Exodus 23:8 - Bribes blind righteous judgment

Prohibition of Bribery in Jewish Law

The verse (Exodus 23:8) explicitly forbids taking bribes, emphasizing their corrupting influence even on the wise and righteous. Rashi explains that the term "שֹׁחַד" (shochad) comes from the root "שׁ-ח-ד", meaning "to be joined" or "to become one," indicating that a bribe creates an improper bond between the giver and the judge, distorting justice.

The Psychological and Moral Impact of Bribery

Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 23:1) elaborates that a judge who accepts a bribe—even if intending to rule justly—is violating a Torah prohibition. The Talmud (Ketubot 105a) states that a bribed judge becomes incapable of seeing the truth clearly, as the verse says: "the bribe blinds the eyes of the wise." The Midrash Tanchuma (Mishpatim 8) compares this to a person who cannot see clearly after looking at the sun.

• Blinding the Wise: Even a pike'ach (a perceptive person) loses objectivity when influenced by a bribe.
• Perverting Righteous Words: The bribe distorts judgment, causing even a righteous judge to unintentionally favor one side.

Expansions in Rabbinic Literature

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 7b) extends this prohibition beyond monetary bribes—even accepting favors or flattery can disqualify a judge. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 83) explains that the Torah’s warning applies to all forms of bias, as human nature is easily swayed by personal benefit.

Practical Halachic Implications

Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 9:1) rules that a judge who has received any benefit from a litigant—even a minor one—must recuse themselves. The Rema adds that this applies even if the judge is certain they can remain impartial, as the Torah’s concern is the inherent danger of bias.