Deuteronomy 25 13

Deuteronomy 25:13 kjv

Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small.

Deuteronomy 25:13 nkjv

"You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a heavy and a light.

Deuteronomy 25:13 niv

Do not have two differing weights in your bag?one heavy, one light.

Deuteronomy 25:13 esv

"You shall not have in your bag two kinds of weights, a large and a small.

Deuteronomy 25:13 nlt

"You must use accurate scales when you weigh out merchandise,

Deuteronomy 25 verses

Deuteronomy 25 13 Meaning

Deuteronomy 25:13 prohibits the use of dishonest commercial practices, specifically having two sets of weights – one heavier for buying (to get more product for less money) and one lighter for selling (to give less product for more money). It demands absolute integrity and fairness in all economic transactions, reflecting God's righteous character and establishing trust within the community.

Deuteronomy 25 13 Context

Deuteronomy 25 is part of Moses' final discourse to Israel before they enter the promised land. This chapter contains a collection of diverse laws that regulate civil and social life, ensuring justice, compassion, and purity within the Israelite community. Following laws on judicial beatings, caring for an ox, levirate marriage, and protecting vulnerable women, verses 13-16 specifically address economic ethics. The prohibition against "diverse weights" serves as a foundational command for fair trade, underscoring God's desire for honesty in all societal interactions. It forms part of the broader Deuteronomic code, which emphasizes loyalty to God and ethical treatment of one's neighbor, contrasting Israel's practices with those of surrounding nations who might engage in such deceptive methods.

Deuteronomy 25 13 Word analysis

• Thou shalt not: A categorical imperative, common in Mosaic law, signifying an absolute prohibition and command for Israel. It conveys the divine authority behind the instruction, demanding strict adherence.
• have: Beyond mere possession, it implies 'keeping' or 'maintaining' for use. The intent is critical; it's not about accidentally acquiring such weights, but deliberately having them for commercial use.
• in thy bag (קִיס, qîs): Refers to a purse or pouch carried by merchants where they would store their weights and coins. The "bag" signifies the immediate tool of commerce. It highlights the ready and accessible nature of the deceptive instruments, suggesting planned fraud.
• diverse weights (אֶבֶן וָאָבֶן, ’eḇen wā’āḇen): Literally "a stone and a stone," emphasizing the existence of two different kinds of weights. Ancient weights were often polished stones. The repetition ("stone and stone") underscores their differing standards, implying deliberate disparity, not natural variation.
• a great and a small (גְּדוֹלָה וּקְטַנָּה, gəḏôlāh wûqṭannâ): Specifically identifies the nature of the "diverse weights." The "great" weight would be used when buying (making the quantity appear larger than it is, thus giving less for the payment), and the "small" weight when selling (making the quantity appear smaller, thus getting more for the payment). This illustrates a calculated act of deception aimed at unjustly enriching oneself at another's expense. This precise description removes ambiguity, making the prohibition concrete and practical.
• "Thou shalt not have in thy bag diverse weights, a great and a small": This entire phrase delineates a very specific and insidious form of commercial fraud. It targets the practice of maintaining two distinct, dishonest sets of measuring instruments used selectively to manipulate trade for personal gain. This goes beyond simple inaccuracy; it reveals a deliberate intent to exploit, indicating a heart that is not committed to justice or love for one's neighbor. It is a direct assault on the trust necessary for a functioning and righteous society.

Deuteronomy 25 13 Bonus section

The strict prohibition against dishonest weights and measures highlights several key biblical concepts:

• God's Sovereignty over Commerce: The Lord is not only concerned with spiritual or religious rituals but actively legislates for justice in everyday economic transactions, demonstrating that all areas of life fall under His divine oversight and ethical standards.
• The Nature of Sin as Deception: This sin is not just theft but rooted in deception and a lack of transparency, exploiting an informational asymmetry. It preys on the trust inherent in transactional relationships.
• Community Cohesion: Fair dealings foster trust and stability within a community. Dishonesty, conversely, erodes relationships, breeds suspicion, and undermines the social fabric, which is why God abhors it.
• Universal Application: While presented in the context of ancient weights, the principle extends to all modern forms of commerce—fraudulent accounting, deceptive marketing, hidden fees, unfair labor practices, and any means by which one person seeks unjust gain at the expense of another through deceit.
• The Abomination of Dishonesty: Deuteronomy 25:16 explicitly states that those who practice such dishonesty are an "abomination to the LORD." This is a strong word, usually reserved for grave offenses like idolatry, child sacrifice, or sexual perversions (Deut 18:12). This elevates economic dishonesty to a serious spiritual offense against God Himself.

Deuteronomy 25 13 Commentary

Deuteronomy 25:13, while seemingly a straightforward command about market fairness, reaches deeply into the heart of biblical ethics. It's a foundational principle demanding unwavering integrity in all economic dealings. The "diverse weights" were not accidental inconsistencies but intentional tools of deceit, allowing merchants to cheat buyers when purchasing goods (using a heavier weight to make their money seem to acquire more produce) and sellers when offloading their wares (using a lighter weight to make their produce seem less, thus getting more money). This practice undermined communal trust, disproportionately harmed the poor and vulnerable who were most dependent on honest transactions, and was ultimately an affront to God's character. God, being perfectly just and righteous, desires that His people reflect His character in every sphere of life, including commerce. Dishonest weights represent a rejection of the command to "love your neighbor as yourself" and were deemed an "abomination" to the Lord (Deut 25:16). This command is thus not merely economic but deeply theological, revealing God's demand for social justice and righteousness as an expression of true worship and obedience.

Practical applications:

• Businesses should use accurate and transparent pricing.
• Advertisements and claims must be truthful.
• Contracts and agreements must be honored fully and without deception.