Deuteronomy 25:15

KJV

[But] thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

But thou shalt have a perfect {H8003} and just {H6664} weight {H68}, a perfect {H8003} and just {H6664} measure {H374} shalt thou have: that thy days {H3117} may be lengthened {H748} in the land {H127} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to have a correct and fair weight, and you are to have a correct and fair measure, so that you will prolong your days in the land ADONAI your God is giving you.

Berean Standard Bible

You must maintain accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

American Standard Version

A perfect and just weight shalt thou have; a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be long in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 25:15 delivers a foundational command for ancient Israel, establishing the divine expectation for absolute integrity and fairness in all commercial transactions. It mandates the use of accurate and honest weights and measures, underscoring that ethical conduct in the marketplace is not merely a secular convention but a sacred requirement. This commandment is presented as a prerequisite for the nation's continued well-being and longevity in the Promised Land, directly linking obedience to God's moral standards with tangible blessings and societal stability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) that details the specific laws and statutes given by God to Israel before their entry into Canaan. These laws cover a wide range of societal functions, from worship and justice to social welfare and family life, all designed to establish Israel as a distinct, holy nation reflecting God's character. Immediately preceding [Deuteronomy 25:15](/deuteronomy/25-15 "Deuteronomy 25:15 - Perfect Weights and Measures"), verses [Deuteronomy 25:13-14](/deuteronomy/25-13 "Deuteronomy 25:13-14 - Prohibition of Dishonest Weights") explicitly forbid the use of "diverse weights" or "diverse measures"—that is, having one set for buying and another for selling, or generally manipulating scales for personal gain. [Deuteronomy 25:15](/deuteronomy/25-15 "Deuteronomy 25:15 - Perfect Weights and Measures") then provides the positive injunction, commanding the opposite: a singular, accurate, and righteous standard. This progression from prohibition to positive command emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's demand for commercial honesty, moving beyond merely avoiding evil to actively pursuing good.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, commerce was essential, often conducted in public marketplaces where goods were weighed and measured. Without standardized currency, transactions frequently involved bartering or weighing precious metals. The use of weights and measures was thus central to daily economic life. Unfortunately, it was also a common arena for deceit. Merchants could easily manipulate scales or use inaccurate measures to cheat customers, especially the poor and vulnerable. This practice was widespread and often went unpunished by human authorities. God's command in [Deuteronomy 25:15](/deuteronomy/25-15 "Deuteronomy 25:15 - Perfect Weights and Measures") directly addresses this prevalent social injustice, setting Israel apart from surrounding cultures where such exploitation was rampant. It highlights a divine concern for economic justice and the protection of the weak, reflecting the LORD's character as a God who champions righteousness and equity for all, not just the powerful.

* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 25:15](/deuteronomy/25-15 "Deuteronomy 25:15 - Perfect Weights and Measures") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the **Divine Demand for Integrity**, demonstrating that God's holiness permeates every aspect of life, including the marketplace. It's not enough to be ritually pure; ethical conduct is equally vital. Secondly, it highlights **Justice in Commerce**, reflecting God's deep concern for social equity and the protection of the vulnerable. This law ensures that economic interactions are not arenas for exploitation but opportunities for fair dealing, fostering trust and stability within the community. This aligns with the broader Deuteronomic emphasis on a just society, as seen in laws protecting the poor, the widow, and the orphan (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:17-22](/deuteronomy/24 "Deuteronomy 24 - Laws for Social Justice")). Thirdly, the verse explicitly links obedience to this ethical standard with **Covenant Obedience and Blessing**, promising "that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee." This cause-and-effect relationship—faithfulness to God's laws leading to national prosperity and longevity—is a cornerstone of the Deuteronomic covenant theology, a theme reiterated throughout the book (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:2](/deuteronomy/6-2 "Deuteronomy 6:2 - Obedience for Long Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perfect (Hebrew, _shalem'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁלֵם (*shalem*) signifies completeness, wholeness, soundness, or integrity. It implies that nothing is lacking, nothing is broken, and there is no deficiency. In the context of weights and measures, it means they are accurate, unadulterated, and precisely what they purport to be. This is not merely about avoiding fraud, but about embodying a standard of absolute truthfulness and reliability, reflecting God's own perfect character.
* **Just (Hebrew, _tzedeq'_):** The Hebrew word צֶדֶק (*tzedeq*) refers to righteousness, equity, and conformity to a moral or divine standard. It speaks to the ethical dimension of the weights and measures, ensuring they are fair and equitable in their application. When combined with *shalem*, it conveys a profound sense of complete and unwavering fairness that aligns with God's own righteous nature, ensuring that every transaction is conducted with moral uprightness and impartiality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight,"**: This initial clause sets the positive command, directly contrasting the preceding prohibition against dishonest weights. The emphasis is on possession and consistent use of a "perfect" (complete, accurate) and "just" (righteous, equitable) weight. This implies not only the physical accuracy of the weighing instrument but also the moral disposition of the person using it—a commitment to truth and fairness in every transaction.
* **"a perfect and just measure shalt thou have:"**: This second clause parallels the first, extending the command from weights (for solid goods) to measures (for liquids or grains). The repetition of "perfect and just" underscores the universal applicability and non-negotiable nature of this ethical standard across all forms of commercial exchange. It reinforces the idea that all aspects of trade must reflect divine integrity.
* **"that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."**: This concluding clause articulates the direct consequence and divine blessing for obedience. The "lengthening of days" signifies not merely a longer lifespan for an individual, but rather national prosperity, security, and sustained well-being in the Promised Land. This blessing is contingent upon the nation's collective adherence to God's covenantal laws, demonstrating that societal justice and economic integrity are foundational to God's blessing and the flourishing of His people in the land He graciously provides.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 25:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with clarity and emphasis. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, seen in the repetition of "perfect and just weight" and "perfect and just measure." This not only reinforces the command but also extends its scope to encompass all forms of commercial exchange, whether by weight or by volume. The use of **Repetition** of the phrase "perfect and just" further emphasizes the absolute and non-negotiable nature of the divine standard. Additionally, the verse clearly demonstrates **Cause and Effect**, a hallmark of Deuteronomic theology. The ethical conduct (having perfect and just weights and measures) is presented as the direct cause, leading to the divine blessing (lengthened days in the land) as the effect. This structure highlights the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to His laws is intrinsically linked to national flourishing and the fulfillment of His promises regarding the land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 25:15 is a profound articulation of God's character and His expectations for His people, extending the principles of righteousness and justice into the practical realm of daily commerce. It reveals that God is not indifferent to economic practices but demands that His people reflect His own integrity in every transaction. This command elevates commercial dealings from mere secular exchanges to acts of worship and covenant faithfulness. It underscores that true piety is demonstrated not only in religious rituals but also in ethical conduct towards one's neighbor, particularly in ensuring fairness and preventing exploitation. The integrity mandated here is a tangible expression of loving God and loving neighbor, foundational to a society built on trust and equity.

* [Leviticus 19:35-36](/leviticus/19-35 "Leviticus 19:35-36 - Law on Just Measures")
* [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales are an Abomination")
* [Amos 8:4-6](/amos/8-4 "Amos 8:4-6 - Oppression of the Poor by Dishonest Merchants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 25:15 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless call to uphold the highest standards of integrity in all aspects of life, particularly in our economic and relational dealings. It challenges us to recognize that our commitment to God's righteousness must permeate every sphere, transforming even the seemingly mundane act of buying and selling into an opportunity to bear witness to His character. This means actively pursuing truthfulness, transparency, and fairness in all our transactions, whether in business, employment, or personal exchanges. It calls us to resist the temptation to gain advantage through deception or manipulation, understanding that such practices are an abomination to the Lord. Our adherence to just weights and measures, in both literal and metaphorical senses, becomes a powerful testimony to a world often characterized by greed and dishonesty, demonstrating that God's kingdom values are operative and transformative in our daily lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, beyond literal commerce, might I be tempted to use "diverse weights" or "diverse measures" in my dealings with others (e.g., in judging others, in fulfilling commitments)?**
* **How does my commitment to integrity in financial or professional matters reflect my worship of God and my love for my neighbor?**
* **What specific steps can I take to ensure that my business practices, financial dealings, or even personal interactions are characterized by the "perfect and just" standard God commands?**
* **How does the promise of "lengthened days in the land" motivate or challenge my pursuit of ethical conduct in a contemporary context?**

### FAQ
**What does "lengthened in the land" mean for us today, beyond ancient Israel?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, "lengthened in the land" directly referred to their continued prosperity, security, and presence in the Promised Land, contingent on their obedience to God's covenant. For believers today, while we do not inherit the physical land of Canaan, the principle translates into a broader sense of God's blessing, flourishing, and stability in our lives and communities. This can manifest as spiritual vitality, relational health, a sense of purpose, and even tangible well-being. It signifies that living righteously, with integrity and justice, aligns us with God's design for human flourishing, leading to a life that is genuinely rich and enduring, both in this age and in the age to come, as we live as citizens of God's eternal kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 25:15, with its demand for perfect and just weights and measures, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the law prescribed external adherence to righteous standards, Christ embodies and perfectly fulfills the very righteousness that the law demands. He is the "perfect and just measure" by which all human integrity is weighed, living a life of absolute truthfulness and equity, never engaging in deceit or injustice. Jesus' teachings consistently elevated the spirit of the law above mere legalism, calling His followers to an internal righteousness that produces external integrity (e.g., [Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Scribes and Pharisees")). He taught the Golden Rule, urging us to "do to others what you would have them do to you" ([Matthew 7:12](/matthew/7-12 "Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule")), which inherently demands fairness and justice in all dealings. Furthermore, Christ's atoning work on the cross perfectly satisfied the demands of God's justice, making it possible for us, through faith, to be clothed in His righteousness ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness from God by Faith")). The "lengthening of days in the land" for Israel foreshadows the eternal life and spiritual inheritance we receive in Christ, who is our ultimate "land" and dwelling place ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Thus, living with integrity, as commanded in Deuteronomy, becomes an overflow of our union with Christ, who is our perfect standard, our righteousness, and the source of our eternal flourishing in God's kingdom, which is "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")).

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

Exodus 20:12

¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Deuteronomy 4:40

Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

Deuteronomy 17:20

That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left: to the end that he may prolong [his] days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.

1 Peter 3:10

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Deuteronomy 11:9

And that ye may prolong [your] days in the land, which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey.

Deuteronomy 5:16

Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Deuteronomy 6:18

And thou shalt do [that which is] right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,