section of legal instructions about fair treatment in courts and disputes. These laws were meant to establish justice and protect the vulnerable in their society, contrasting sharply with the corrupt legal systems they may have experienced in Egypt.

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Luke 23:14

He told them, 'You brought this guy to me saying he's stirring up trouble with the people. But honestly? I've questioned him right in front of you, and I can't find anything wrong with what he's done. None of the stuff you're accusing him of checks out.'

Acts 26:31

After they stepped away to talk privately, they were all saying to each other, 'This guy hasn't done anything that deserves prison time, let alone the death penalty.'

Acts 25:11

Look, if I actually did something wrong — if I committed a crime that deserves death — I'm not trying to escape the consequences. But if there's nothing to these charges they're throwing at me, then no one has the right to just hand me over to them. I'm taking this straight to Caesar.

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📚 Historical Context

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