TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 25:13–19. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. A law against deceitful weights and measures: they must not only not use them, but they must not have them, not have them in the bag, not have them in the house (Deu 25:13, Deu 25:14); for, if they had them, they would be strongly tempted to use them. They must not have a great weight and measure to buy by and a small one to sell by, for that was to cheat both ways, when either was bad enough; as we read of those that made the ephah small, in which they measured the corn they sold, and the shekel great, by which they weighed the money they received for it, Amo 8:5. But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, v. 15. That which is the rule of justice must itself be just; if that be otherwise, it is a constant cheat. This had been taken care of before, Lev 19:35, Lev 19:36. This law is enforced with two very good reasons: - 1. That justice and equity will bring down upon us the blessing of God. The way to have our days lengthened, and to prosper, is to be just and fair in all our dealings Honesty is the best policy. 2. That fraud and injustice will expose us to the curse of God, Deu 25:16. Not only unrighteousness itself, but all that do unrighteously, are an abomination to the Lord. And miserable is that man who is abhorred by his Maker. How hateful, particularly, all the arts of deceit are to God, Solomon several times observes, Pro 11:1; Pro 20:10, Pro 20:23; and the apostle tells us that the Lord is the avenger of all such as overreach and defraud in any matter, Th1 4:6.
II.A law for the rooting out of Amalek.
Here is a just weight and a just measure, that, as Amalek had measured to Israel, so it should be measure to Amalek again.
1.The mischief Amalek did to Israel must be here remembered, Deu 25:17, Deu 25:18. When it was first done it was ordered to be recorded (Exo 17:14-16), and here the remembrance of it is ordered to be preserved, not in personal revenge (for that generation which suffered by the Amalekites was gone, so that those who now lived, and their posterity, could not have any personal resentment of the injury), but in a zeal for the glory of God (which was insulted by the Amalekites), that throne of the Lord against which the hand of Amalek was stretched out. The carriage of the Amalekites towards Israel is here represented,
(1.)As very base and disingenuous. They had no occasion at all to quarrel with Israel, nor did they give them any notice, by a manifesto or declaration of war; but took them at an advantage, when they had just come out of the house of bondage, and, for aught that appeared to them, were only going to sacrifice to God in the wilderness.
(2.)As very barbarous and cruel; for they smote those that were more feeble, whom they should have succoured. The greatest cowards are commonly the most cruel; while those that have the courage of a man will have the compassion of a man.
(3.)As very impious and profane: they feared not God. If they had had any reverence for the majesty of the God of Israel, which they saw a token of in the cloud, or any dread of his wrath, which they lately heard of the power of over Pharaoh, they durst not have made this assault upon Israel. Well, here was the ground of the quarrel: and it shows how God takes what is done against his people as done against himself, and that he will particularly reckon with those that discourage and hinder young beginners in religion, that (as Satan's agents) set upon the weak and feeble, either to divert them or to disquiet them, and offend his little ones.
2.This mischief must in due time be revenged, Deu 25:19. When their wars were finished, by which they were to settle their kingdom and enlarge their coast, then they must make war upon Amalek (Deu 25:19), not merely to chase them, but to consume them, to blot out the remembrance of Amalek. It was an instance of God's patience that he deferred the vengeance so long, which should have led the Amalekites to repentance; yet an instance of fearful retribution that the posterity of Amalek, so long after, were destroyed for the mischief done by their ancestors to the Israel of God, that all the world might see, and say, that he who toucheth them toucheth the apple of his eye. It was nearly 400 years after this that Saul was ordered to put this sentence in execution (1 Sa. 15), and was rejected of God because he did not do it effectually, but spared some of that devoted nation, in contempt, not only of the particular orders he received from Samuel, but of this general command here given by Moses, which he could not be ignorant of. David afterwards made some destruction of them; and the Simeonites, in Hezekiah's time, smote the rest that remained (Ch1 4:43); for when God judges he will overcome.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 25:14 issues a stringent divine prohibition against the possession and use of dishonest measuring instruments within one's household, specifically "divers measures"—meaning a set of two different, inconsistent standards, one larger and one smaller. This command is a foundational expression of God's unwavering demand for absolute integrity, fairness, and justice in all commercial and personal dealings within the covenant community of Israel, reflecting His own righteous character and serving to protect the vulnerable from exploitation.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 25:14 is embedded within a comprehensive section of Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 22-25) that delineates a wide array of statutes governing the civil, social, and ethical conduct of the Israelite people. These laws are presented not as arbitrary rules, but as practical outworkings of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, demonstrating how a nation consecrated to God should live righteously. This specific verse forms part of a tightly knit legal cluster focused on economic integrity, immediately following the prohibition against "divers weights" in Deuteronomy 25:13 and preceding the positive command to maintain "a perfect and just weight" in Deuteronomy 25:15. The emphatic condemnation of dishonesty as an "abomination" in Deuteronomy 25:16 further underscores the gravity of this economic offense within the Deuteronomic legal framework.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the agrarian and trade-based society of ancient Israel, economic transactions were heavily reliant on physical weights and measures for commodities such as grain, oil, wine, and other goods. Unlike modern economies with standardized, government-regulated systems, merchants often maintained their own sets of measuring devices. This decentralized system created significant opportunities for fraud. Unscrupulous individuals might keep two sets of measures: a "great" (larger) measure for purchasing goods (thereby receiving more than they paid for) and a "small" (smaller) measure for selling goods (thereby dispensing less than promised). Such deceptive practices disproportionately harmed the poor and vulnerable, who often lacked the means to verify measurements, leading to their economic disadvantage and social instability. The law, therefore, functioned as a vital safeguard for economic justice and social equity in a society where fair trade was essential for communal well-being.
Key Themes
The prohibition against "divers measures" contributes significantly to several foundational themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of Divine Justice and Righteousness, asserting that God's character is inherently just and that He demands His people reflect this attribute in their daily interactions, extending even to commercial dealings. This law is not merely about commerce but about establishing a society where justice is an intrinsic part of its fabric, echoing the prophetic call for justice to "roll down like waters" (Amos 5:24). Secondly, it highlights the theme of Holiness and Integrity in Daily Life. For Israel to be a holy nation, set apart for God, their conduct in even the most mundane activities, like buying and selling, had to be free from deceit. This expands the concept of holiness beyond ritual purity to encompass ethical behavior in all spheres. Finally, the strong condemnation in Deuteronomy 25:16 underscores God's Abhorrence of Deceit and Exploitation, viewing such practices as an "abomination" that not only undermines the covenant community's trust but also dishonors His holy name.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
(bayith), meaning a house in its greatest variation of applications, including family, household, or dwelling. In this context, "in thine house" emphasizes the personal responsibility of the individual Israelite, indicating that the mere possession of dishonest measures, even if not actively used in the marketplace, is forbidden. It speaks to the internal integrity of the household as the basic unit of society.
(ʼêyphâh), specifically denoting an ephah, a dry measure roughly equivalent to half a bushel. However, in the context of this law and its parallel concerning "weights" in Deuteronomy 25:13, "measures" here functions as a synecdoche, representing all forms of volumetric measures (dry or liquid) and, by extension, any instrument used for commercial exchange. The emphasis is on the integrity of the measuring instrument itself, regardless of its specific type.
(gâdôwl), meaning great in any sense, including size or quantity. In this verse, "a great" measure refers to a volumetric measure that is larger than the true or just standard. Such a measure would be used by a dishonest merchant when buying goods, allowing them to receive more product than they were paying for, thereby defrauding the seller.
(qâṭân), meaning diminutive, literally (in quantity, size, or number). Here, "a small" measure refers to a volumetric measure that is smaller than the true or just standard. This measure would be used by a dishonest merchant when selling goods, allowing them to dispense less product than promised, thereby defrauding the buyer.
Verse Breakdown
"Thou shalt not have in thine house"
This opening imperative sets a strict boundary. It is not merely a prohibition against using dishonest measures in public commerce, but against even possessing them within one's private dwelling. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the command, demanding internal integrity and a rejection of fraudulent intent at its very source. The household is presented as the foundational unit where righteousness must begin.
"divers measures"
This is the core of the prohibition, referring to the practice of maintaining two different, inconsistent standards for measuring goods. The term "divers" implies a deliberate, fraudulent scheme where one measure is used to gain an unfair advantage when buying (a larger one), and another when selling (a smaller one). This highlights the deceptive intent behind such a practice.
"a great and a small"
This phrase further clarifies the nature of the "divers measures" by specifying the two deceptive standards. It explicitly names the two tools of fraud: one that is "great" (larger than the true standard, used when buying to receive more) and one that is "small" (smaller than the true standard, used when selling to give less). This detail leaves no ambiguity regarding the fraudulent intent and the exploitative nature of such practices.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 25:14 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful ethical injunction. The most prominent is Legal Prohibition, expressed through the direct negative command, "Thou shalt not have." This imperative mood, characteristic of Mosaic Law, underscores the absolute and non-negotiable nature of the divine injunction, leaving no room for compromise. The phrase "a great and a small" functions as a form of Merism, where two contrasting extremes (great and small) are used to encompass the entire spectrum of dishonest measures, implying any deviation from a single, just standard. This literary technique emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the prohibition, covering all forms of volumetric deceit. The verse also employs Didacticism, serving as a clear moral instruction aimed at shaping the character of the Israelite community, emphasizing the importance of Ethical Consistency and integrity in all transactions, both public and private.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 25:14 serves as a profound theological statement, revealing God's character as fundamentally just, righteous, and concerned with the practical outworking of covenant faithfulness in daily life. It teaches that true worship and devotion extend beyond ritual and sacrifice into the most mundane aspects of human interaction, particularly economic dealings. God's meticulous concern for honest weights and measures demonstrates His deep care for social justice, ensuring that the weak, the poor, and the vulnerable are not exploited by the powerful or deceitful. Dishonesty in commerce is not merely a breach of human ethics; it is an offense against God Himself, for it undermines the trust, equity, and love for neighbor that should characterize a community living under His benevolent rule. This command reflects the truth that God is a God of order, truth, and equity, and He expects His people to embody these attributes, thereby reflecting His glory and character to the surrounding nations.
Reflection and Application
While the specific context of physical weights and measures may seem distant in our modern digital and service-based economies, the ethical principle embedded in Deuteronomy 25:14 remains profoundly relevant and universally applicable. This verse calls believers to a radical commitment to integrity and transparency in all areas of life, extending far beyond literal commerce. It challenges us to honestly examine whether we operate with "divers measures" in our personal, professional, and spiritual lives—perhaps one standard for our own convenience or benefit and another, less rigorous one, for others. This might manifest as intellectual dishonesty in our studies, selective truth-telling in conversations, unfair labor practices, misleading advertising, or even maintaining inconsistent moral standards depending on our social circle or audience. The divine call is to cultivate a consistent, unwavering commitment to truth, fairness, and equity in every interaction, reflecting the unchanging character of God. Our witness to the world is deeply compromised if our words and actions do not align with a single, just standard, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is God so concerned with something seemingly mundane like weights and measures?
God's concern for weights and measures, as vividly illustrated in Deuteronomy 25:14, reveals His comprehensive interest in all aspects of human life, not merely the spiritual or ritualistic. This seemingly mundane detail is deeply significant because it touches upon fundamental principles of justice, fairness, and love for one's neighbor. Dishonest practices in commerce directly harm the vulnerable, exploit trust, and undermine the social fabric of a community. For God, who is perfectly just and righteous (Psalm 89:14), any act of deceit or exploitation is an affront to His character and a violation of the covenant He established with His people. Therefore, promoting honest measures is a practical expression of worship, a tangible demonstration of righteousness in the world, and a safeguard for communal well-being.
How does this apply to me today, since I don't use physical weights and measures in my daily life?
While the literal context of physical weights and measures has largely changed, the underlying principle of Deuteronomy 25:14 remains timeless and universally applicable. Today, "divers measures" can manifest in various forms of dishonesty and inconsistency in our words, actions, and intentions. This includes misrepresenting products or services, inflating prices, deceptive advertising, intellectual dishonesty in academic or professional settings, manipulating data, or even presenting a false persona in social interactions. It calls us to be scrupulously honest in all our dealings—financial, relational, and professional. It challenges us to have a single, consistent standard of truth and integrity that governs our words, actions, and intentions, ensuring that we do not seek unfair advantage or exploit others in any context. The essence is a call to unwavering integrity in a world often tempted by deceit.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 25:14, with its uncompromising demand for perfect integrity in measures, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of perfect righteousness, the very standard by which all truth and justice are measured. Unlike those who would employ "divers measures" for personal gain, Jesus lived a life of absolute consistency and truth, utterly without deceit or partiality (1 Peter 2:22). His teachings consistently condemned hypocrisy and called for genuine integrity of heart, as powerfully illustrated in His woes against the scribes and Pharisees who outwardly appeared righteous but inwardly were full of lawlessness (Matthew 23:27-28). Furthermore, Christ's atoning work on the cross establishes a new covenant where believers are not merely commanded to be righteous, but are graciously empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of integrity, reflecting His character and fulfilling the righteous requirement of the law (Romans 8:4). The New Testament call to "put away falsehood and speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor" (Ephesians 4:25) is a direct outworking of our new identity in Christ, who is Himself "the Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6). In Him, we find both the grace and the power to live by a single, just measure, honoring God and serving our neighbors with unwavering honesty and love.