Definition and Context
In biblical terms, a bribe is an illicit payment or gift given to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of authority. The concept of bribery is addressed multiple times in the Bible, often in the context of justice and righteousness. Bribery is seen as a corrupt practice that perverts justice and undermines the moral fabric of society.

Old Testament References
The Old Testament contains several admonitions against the practice of bribery. In the Law of Moses, God explicitly commands against accepting bribes, as they can blind the eyes of the wise and subvert the cause of the righteous. Exodus 23:8 states, "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous." This command underscores the importance of impartiality and integrity in judicial proceedings.

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 justice and fairness, which are central to the covenant community's life.

The book of Proverbs also speaks to the destructive nature of bribes. Proverbs 17:23 warns, "A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice." This verse highlights the moral corruption associated with bribery and its potential to undermine justice.

New Testament References
While the New Testament does not address bribery as explicitly as the Old Testament, the principles of honesty, integrity, and justice remain central. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize the importance of righteousness and the dangers of greed and corruption.

In the account of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, we see an implicit reference to bribery. Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, as recorded in Matthew 26:14-16 : "Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver." This act of betrayal for monetary gain illustrates the moral decay that can result from the love of money and the willingness to accept a bribe.

Moral and Ethical Implications
The Bible's condemnation of bribery is rooted in its broader ethical teachings. Bribery is seen as a violation of justice, a core attribute of God's character. It is an act that distorts truth and fairness, leading to societal decay. The biblical call to justice, mercy, and humility, as seen in Micah 6:8 , "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?" stands in stark contrast to the corrupting influence of bribes.

Conclusion
The biblical perspective on bribery is clear: it is a practice that God detests and that His people are to avoid. By adhering to principles of justice and integrity, believers are called to reflect God's righteousness in their personal and communal lives.5344. Phelix -- "fortunate," Felix, a governor of Judea
... 5344 -- , the governor of Judea ( ad 52-60) who persecuted the Jews and
flagrantly used bribes, unethical informers, and torture. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5344.htm - 7k8641. terumah -- contribution, offering (for sacred uses)
... Word Usage allotment (15), contribution (20), contributions (10), heave offering
(4), offered by lifting (2), offering (20), offerings (4), who takes bribes (1 ...
/hebrew/8641.htm - 6k

4979. mattanah -- a gift
... Word Origin fem. of mattan Definition a gift NASB Word Usage bestowed (1),
bribe (1), bribes (1), gift (3), gifts (10), give (1). gift. ...
/hebrew/4979.htm - 6k

3724a. kopher -- the price of a life, ransom
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition the price of a life, ransom NASB Word
Usage bribe (1), bribes (1), ransom (11). 3724, 3724a. kopher. 3724b . ...
/hebrew/3724a.htm - 5k

7810. shochad -- a present, bribe
... Word Origin from shachad Definition a present, bribe NASB Word Usage bribe (15),
bribes (3), corrupt (1), gifts (1), present (2), reward (1). ...
/hebrew/7810.htm - 6k

Antigonus Besieges those that were in Masada, whom Herod Frees ...
... That Were In Masada, Whom Herod Frees From Confinement When He Came Back From Rome,
And Presently Marches To Jerusalem Where He Finds Silo Corrupted By Bribes. ...
/.../chapter 15 antigonus besieges those.htm

Epistle Xli. To Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria.
... And he added that he had procured ordination by bribes and gifts; for he acknowledged
that this custom had prevailed in the holy Alexandrine Church. ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xli to eulogius patriarch.htm

The Relation which was Given by the Sentinels who were Placed ...
... court near the Temple which was filled with aged Jews, who, after some previous
consultation, took the soldiers on one side, and by dint of bribes and threats ...
/.../chapter lxv the relation which.htm

Bishop Hosius Said: but if any Such Person Should be Found So Mad ...
... advance by way of excuse an affirmation that he had brought letters from the people
[laity], it is plain that some few persons, corrupted by bribes and rewards ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon ii bishop hosius said .htm

Whether it is Lawful to Ask for any Other Kind of Consideration ...
... is there verbal remuneration, and remuneration by service, as a gloss says on
Is.33:15, "Blessed is he that shaketh his hands from all bribes [*Vulg.: 'Which ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 16.htm

How to Dwell in the Fire of God
... He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain
of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/how to dwell in the.htm

When Hyrcanus who was Alexander's Heir, Receded from his Claim to ...
... their adversaries; and because Pompey had passed through Syria, and was come to
Damascus, they fled to him for assistance; and, without any bribes, they made ...
/.../chapter 6 when hyrcanus who.htm

Epistle Xlix. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch .
... Further, since it has come to our ears that in the Churches of the East no one attains
to a sacred order except by giving of bribes, if your Fraternity finds ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xlix to anastasius bishop.htm

Epistle Xlvi. To Isacius, Bishop of Jerusalem .
... But, inasmuch as it has come to our ears that in the Churches of the East no one
attains to sacred orders but by giving of bribes, if your Fraternity finds ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xlvi to isacius bishop.htm

How Herod Sailed Out of Italy to Judea, and Fought with Antigonus ...
... 3. And now it was that Silo discovered that he had taken bribes; for he set a good
number of his soldiers to complain aloud of the want of provisions they were ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 how herod sailed.htm

Bribes (14 Occurrences)
...Bribes (14 Occurrences). ... 1 Samuel 8:3 His sons didn't walk in his ways, but turned
aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted justice. ...
/b/bribes.htm - 10k

Bribery (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The act or practice of giving or taking bribes; the act of influencing the
official or political action of another by corrupt inducements. Int. ...
/b/bribery.htm - 8k

Bribe (27 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Samuel 8:3 His sons didn't walk in his ways, but turned aside after
lucre, and took bribes, and perverted justice. (Root ...
/b/bribe.htm - 15k

Judicial (2 Occurrences)
... Judicial corruption was the burden of the prophets' preaching-"judges loved bribes,
and followed after rewards," with the result that "the fatherless" and "the ...
/j/judicial.htm - 25k

Lucre (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 8:3 His sons didn't walk in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and
took bribes, and perverted justice. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/l/lucre.htm - 9k

Greedily (7 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 22:12 In you have they taken bribes to shed blood; you have taken interest
and increase, and you have greedily gained of your neighbors by oppression ...
/g/greedily.htm - 8k

Greedy (24 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 15:27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his
own house, but he who hates bribes will live. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV NIV) ...
/g/greedy.htm - 13k

Widow's (7 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 1:23 Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; every one loveth
bribes, and followeth after rewards; they judge not the fatherless, neither ...
/w/widow's.htm - 8k

Injustice (32 Occurrences)
... Now therefore let the fear of Yahweh be on you; take heed and do it: for there is
no iniquity with Yahweh our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes...
/i/injustice.htm - 15k

Injured (28 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 22:12 In you have they taken bribes to shed blood; you have taken interest
and increase, and you have greedily gained of your neighbors by oppression ...
/i/injured.htm - 15k

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