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Exodus 23:1 - Truth over false testimony

Exodus 23:1 - שמות 23:1

Hebrew Text

לֹא תִשָּׂא שֵׁמַע שָׁוְא אַל־תָּשֶׁת יָדְךָ עִם־רָשָׁע לִהְיֹת עֵד חָמָס׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

Transliteration

Lo tisa shema shav al-tashet yadcha im-rasha lihyot ed chamas

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹ֥א תִשָּׂ֖א שֵׁ֣מַע שָׁ֑וְא אַל־תָּ֤שֶׁת יָֽדְךָ֙ עִם־רָשָׁ֔ע לִהְיֹ֖ת עֵ֥ד חָמָֽס׃
לֹ֥א תִשָּׂ֖א שֵׁ֣מַע שָׁ֑וְא אַל־תָּ֤שֶׁת יָֽדְךָ֙ עִם־רָשָׁ֔ע לִהְיֹ֖ת עֵ֥ד חָמָֽס׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against False Testimony

The verse (Exodus 23:1) contains two prohibitions related to bearing false witness:

  • "לֹא תִשָּׂא שֵׁמַע שָׁוְא" - "Do not raise a false report"
  • "אַל־תָּשֶׁת יָדְךָ עִם־רָשָׁע לִהְיֹת עֵד חָמָס" - "Do not join hands with a wicked person to be a malicious witness"

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that this verse warns against two types of false testimony:

  1. Spreading a false rumor even when not in court (the first clause)
  2. Actually test falsely in court (the second clause)

Rashi notes that the phrase "join hands" implies collusion with a wicked person to present coordinated false testimony.

Maimonides' Legal Perspective

In Hilchot Edut (Laws of Testimony), Rambam elaborates on this prohibition (10:1-4):

  • It is forbidden to testify falsely even if no actual harm results
  • The prohibition applies both to complete fabrications and to distortions of the truth
  • One must distance themselves from any association with wicked people who might pressure them to testify falsely

Talmudic Expansion

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 29a) derives from this verse that:

  • A judge must investigate witnesses thoroughly to prevent false testimony
  • One who testifies falsely violates multiple Torah prohibitions
  • The prohibition includes remaining silent when one knows the truth

Moral Implications

The Midrash (Mechilta) connects this verse to broader ethical principles:

  • Truth is foundational to proper human relationships
  • False testimony undermines the entire justice system
  • One must be careful not to be influenced by wicked people, even indirectly

Practical Applications

Based on this verse and its interpretations, Jewish law establishes that:

  1. One must verify information before repeating it
  2. Even small distortions of truth are prohibited
  3. Associating with dishonest people increases the risk of violating this prohibition

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 29a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the prohibition against bearing false witness and the severity of being an unrighteous witness.
📖 Shevuot 31a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of oaths and the importance of truthful testimony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Thou shalt not raise a false report' mean in Exodus 23:1?
A: This verse prohibits spreading false rumors or giving false testimony in court. Rashi explains that it includes not only outright lies but also sharing unverified information that could harm others. The Torah emphasizes honesty and justice, especially in legal matters.
Q: Why is being a false witness considered so serious in Judaism?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 7a) teaches that false testimony undermines justice, which is a foundation of society. The Rambam (Hilchot Edut 17:1) states that a false witness violates multiple Torah prohibitions and can cause irreversible harm to innocent people. Honesty in testimony is essential for maintaining a just community.
Q: How does Exodus 23:1 apply to everyday speech?
A: The Chofetz Chaim explains that this verse teaches us to be careful with our words in all situations, not just in court. Spreading rumors, gossip (lashon hara), or even sharing misleading information violates the spirit of this commandment. We must verify facts before speaking about others.
Q: What does 'put not thy hand with the wicked' mean in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that this warns against associating with wrongdoers who might pressure you to join their false testimony. The Midrash (Mechilta) adds that even passively supporting injustice by remaining silent when you know the truth is considered a violation of this commandment.
Q: How can we practice the lesson of Exodus 23:1 today?
A: We can apply this by: 1) Verifying information before sharing it, 2) Refusing to participate in gossip or slander, 3) Speaking up for truth in difficult situations, and 4) Choosing associations carefully to avoid being influenced toward dishonesty. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 74) teaches that guarding our speech protects society's moral fabric.