(The Lord speaking is red text)
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.
"'Don't be dishonest when measuring length, weight or capacity.
You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume.
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in measures of length, of weight, or of quantity.
Ye shall do{H6213} no unrighteousness{H5766} in judgment{H4941}, in meteyard{H4060}, in weight{H4948}, or in measure{H4884}.
1. **Themes:**
- **Honesty and Integrity:** The verse emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in all transactions, both in business and in the administration of justice. It calls for fairness and truthfulness, regardless of the context or the parties involved.
- **Ethical Business Practices:** It specifically addresses the use of accurate measurements and weights in trade, highlighting the prohibition of fraudulent practices that could deceive or cheat others.
- **Divine Justice:** The command underscores that God's standards of justice are to be upheld in all human interactions, suggesting that integrity in judgment is a reflection of one's relationship with God.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **Covenant with Israel:** Leviticus is part of the Torah, the foundational legal and religious texts of ancient Israel. This verse falls within the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26), which outlines various laws given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, intended to set them apart as a holy nation.
- **Early Legal System:** At the time, Israel was transitioning from a tribal society to a nation-state with a centralized legal system. The directive against unrighteousness in judgment would have been crucial in establishing trust in the fairness of the legal process and in commercial transactions.
- **Cultural Relevance:** False weights and measures were common tools of deception in the ancient Near East. This command served to counteract such practices among the Israelites, reinforcing the importance of honesty in daily life.
In summary, Leviticus 19:35 addresses themes of honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior in both legal and commercial interactions, reflecting God's expectation of justice and fairness within the historical context of early Israelite society.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)