Exodus 23:3

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

Neither shall you countenance a poor man in his cause.

American King James Version (AKJV)

Neither shall you countenance a poor man in his cause.

American Standard Version (ASV)

neither shalt thou favor a poor man in his cause.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

But, on the other hand, do not be turned from what is right in order to give support to a poor man's cause.

Webster's Revision

Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.

World English Bible

neither shall you favor a poor man in his cause.

English Revised Version (ERV)

neither shalt thou favour a poor man in his cause.

Definitions for Exodus 23:3

Countenance - Appearance.

Clarke's Exodus 23:3 Bible Commentary

Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause - The word דל dal, which we translate poor man, is probably put here in opposition to רבים rabbim, the great, or noble men, in the preceding verse: if so, the meaning is, Thou shalt neither be influenced by the great to make an unrighteous decision, nor by the poverty or distress of the poor to give thy voice against the dictates of justice and truth. Hence the ancient maxim, Fiat Justitia, Ruat Coelum. "Let justice be done, though the heavens should be dissolved."

Barnes's Exodus 23:3 Bible Commentary

Countenance - Rather, show partiality to a man's cause because he is poor (compare Leviticus 19:15).

These four commands, addressed to the conscience, are illustrations of the ninth commandment, mainly in reference to the giving of evidence in legal causes. Compare 1 Kings 21:10; Acts 6:11.

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