Exodus 23:8 Meaning and Explanation
“And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not accept gifts or bribes, for they cloud judgment and corrupt integrity.
The Context of Exodus 23:8
Laws against bribery and corruption in justice.
What Does Exodus 23:8 Mean?
Judges, officials, and witnesses are forbidden to accept gifts that might influence their testimony or verdict. Bribes do not need to be offered explicitly—any gift to a person in a position of judgment creates the appearance and reality of corrupt bias.
Even wise people lose clarity under the influence of a gift. God calls His people to absolute integrity in judicial settings, where the stakes are someone's freedom, property, or life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 23:8
What does Exodus 23:8 mean?
Do not accept gifts or bribes, for they cloud judgment and corrupt integrity.
What is the context of Exodus 23:8?
Laws against bribery and corruption in justice.