Deuteronomy 25:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not have in thy bag {H3599} divers weights {H68}{H68}, a great {H1419} and a small {H6996}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are not to have in your pack two sets of weights, one heavy, the other light.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall not have two differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 25:13 issues a direct and unequivocal prohibition against the use of fraudulent weights in commercial transactions. This command, delivered by Moses to the Israelites on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, underscores God's profound commitment to justice, honesty, and integrity within the community. It serves as a foundational principle for ethical commerce, reflecting the divine character that abhors deceit and demands equitable dealings among all people, especially protecting the vulnerable from exploitation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This specific command is situated within the broader legal framework of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy - Moses' Farewell Speeches"), a book primarily comprising Moses' final addresses to the new generation of Israelites before their entry into Canaan. Chapter 25, in particular, deals with a diverse collection of civil and moral statutes, ranging from regulations concerning physical punishment ([Deuteronomy 25:1-3](/deuteronomy/25-1 "Deuteronomy 25:1-3 - Limits on Flogging")) to the law of levirate marriage ([Deuteronomy 25:5-10](/deuteronomy/25-5 "Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - The Law of Levirate Marriage")) and the treatment of the Amalekites ([Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Eradicating Amalek")). The inclusion of the prohibition against "divers weights" within this varied legal tapestry highlights its fundamental importance to the establishment of a righteous society, emphasizing that justice must permeate all aspects of life, from personal relationships to economic interactions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, commerce heavily relied on scales and weights, typically stones, to measure goods like grain, precious metals, and spices. The absence of standardized currency meant that transactions were often conducted through bartering or by weighing commodities. A merchant would carry a "bag" containing various weights. The temptation to use different weights—one heavier for buying (to get more product for less money) and one lighter for selling (to give less product for more money)—was a common form of fraud. This practice disproportionately harmed the poor and uneducated, who lacked the means to verify measurements, making this law a crucial safeguard for societal equity and stability in a marketplace where trust was paramount.
* **Key Themes:** The prohibition against "divers weights" contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy") and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully articulates God's demand for **honesty and integrity** in all human dealings, particularly in economic spheres, as seen also in [Leviticus 19:35-36](/leviticus/19-35 "Leviticus 19:35-36 - Just Weights and Measures"). This command is a direct expression of divine **justice and fairness**, ensuring that all members of the covenant community are treated equitably, reflecting the character of a righteous God. Furthermore, it embodies the theme of **protection of the vulnerable**, as dishonest practices often victimized the poor and marginalized. Ultimately, this law underscores the idea that ethical conduct in the marketplace is not merely a human convention but a **divine mandate**, an act of obedience and worship that reflects God's own perfect righteousness and abhorrence of all forms of deceit, as emphasized in [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - A False Balance is an Abomination to the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Divers weights (Hebrew, _'eben wa'eben'_):** This phrase literally translates to "a stone and a stone," referring to having two different sets of weights in one's possession. One set would be accurate or heavier, used when buying goods to ensure the merchant received more product. The other set would be lighter, used when selling goods to ensure the merchant dispensed less product while charging for more. This duality highlights the deliberate, premeditated nature of the fraud, implying a systematic intention to deceive and exploit rather than an accidental inaccuracy.
* **Bag (Hebrew, _kis'_):** This refers to the pouch or purse typically carried by merchants, in which they would keep their weights and money. The mention of the "bag" emphasizes the personal responsibility of the individual merchant and the clandestine nature of the deception. It's not just about the weights themselves, but about the *possession* and *intent* to use them fraudulently, indicating a heart inclined towards dishonesty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not have in thy bag":** This opening clause establishes a direct, personal prohibition. It's not merely a command against the *act* of using false weights, but against the *possession* of them with fraudulent intent. The "bag" signifies the merchant's personal tools of trade, making the command deeply personal and a matter of individual integrity and conscience. It implies forethought and preparation for deceit, which is condemned.
* **"divers weights":** This specifies the nature of the prohibited item. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," "divers weights" (literally "a stone and a stone") refers to having two different, non-standardized sets of weights for the purpose of cheating. This phrase encapsulates the essence of the fraudulent practice: the deliberate manipulation of measures for unjust gain.
* **"a great and a small":** This further clarifies and emphasizes the nature of the "divers weights." It describes the two types of fraudulent weights: one that is deceptively heavy (a "great" weight, used when buying to ensure the merchant gets more than paid for) and one that is deceptively light (a "small" weight, used when selling to ensure the merchant gives less than paid for). This specific detail leaves no ambiguity about the kind of deception being condemned, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's demand for precise and honest measurements.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Legal Prohibition** as its primary literary form, characteristic of the Deuteronomic law code. The direct, imperative "Thou shalt not have" establishes a clear and non-negotiable divine command, leaving no room for misinterpretation regarding the ethical standard. Furthermore, there is an element of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy** at play, where "divers weights" (specifically "a great and a small") serves as a concrete example that stands for all forms of commercial fraud and dishonesty. By focusing on this specific, tangible practice, the law effectively condemns the broader spirit of deceit and exploitation in the marketplace. The specific mention of the "bag" also functions as a **Metonymy**, representing the merchant's entire practice and intent, thereby making the prohibition deeply personal and encompassing the inner disposition as well as the outward act.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against "divers weights" is not an isolated legal decree but an integral part of God's overarching demand for righteousness and justice within His covenant people. It reflects the very character of Yahweh, who is perfectly just and true, and therefore abhors all forms of deceit and exploitation. This command elevates commercial integrity to a theological imperative, demonstrating that economic transactions are not morally neutral but fall under divine scrutiny. It underscores that true worship and obedience extend beyond ritual and into the practicalities of daily life, including the marketplace. God's concern for fair dealing is rooted in His compassion for the vulnerable and His desire for a society where trust and equity flourish, thereby reflecting His holiness to the surrounding nations.

* [Leviticus 19:35-36](/leviticus/19-35 "Leviticus 19:35-36 - Just Balances, Just Weights")
* [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - A False Balance is an Abomination to the LORD")
* [Proverbs 20:23](/proverbs/20-23 "Proverbs 20:23 - Divers Weights are an Abomination to the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific context of Deuteronomy 25:13 addresses physical weights and measures in an ancient marketplace, its underlying principle of absolute honesty and integrity remains profoundly relevant for believers today. This command challenges us to examine every facet of our lives, particularly our financial and professional dealings, to ensure they are characterized by unimpeachable truthfulness. It calls us to reject any form of deception, manipulation, or unfair advantage, whether in business transactions, academic pursuits, or personal relationships. Living by "just weights" in a modern context means accurate pricing, truthful advertising, honest reporting, fair wages, and transparent communication. Ultimately, our commitment to integrity is not merely about avoiding legal repercussions or maintaining a good reputation; it is an act of worship, demonstrating our reverence for a God who is Himself perfectly just and true, and whose character we are called to reflect in a world often marked by deceit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, beyond financial transactions, might I be tempted to use "divers weights"—that is, to present different standards or truths depending on the situation or audience?**
* **How does my commitment to honesty and integrity in my daily work or business dealings reflect my understanding of God's character and His commands?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that all my interactions, both professional and personal, are marked by transparency and fairness, even when it might be costly or inconvenient?**
* **How can the church community encourage and uphold a culture of uncompromising integrity among its members, serving as a counter-cultural witness to the world?**

### FAQ
**Why is God so concerned with seemingly mundane commercial practices like weights and measures?**

Answer: God's concern for "divers weights" is far from mundane; it is deeply theological and practical. Firstly, it reflects His intrinsic character of justice and righteousness. As a holy God, He abhors all forms of deceit and exploitation, which are antithetical to His nature. Secondly, it is a matter of social justice. In ancient societies, dishonest weights disproportionately harmed the poor and vulnerable, who often lacked the means to verify measurements or seek redress. By commanding fair weights, God was actively protecting the marginalized and ensuring equity within the covenant community, a theme consistently seen throughout [the Law](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21 - Laws for Israel"). Thirdly, it speaks to the holistic nature of faith. God's dominion extends over every aspect of human life, including commerce. Ethical business practices are not separate from spiritual devotion but are an integral part of living out one's covenant relationship with Him, as highlighted in [Proverbs 16:11](/proverbs/16-11 "Proverbs 16:11 - Just Balances and Scales are the LORD's").

**How does the principle of "divers weights" apply to modern business and personal ethics, given that we don't use physical weights and scales?**

Answer: The principle of Deuteronomy 25:13 transcends its ancient context and applies directly to modern ethics, albeit in different forms. In business, it condemns any practice that involves deception or manipulation for unfair gain. This includes, but is not limited to, false advertising, misleading financial statements, deceptive pricing, unethical sales tactics, intellectual property theft, or providing substandard services while charging for premium ones. In personal ethics, it speaks to integrity in all our dealings: being truthful in our words and promises, avoiding hypocrisy, consistently applying our moral standards, and not presenting one face to some and another to others. It calls for transparency and honesty in all relationships, reflecting the consistent character of God, who is "the Lord, the God of truth" ([Psalm 31:5](/psalm/31-5 "Psalm 31:5 - God of Truth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 25:13, with its demand for perfect honesty in weights and measures, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of truth and justice, the one in whom "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures in Christ")). Unlike the deceitful merchant with "divers weights," Christ's character is utterly consistent and without blemish, perfectly reflecting the righteous standard of God the Father. His life and teachings consistently upheld integrity, from His admonition for His followers to let their "yes be yes and their no be no" ([Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Matthew 5:37 - Let Your Yes Be Yes")) to His condemnation of hypocrisy among the religious leaders ([Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Through His atoning work, Christ not only perfectly fulfilled the Law's demands for justice but also empowers believers, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to live lives marked by the fruit of truthfulness and integrity ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, the call to honest dealings in the marketplace becomes a spiritual act, a tangible expression of our identity as new creations in Christ, who are called to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord" ([Colossians 1:10](/colossians/1-10 "Colossians 1:10 - Walk Worthy of the Lord")) and to be "children of light" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light")) in every sphere of life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 11:1

¶ A false balance [is] abomination to the LORD: but a just weight [is] his delight.

Proverbs 16:11

¶ A just weight and balance [are] the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag [are] his work.

Amos 8:5

Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?

Leviticus 19:35

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.

Leviticus 19:37

Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I [am] the LORD.

Micah 6:11

Shall I count [them] pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?

Micah 6:12

For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue [is] deceitful in their mouth.