Exodus 22:28 Meaning: Honoring God and Authority
“You shall not blaspheme God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
Thou shalt not revile God, nor curse a ruler of thy people.
`God thou dost not revile, and a prince among thy people thou dost not curse.
Thou shalt not revile the judges, nor curse a prince amongst thy people.
Meaning in one sentence
Exodus 22:28 raises a key question: does 'God' mean the Almighty or human judges? Learn how this verse calls us to reverence both divine and human authority.
Context
This short command sits inside the Book of the Covenant, the collection of laws God gave Israel right after the Ten Commandments. The surrounding verses deal with caring for the poor, returning a neighbor's cloak before sunset, and not charging interest. Then, almost without warning, the topic shifts: do not blaspheme God, do not curse your ruler. The connection seems to be that how you treat the vulnerable shows what you think of God, and how you speak of your leader shows the same thing. Both are wrapped up in one kind of reverence.
Key Words
Two verbs drive this verse. The first, 'blaspheme' (or 'revile'), means to speak lightly, disrespectfully, even to insult. It is the kind of word that suggests dismissing someone's worth with your mouth. The second verb, 'curse', is stronger, it can mean to wish harm or treat someone as worthless. Together they cover the range of how we dishonor with words.
The key noun is 'Elohim', the Hebrew word used for God throughout the Old Testament. But here some Christian readers hear 'judges' or 'magistrates', because Elohim is used that way elsewhere (Exodus 21:6, Psalm 82). Other readers insist it means God himself, and the parallel with 'ruler of your people' simply puts God and the human leader side by side. Both readings agree on one thing: our speech toward God and toward those in authority reveals the state of our hearts.
The word for 'ruler' (nasi) literally means 'one lifted up', someone elevated over others. It is a title of honor, not just a job description. The verse asks us to see that height as something God has done.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christian readers have understood this verse in two main ways. Many, including Calvin, Barnes, and the Cambridge Bible, take 'Elohim' as God himself, noting that the context deals with reverence for God and that blasphemy against God is a serious offense in the Law (Leviticus 24:16). Others, reading from the Geneva Bible and Gill's Exposition, see 'Elohim' as the judges or magistrates who represent God's authority, pointing to passages where human leaders are called 'gods' (Psalm 82:6, Exodus 21:6). Paul seems to follow this second reading when he quotes the verse in Acts 23:5, applying it to the high priest.
Both traditions hold the same concern: that reverence for God and respect for human authority are bound together. The disagreement is about which meaning the Hebrew requires, but the pastoral thrust is the same.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers, including the ancient historians Josephus and Philo, took 'Elohim' here to mean the idols of other nations, that Israel should not insult false gods. In fact, that reading is unlikely because it would contradict the clear command against idolatry (Deuteronomy 12:2). The verse is not about being polite to other religions; it is about how we speak of the true God and the human leaders He places over us.
Living This Out
This week, pay attention to how you talk about God when you are frustrated, tired, or disappointed. Your words matter, not just the big blasphemies, but the small dismissals, the careless jokes, the silent resentment. And then notice how you speak about the people in authority over you: a boss, a pastor, a family member, a government official. You do not have to agree with them, but the verse asks you to refuse to curse them. Try this: before you speak about a leader today, pause and ask yourself if what you are about to say honors the God who placed that person where they are.
Main takeaway: Honoring God and respecting the leaders He places over us are two sides of the same reverence.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God wants you to speak nicely about Him and about the people who take care of you. That means no mean words about your parents, teachers, or leaders. Even when you are upset, you can still be respectful.
For ages 9, 12
This verse connects how we talk about God with how we talk about our leaders. Think of it this way: when you respect the people God puts in charge, like a principal, a coach, or even the president, you are showing respect for God who gave them their job. You don't have to agree with everything they do, but God asks you not to curse them or speak evil of them. Your words have power, and God cares about how you use them.
Questions People Ask
Does 'Elohim' in Exodus 22:28 mean God or human judges?
Christians have read it both ways. Many commentators, like Calvin and Barnes, think it means the true God. Others, including the Geneva Bible and Gill, understand it as judges or magistrates who represent God's authority. Both views agree that we must show reverence to God and to those He has placed over us.
Why does Paul quote this verse in Acts 23:5?
When Paul was on trial before the Sanhedrin, he did not realize the high priest had ordered his slap. After being told, Paul quoted Exodus 22:28, apologizing and showing that even a corrupt leader deserves respect because of the office he holds.
Does this verse mean we can never criticize a leader?
The command is against cursing or reviling a ruler, that is, speaking evil of them with contempt or wishing them harm. It does not forbid respectful disagreement or holding leaders accountable through lawful means. The tone of our speech matters.
How does Exodus 22:28 relate to the Fifth Commandment?
The Fifth Commandment says 'Honor your father and mother.' This verse extends that principle to all in authority, including rulers and magistrates. Calvin called this a 'synecdoche', the lesser includes the greater: if we honor parents, we honor all God-appointed authorities.
What is the difference between 'blaspheme' and 'curse' in this verse?
‘Blaspheme’ means to speak disrespectfully or lightly of God, to insult His name or character. ‘Curse’ is a stronger word, meaning to wish evil on someone. Together they cover the full range of dishonoring speech toward God and human leaders.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study