Bribery
/BRY-buh-ree/
Summary
The giving of gifts to pervert justice, strictly forbidden in Scripture and associated with corruption of judges and officials.
☩Biblical Prohibition
The Law explicitly forbids taking bribes because they blind the eyes of the wise and pervert the words of the righteous. The prophets frequently denounced Israel's corrupt judges who accepted bribes to acquit the guilty and condemn the innocent.
Key verses:Exodus 23:8Deuteronomy 16:19Isaiah 1:23Amos 5:12
☩Notable Examples
Scripture records numerous instances of bribery: Delilah was bribed to betray Samson, the chief priests bribed Judas with thirty pieces of silver, and soldiers were bribed to spread false reports about Christ's resurrection. Felix hoped Paul would offer him a bribe for release.
Key verses:Judges 16:5Matthew 26:15Matthew 28:12-15Acts 24:26
Related Verses29 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Bribery," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Bribery," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Charles G. Herbermann et al. (ed.), "Bribery," in The Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. II (Robert Appleton Company, 1907–1912).