22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.

Other Translations of Exodus 22:22

New International Version

22 "Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless.

English Standard Version

22 You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.

The Message

22 "Don't mistreat widows or orphans.

New King James Version

22 "You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child.

New Living Translation

22 "You must not exploit a widow or an orphan.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 22:22

Chapter Contents

Judicial laws.

The people of God should ever be ready to show mildness and mercy, according to the spirit of these laws. We must answer to God, not only for what we do maliciously, but for what we do heedlessly. Therefore, when we have done harm to our neighbour, we should make restitution, though not compelled by law. Let these scriptures lead our souls to remember, that if the grace of God has indeed appeared to us, then it has taught us, and enabled us so to conduct ourselves by its holy power, that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Titus 2:12. And the grace of God teaches us, that as the Lord is our portion, there is enough in him to satisfy all the desires of our souls.