And do not show favoritismThis phrase emphasizes the principle of impartiality in justice, a recurring theme throughout the Bible. In the context of ancient Israel, judges and leaders were expected to uphold justice without bias. This aligns with
Leviticus 19:15, which instructs not to show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but to judge fairly. The call for impartiality reflects God's own nature, as He is described as a just judge who shows no favoritism (
Deuteronomy 10:17,
Acts 10:34).
to a poor man
The mention of a "poor man" highlights the social dynamics of ancient Israel, where economic disparity was common. While the Bible often advocates for the protection and care of the poor (Proverbs 31:9,Isaiah 1:17), this verse warns against allowing compassion to cloud judgment in legal matters. The poor were often vulnerable to exploitation, but this command ensures that justice remains unbiased, regardless of one's social or economic status.
in his lawsuit
The context of a lawsuit indicates a formal legal setting, where disputes were resolved according to the law given to Israel. The legal system in ancient Israel was designed to reflect God's justice and righteousness. This phrase underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and fairness in legal proceedings, ensuring that all parties receive a fair hearing. The broader biblical narrative consistently upholds the value of justice, as seen in passages likeMicah 6:8, which calls for acting justly and loving mercy.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe author of Exodus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai and communicated them to the Israelites.
2.
IsraelitesThe recipients of the laws given in Exodus, who were being formed into a nation under God's covenant.
3.
Mount SinaiThe place where God delivered the Ten Commandments and other laws to Moses.
4.
Judicial SystemThe context of the verse, which addresses fairness and justice in legal proceedings.
5.
Poor ManRepresents individuals who might be disadvantaged in society, highlighting the need for impartial justice.
Teaching Points
Impartial JusticeGod’s law calls for fairness and impartiality in all judicial matters. This principle is foundational for a just society and reflects God's character.
Equality Before the LawThe verse teaches that all individuals, regardless of their social or economic status, should be treated equally in legal matters.
Guarding Against BiasBelievers are encouraged to examine their own hearts and actions to ensure they are not influenced by biases or favoritism.
Reflecting God’s JusticeAs Christians, we are called to reflect God’s justice in our interactions, ensuring that we uphold truth and fairness in all situations.
Practical ApplicationIn our daily lives, we should strive to treat everyone with fairness and respect, advocating for justice in our communities and workplaces.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 23:3?
2.How does Exodus 23:3 guide us in showing impartiality in our judgments?
3.What are the dangers of favoring the poor in legal matters, per Exodus 23:3?
4.How can we apply Exodus 23:3 to modern-day justice systems?
5.Which other Bible verses emphasize impartiality in judgment like Exodus 23:3?
6.How can Christians ensure fairness when advocating for the disadvantaged, per Exodus 23:3?
7.What does Exodus 23:3 teach about impartiality in justice?
8.How does Exodus 23:3 challenge our understanding of fairness?
9.Why is partiality condemned in Exodus 23:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 23?
11.What does it mean that God embodies justice?
12.What does the Bible say about serving on a jury?
13.What does the Bible say about societal hierarchy?
14.What defines punitive justice?What Does Exodus 23:3 Mean
And- The connective “And” links this instruction to the wider legal code begun inExodus 20 and continued throughExodus 23.
- It reminds us that justice is holistic; every command sits alongside others such as “You shall not spread a false report” (Exodus 23:1) and “Keep far from a false charge” (Exodus 23:7).
- The flow of commands shows God shaping a community where truth and righteousness govern every relationship, echoing the constant refrain “Be holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:45).
do not show favoritism- Justice must be impartial. Just asLeviticus 19:15 warns, “Do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly,” so here the Lord forbids bending the scales for anyone.
-Proverbs 24:23 underscores, “Showing partiality in judgment is not good,” reminding us that God Himself “does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11).
- Bullet points of what impartiality looks like:
• Same standards of evidence for every person.
• Verdicts based on facts, not feelings.
• Decisions rendered without regard to social pressure or sympathy.
to a poor man- Scripture commands compassion for the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7-8;Proverbs 14:31). Yet compassion must never morph into distortion of justice.
-Exodus 23:6 balances this verse by warning against denying justice to the poor; together they forbid both extremes—oppressing the poor or excusing wrongdoing because someone is poor.
-James 2:1-4 illustrates the opposite situation—honoring the rich and shaming the poor—showing that partiality in any direction contradicts faith.
in his lawsuit- Court cases were often held at the city gate (Ruth 4:1-11). God places Himself in that setting, safeguarding every proceeding.
-Deuteronomy 16:18-20 commands judges to “pursue justice, and only justice,” a principle reaffirmed by Jesus inJohn 7:24: “Stop judging by appearances, but judge with righteous judgment.”
- Practical implications today:
• Due process for all regardless of income.
• Avoiding emotional manipulation in legal defenses.
• Upholding objective truth as the measure of right and wrong.
summaryExodus 23:3 calls believers to practice unwavering fairness. Compassion for the needy is non-negotiable, yet justice cannot be twisted even for a worthy cause. God’s character—righteous, unbiased, and compassionate—sets the standard: we must aid the poor without altering truth, guarding the integrity of every judgment so that His holiness shines through our courts and our daily decisions.
(3)
Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.--We must not "pervert judgment" either in favour of the rich or of the poor. Justice must hold her scales even, and be proof equally against a paltry fear of the rich and a weak compassion for the indigent. The cause alone is to be considered, not the persons. (Comp.
Leviticus 19:15.)
Verse 3. -
Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause. After the many precepts in favour of the poor, this injunction produces a sort of shock. But it is to be understood as simply forbidding any undue favouring of the poor because they are poor, and so as equivalent to the precept in
Leviticus 19:15, "Thou shalt not respect the person of the poor." In courts of justice, strict justice is to be rendered, without any leaning either towards the rich, or towards the poor. To lean either way is to pervert judgment.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And do notלֹ֥א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noshow favoritismתֶהְדַּ֖ר(ṯeh·dar)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1921:To swell up, to favor, honour, be high, proudto a poor manוְדָ֕ל(wə·ḏāl)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1800:Dangling, weak, thinin his lawsuit.בְּרִיבֽוֹ׃(bə·rî·ḇōw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7379:Strife, dispute
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 23:3 Neither shall you favor a poor man (Exo. Ex) 
