Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, a bribe is an illicit payment or gift given to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of authority. The Bible consistently condemns the practice of bribery, associating it with corruption, injustice, and moral decay. The act of giving or receiving a bribe is seen as a perversion of justice and a violation of God's commandments.Old Testament References The Old Testament contains numerous admonitions against bribery, emphasizing its destructive impact on justice and righteousness. In Exodus 23:8, the Israelites are instructed, "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous." This verse highlights the corrupting power of bribes, which can distort judgment and lead to unjust decisions. Deuteronomy 16:19 further reinforces this principle: "Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous." Here, the emphasis is on maintaining impartiality and integrity in judicial matters, underscoring the importance of fair and unbiased judgment. The book of Proverbs also addresses the issue of bribery, offering wisdom on its consequences. Proverbs 17:23 states, "A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice." This verse characterizes bribery as an act of wickedness that undermines the legal system and societal order. New Testament References While the New Testament does not address bribery as explicitly as the Old Testament, the principles of justice and integrity remain central. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize honesty, fairness, and the rejection of corrupt practices. In the account of Jesus' trial, the chief priests and elders sought false testimony against Him, illustrating the corrupting influence of bribery and deceit (Matthew 26:59). Although not a direct reference to bribery, this incident reflects the broader biblical theme of corruption in judicial proceedings. Moral and Ethical Implications From a biblical perspective, bribery is fundamentally opposed to the character of God, who is just and righteous. The practice of giving or receiving bribes is seen as a betrayal of trust and a violation of the divine order. It undermines the principles of justice, equality, and truth that are foundational to a godly society. The Bible calls believers to uphold justice and righteousness in all their dealings, rejecting any form of corruption or partiality. In Micah 6:8, the prophet summarizes God's requirements: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Conclusion The biblical condemnation of bribery serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of integrity and justice. Believers are called to reflect God's character in their actions, ensuring that their conduct aligns with His standards of righteousness and truth. Easton's Bible Dictionary None to be taken; "for the gift maketh open eyes blind, and perverteth the cause of the righteous" (Exodus 23:8, literally rendered). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A gift begged; a present.2. (n.) A price, reward, gift, or favor bestowed or promised with a view to prevent the judgment or corrupt the conduct of a judge, witness, voter, or other person in a position of trust. 3. (n.) That which seduces; seduction; allurement. 4. (v. t.) To rob or steal. 5. (v. t.) To give or promise a reward or consideration to (a judge, juror, legislator, voter, or other person in a position of trust) with a view to prevent the judgment or corrupt the conduct; to induce or influence by a bribe; to give a bribe to. 6. (v. t.) To gain by a bribe; of induce as by a bribe. 7. (v. i.) To commit robbery or theft. 8. (v. i.) To give a bribe to a person; to pervert the judgment or corrupt the action of a person in a position of trust, by some gift or promise. Strong's Hebrew 7809. shachad -- to give a present, bribe... 7808, 7809. shachad. 7810 . to give a present, bribe. Transliteration: shachad Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-khad') Short Definition: bribe. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/7809.htm - 6k 7810. shochad -- a present, bribe 8021. shalmon -- a reward, bribe 3724. kopher -- the price of a life, ransom 7966. shillum -- requital 4979. mattanah -- a gift 3724a. kopher -- the price of a life, ransom Library Thus Wrote the Aforesaid Pope Boniface for the Salvation of King ... Your Letter Goes On: Letter Liii. To the Chorepiscopi. Epistle cx. To Theoderic and Theodebert, Kings of the Franks . Epistle xxxii. To Peter, Subdeacon of Sicily. Simon the Sorcerer Prolonged Agony The Sins of Society Psalm LXXX. Jesus Before Herod. Thesaurus Bribe (27 Occurrences)... voter, or other person in a position of trust) with a view to prevent the judgment or corrupt the conduct; to induce or influence by a bribe; to give a bribe to ... /b/bribe.htm - 15k Gift (148 Occurrences) Judicial (2 Occurrences) Twists (12 Occurrences) Subverts (4 Occurrences) Blindness (7 Occurrences) Pervert (18 Occurrences) Bribes (14 Occurrences) Bribery (2 Occurrences) Accepts (14 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about bribery / giving or receiving a bribe? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Porcius Festus? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Jacob wrestling with God? | GotQuestions.org Bribe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bribe (27 Occurrences)Acts 24:26 Exodus 18:21 Exodus 23:8 Deuteronomy 10:17 Deuteronomy 16:19 Deuteronomy 27:25 1 Samuel 8:3 1 Samuel 12:3 2 Kings 16:8 2 Chronicles 19:7 Job 6:22 Job 36:18 Psalms 15:5 Proverbs 6:35 Proverbs 17:8 Proverbs 17:23 Proverbs 21:14 Ecclesiastes 7:7 Isaiah 1:23 Isaiah 5:23 Isaiah 33:15 Isaiah 45:13 Ezekiel 16:33 Ezekiel 22:12 Amos 5:12 Micah 3:11 Micah 7:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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