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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comKeil and Delitzsch Commentary - Proverbs 17:23 - 17:23
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23 Bribery from the bosom the godless receiveth,
To pervert the ways of justice.
Regarding שֹׂחַד, vid., Pro 17:8. The idea of this word, as well as the clause containing the purpose, demand for the רָשָׁע a high judicial or administrative post. The bosom, חֵק (חֵיק), is, as Pro 16:23, that of the clothing. From the bosom, מֵחֵק, where it was kept concealed, the gift is brought forth, and is given into the bosom, בַּחֵק, Pro 21:14, of him whose favour is to be obtained - an event taking place under four eyes, which purposely withdraws itself from the observation of any third person. Since this is done to give to the course of justice a direction contrary to rectitude, the giver of the bribe has not right on his side; and, under the circumstances, the favourable decision which he purchases may be at once the unrighteous sentence of a צדיק, accusing him, or accused by him, Pro 18:5.