What does Exodus 23:8 mean?
ESV: And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right.
NIV: "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent.
NASB: You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just.
CSB: You must not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and corrupts the words of the righteous.
NLT: Take no bribes, for a bribe makes you ignore something that you clearly see. A bribe makes even a righteous person twist the truth.
KJV: And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
NKJV: And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Exodus 23:1–9 requires impartial judgment under Israelite law. God's people are not to accept bribes or spread lies. They are not to follow popular opinion when that view is unjust. Neither being rich nor being poor should be an advantage in matters of judgment. Israelites must be fair and honest, even when dealing with their adversaries. Judgments should not be used to intimidate or punish foreigners and travelers.
Chapter Summary:
These laws mandate fair judgment, with no bias given for or against the rich, the poor, or foreign travelers. God commands Israel not to follow popular sentiment when it is unjust. Other rules require letting fields grow wild every seven years for the benefit of the land, the poor, and wild animals. The Lord then warns Israel about obedience. If they follow His will, an angel will guide them as they conquer the entire Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21; Deuteronomy 11:24).
Chapter Context:
After receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–17), Israel learns other laws from the Lord. Chapters 21 and 22 covered topics such as servants' rights, homicide, negligence, theft, and social justice. This chapter mandates certain yearly festivals and forbids bias in judgments. It also instructs Israel regarding their upcoming conquest of the Promised Land. Chapter 24 describes a ritual confirmation of the Mosaic covenant. Most chapters after that involve details of the tabernacle.
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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