Leviticus 19:35 kjv
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.
Leviticus 19:35 nkjv
'You shall do no injustice in judgment, in measurement of length, weight, or volume.
Leviticus 19:35 niv
"?'Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or quantity.
Leviticus 19:35 esv
"You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measures of length or weight or quantity.
Leviticus 19:35 nlt
"Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight, or volume.
Leviticus 19 35 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 25:13-16 | You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a large and a small... | Law on honest weights & measures. |
| Prov 11:1 | A false balance is abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight. | Direct parallel, God's view on honesty. |
| Prov 16:11 | A just balance and scales are the LORD's; all the weights... His concern. | God's sovereignty over marketplace ethics. |
| Prov 20:10 | Diverse weights and diverse measures, both alike are abomination to the LORD. | Reiterates abhorrence of dishonesty. |
| Prov 20:23 | Diverse weights are abomination to the LORD, and a dishonest scale is not good. | Strong condemnation of fraudulent trade. |
| Ezek 45:10 | You shall have just balances, a just ephah, and a just bath. | Prophetic command for fair economic practices. |
| Deut 16:18-20 | ...appoint judges and officers... and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. | Foundation for justice in legal settings. |
| Ps 33:5 | He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. | God's character is righteousness and justice. |
| Ps 89:14 | Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne... | Justice is foundational to God's rule. |
| Ps 99:4 | The King in His strength loves justice... You have executed justice... | God's attribute of executing justice. |
| Isa 1:17 | Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression... | Prophetic call to act justly. |
| Jer 22:3 | Thus says the LORD: 'Do justice and righteousness, and deliver... | Prophetic emphasis on social justice. |
| Amos 5:24 | But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. | Call for pervasive, undeniable justice. |
| Mic 6:8 | He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require... to do justly... | Summary of divine requirement for justice. |
| Zech 8:16 | These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another... | Command for truthfulness in community. |
| Lev 19:18 | You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge... but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. | Contextual command; fairness reflects love. |
| Mt 7:12 | So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them... | The Golden Rule; applies to economic fairness. |
| Rom 13:7-8 | Pay to all what is owed to them... Owe no one anything, except to love one another... | Honesty in financial obligations. |
| 1 Cor 6:7-8 | Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?... You yourselves wrong and defraud... | Condemns internal community fraud. |
| 1 Thess 4:6 | ...that no one transgress and defraud his brother in this matter... | Warning against exploiting fellow believers. |
| Col 3:9 | Do not lie to one another... | General command for truthfulness. |
| Titus 2:10 | ...showing all good fidelity, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God. | Integrity reflects positively on faith. |
| 1 Pet 2:1 | So put away all malice and all deceit... | Call for sincere and honest living. |
Leviticus 19 verses
Leviticus 19 35 Meaning
Leviticus 19:35 commands the Israelites to uphold integrity and honesty in all matters of justice and commerce. It explicitly prohibits deceit or unfairness in legal judgments, and specifically extends this to practical dealings involving measurements of length, weight, and volume. This verse underscores that ethical conduct and righteous dealings are fundamental components of living a holy life, reflecting God's own character of justice and truth.
Leviticus 19 35 Context
Leviticus chapter 19 is a central text within the Torah, often referred to as the "Holiness Code." It immediately follows commands related to specific offerings and priestly purity. The chapter's recurring theme is the divine command: "You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy" (Lev 19:2). This foundational principle then unfolds into a comprehensive list of ethical and ritual requirements covering nearly every aspect of Israelite life, including idolatry, Sabbath observance, treatment of parents, social welfare (gleaning), judicial integrity, sexual morality, honesty in commerce, respect for the elderly, and love for one's neighbor. Verse 35 specifically places economic and judicial integrity alongside cultic purity and personal morality, emphasizing that holiness extends beyond ritual practice into everyday interpersonal and commercial dealings. Historically, this law served to establish a just and equitable society, distinguishing Israel from surrounding nations where exploitative economic practices and judicial corruption were common.
Leviticus 19 35 Word analysis
- You shall do: This is a direct command, indicating an absolute imperative from God. It highlights the active responsibility of each individual.
- no: A strong prohibition, signifying an absolute standard and zero tolerance for deviation from it.
- injustice (עָוֶל, ‘āwel): This Hebrew term refers to perversity, fraud, or crookedness. It denotes a moral twisting of what is right, fundamentally opposing tzedeq (righteousness/justice). It covers not just intentional wrong, but anything that deviates from uprightness or fairness. The emphasis here is on dishonest or morally corrupt behavior in general.
- in judgment (בַּמִּשְׁפָּט, bammišpāṭ): Refers to judicial decisions, legal rulings, and generally any instance where one person makes a decision that affects another's rights or property. It implies a demand for impartiality and fairness within the legal system, ensuring that truth prevails and equity is upheld.
- in measurements (בַּמִּדָּה, bammiddāh): The general term for "measure" or "standard." It encompasses any form of physical measurement used in trade or daily life, setting a standard for accuracy. It's often understood to cover length, dimension, or any fixed standard.
- of length: While not explicitly a unique Hebrew word here, the middah (measure) can certainly imply linear measurements for goods, land, or building. The emphasis is on precise and honest application of standard measuring tools.
- of weight (בַּמִּשְׁקָל, bammishqāl): This refers specifically to using scales and weights, which were essential in ancient commerce for things like grain, precious metals, and spices. A just weight means using accurate and unadulterated standards, prohibiting the use of "differing weights" (Deut 25:13) for buying and selling.
- or of volume (וּבַמָּשׂוּחַ, ūḇammāśūaḥ): Refers to liquid or dry measures like the ephah or bath, which were used for grain, oil, and wine. Ensuring an honest volume meant filling measures fully and accurately, without deception or manipulation of the container.
- "You shall do no injustice": This phrase sets the ethical cornerstone. It's a command against the very act and intention of deceit, emphasizing a positive commitment to uprightness. The individual is held responsible for ensuring their actions are devoid of fraud.
- "in judgment, in measurements of length, of weight, or of volume": This comprehensive list shows the wide scope of God's command. It covers judicial integrity (public life), and commercial integrity (economic life). By specifying "measurements of length, of weight, or of volume," the verse targets the most common forms of ancient market deception. This teaches that true holiness impacts every aspect of a person’s life, including the practical, mundane, and economic. It underscores that spiritual devotion is inseparable from ethical dealings in society.
Leviticus 19 35 Bonus section
This verse is often cited by scholars as evidence that the Old Testament Holiness Code provides a robust framework for social and economic justice. The emphasis on practical ethics in the marketplace shows that biblical faith is not just about individual piety but also about shaping a just society. It acts as a counter-cultural command, challenging common ancient Near Eastern practices of short-changing customers or corrupting judicial processes for personal gain. The inclusion of these detailed commercial laws within a chapter focused on holiness highlights that everyday business dealings are sacred spaces where God's character is to be reflected. These principles underpin prophetic calls for justice, which often denounce the wealthy who use false weights or exploit the poor.
Leviticus 19 35 Commentary
Leviticus 19:35 is a powerful testament to the holistic nature of biblical holiness. It clarifies that true devotion to God extends beyond ritualistic observance into the ethical fabric of daily life, particularly in areas of economic interaction and legal arbitration. The prohibition against injustice in "judgment, in measurements of length, of weight, or of volume" mandates that fairness and integrity must permeate commercial transactions and the legal system. This reflects God's own perfect righteousness and justice. Any deviation from accurate measures or impartial judgment is an offense against the divine character. This command ensures that all people, especially the vulnerable, are treated fairly in the marketplace, preventing exploitation and promoting trust within the community. It's not merely a pragmatic rule for a stable economy but a profound theological statement: a people dedicated to a holy God must conduct themselves with unwavering honesty in every sphere of life. This includes, for example, accurately labeling products, providing correct change, or giving honest evaluations.