The Meaning of Exodus 23:6 Explained

Exodus 23:6

KJV: Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.

YLT: 'Thou dost not turn aside the judgment of thy needy one in his strife;

Darby: Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of thy poor in his cause.

ASV: Thou shalt not wrest the justice due to thy poor in his cause.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Thou shalt not wrest  the judgment  of thy poor  in his cause. 

What does Exodus 23:6 Mean?

Context Summary

Exodus 23:1-17 - Laws Of Conduct And Worship
We may apply these various precepts to our own hearts. Many of them breathe the very spirit of Christ. We must watch our speech, so that no man's character may suffer by our gossip or slander. We must dare to stand for the truth, though we stand absolutely alone. With all kindness and good will we must save our neighbor from damage, even though he has vented on us his spleen. It is never for us to take advantage of him; God will deal with him on our behalf, and in His own time and way. Let us not fret ourselves to do evil. David's example in refusing to injure Saul when his bitter enemy was within his reach is an inspiring example for us to follow. We must hold an even balance for just and honorable dealing with all men; and cultivate the Sabbath-keeping of the heart. In every life, also, there should be perpetual memory of Calvary, the Resurrection and Pentecost-the three feasts of the soul! [source]

Chapter Summary: Exodus 23

1  Of slander, false witness, and partiality
4  Of charitableness
6  Of justice in judgment
8  Of taking bribes
9  Of oppressing a stranger
10  Of the year of rest
12  Of the Sabbath
13  Of idolatry
14  Of the three feasts
18  Of the blood and the fat of the sacrifice
20  An angel is promised, with a blessing, if they obey him

What do the individual words in Exodus 23:6 mean?

Not You shall pervert the judgment of your poor in his dispute
לֹ֥א תַטֶּ֛ה מִשְׁפַּ֥ט אֶבְיֹנְךָ֖ בְּרִיבֽוֹ

תַטֶּ֛ה  You  shall  pervert 
Parse: Verb, Hifil, Imperfect, second person masculine singular
Root: נָטָה 
Sense: to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow.
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט  the  judgment 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular construct
Root: מִשְׁפָּט  
Sense: judgment, justice, ordinance.
אֶבְיֹנְךָ֖  of  your  poor 
Parse: Adjective, masculine singular construct, second person masculine singular
Root: אֶבְיׄון  
Sense: in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person.
בְּרִיבֽוֹ  in  his  dispute 
Parse: Preposition-b, Noun, masculine singular construct, third person masculine singular
Root: רִיב 
Sense: strife, controversy, dispute.