brı̄b´ẽr -i ( שׁחד , shōḥadh , "a gift," in a corrupt sense, "a bribe"): The Hebrew law condemns everything that would tend to impair the impartial administration of justice, particularly the giving and receiving of gifts or bribes, in order to pervert judgment (Exodus 23:8 ). Allusions are frequent to the prevailing corruption of oriental judges and rulers. "And fire shall consume the tents of bribery" (Job 15:34; 1 Samuel 8:3; Psalm 26:10; Isaiah 1:23; Isaiah 33:15; Ezekiel 22:12 ). Samuel speaks of a "ransom" in the sense of a bribe: "Of whose hand have I taken a ransom (כּפר , kōpher , "covering," the King James Version "bribe") to blind mine eyes therewith?" (1 Samuel 12:3; Amos 5:12; compare Amos 2:6 ). See CRIMES; JUSTICE; PUNISHMENTS .
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
Read More