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 Ezekiel 45:9–12.
We have here some general rules of justice laid down both for prince and people, the rules of distributive and commutative justice; for godliness without honesty is but a form of godliness, will neither please God nor avail to the benefit of any people. Be it therefore enacted, by the authority of the church's King and God, 1. That princes do not oppress their subjects, but duly and faithfully administer justice among them (Eze 45:9): "Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel! that you have been oppressive to the people and have enriched yourselves by spoil and violence, that you have so long fleeced the flock instead of feeding them, and henceforward do so no more." Note, Even princes and great men that have long done amiss must at length think it time, high time, to reform and amend; for no prescription will justify a wrong. Instead of saying that they have been long accustomed to oppress, and therefore may persist in it, for the custom will bear them out, they should say that they have been long accustomed to it and therefore, as here, Let the time pass suffice, and let them now remove violence and spoil; let them drop wrongful demands, cancel wrongful usages, and turn out those from employments under them that do violence. Let them take away their exactions, ease their subjects of those taxes which they find lie heavily upon them, and let them execute judgment and justice according to the law, as the duty of their place requires. Note, All princes, but especially the princes of Israel, are concerned to do justice; for of their people God says, They are my people, and they in a special manner rule for God. 2. That one neighbour do not cheat another in commerce (Eze 45:10): You shall have just balances, in which to weigh both money and goods, a just ephah for dry measure of corn and flour, a just bath for the measure of liquids, wine, and oil; and the ephah and bath shall be one measure, the tenth part of a chomer, or cor, Eze 45:11. So that the ephah and bath contained (as the learned Dr. Cumberland has computed) seven wine gallons and four pints, and something more. An omer was but the tenth part of an ephah (Exo 16:36) and the one hundredth part of a chomer, or homer, and contained about six pints. The shekel is here settled (Eze 45:13); it is twenty jerahs, just half a Roman ounce, in our money 2s. 4 1/4d. and almost the eighth part of a farthing, as the aforesaid learned man exactly computes it. By the shekels the maneh, or pound, was reckoned, which, when it was set for a mere weight (says bishop Cumberland), without respect to coinage, contained just 100 shekels, as appears by comparing Kg1 10:17, where it is said three manehs, or pounds, of gold, went to one shield, with the parallel place, Ch2 9:16, where it is said 300 shekels of gold went to one shield. But when the maneh is set for a sum of money or coin it contains but sixty shekels, as appears here, where twenty shekels, twenty-five shekels, and fifteen shekels, which in all make sixty, shall be the maneh. But it is thus reckoned because they had one piece of money that weighed twenty shekels, another twenty-five, another fifteen, all of which made up one pound, as a learned writer here observes. Note, It concerns God's Israel to be very honest and just in all their dealings, very punctual and exact in rendering to all their due, and very cautious to do wrong to none, because otherwise they spoil the acceptableness of their profession with God and the reputation of it before men.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Chapter 45, verses 10 and following) 'A fair balance and a fair ephah and a fair bath shall be for you. The ephah and the bath shall be of the same measure, so that the bath may contain a tenth part of a homer, and the ephah a tenth part of a homer: their measure shall be according to the homer. Now a shekel has twenty obols. Furthermore, twenty shekels, and twenty-five shekels, and fifteen shekels make a mina.' LXX: A just balance, a just measure, and a just dry measure shall you have: the dry measure shall be a choenix, and a choenix shall be the same as a homer. The tenth part of a homer shall be a choenix, and the tenth part of a homer shall be an ephah. A homer shall be equal to twenty obols in weight. Twenty shekels, twenty-five shekels, and fifteen shekels shall be a mina for you.» This passage in the LXX does not cohere, and cannot be entirely understood, since not only have they changed the numbers of the measures, but also the names. For they have interpreted pro ephi as a measure, a general term for a specific one, and for bato choenica: for homer also Hebrew, which is called κόρος in Greek, they translated as gomor: and again for bato choenica. Let us therefore speak according to the Hebrew and the letter, and let us explain more clearly what seems to us, individually. The balance, which is called Mozene in Hebrew (), is understood as those which are attached. The ephah, which is corruptly called Ἔφι in the Greek language, pertains to the measure of various grains, for example, wheat, barley, legumes. Furthermore, a batus, which in Hebrew is called Bath, is the same measure as the ephi, and is used only for liquids, such as wine and oil, and the like. It holds thirty modios, both in the dry and liquid measure. The tenth part of a cor in those things which are measured by the modius is called epha, that is, three modii; and the tenth part of a cor in liquid measures is called Batus or Vadus, so that epha and batus are of the same measure. Furthermore, the coin called στατὴρ in Greek has twenty obols. But the weight called mna has sixty siclos, which makes twelve hundred obols. However, it should not confuse the reader that there are twenty siclos, twenty-five siclos, and fifteen siclos in a mina. For the difficulty lies in the numbers, to focus the attention of the listener. Hence, many things are said in parables and riddles, so that those who have ears to hear may hear. And all prophecy contains truth in obscurity, so that the disciples may hear from within: the common and lowly people, positioned outside, may not know what is said. Therefore, divine Scripture commands that the weights be just, saying: You shall not have in your bag two kinds of weights, a large one and a small one: a true and just balance shall be yours, and a true and just measure shall be yours (Leviticus 19:36). And in Proverbs it is said: Both a large and a small weight are an abomination in the sight of God (Proverbs 11:1). Indeed, this should be observed not only in commerce and in the use of everyday life, but in all things justice must be preserved, as the Scripture says: 'You shall make a balance and weights for your words' (Eccl. 28:23), so that in both words and deeds and thoughts, we may do everything with proper measure and reason. However, we read in another place that 'to him who is faithful, the whole world of riches belongs', and for him who is unfaithful, not even an obolus remains (Prov. 17:6 LXX). In other words, he said: The unbeliever possesses nothing in the world: but even the smallest portion is needed. Regarding this, in other words, it is said in the Gospel: He shall not depart from there until he pays the last farthing (Matt. 5:26), that is, even the last and least coin. We read of ten minas given to each servant to trade with (Luke 19); and in another parable, talents divided among servants; and a debtor of five hundred denarii, and fifty (Matt. 25); and the vineyard workers who each receive a denarius (Luke 7); and the widow who had lost a drachma and found it only by lighting a lamp (Matt. 20, Luke 15). To discuss all of these things and their meaning is not of this time.
Continue studying Ezekiel 45:10 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Ezekiel 45:10, nestled within Ezekiel's visionary blueprint for a restored temple and land, articulates a fundamental divine mandate for ethical integrity within the economic life of God's people. It commands the unwavering use of "just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath," thereby extending the principles of divine holiness and righteousness from the sacred rituals of the temple into the seemingly mundane transactions of the marketplace. This verse profoundly underscores that true worship and obedience to God are not confined to religious ceremonies but are meant to permeate every facet of communal and individual life, demanding absolute fairness and honesty as a tangible reflection of God's own immutable character.
Context
Literary Context
Ezekiel 45:10 is situated within the final, extensive section of the book of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48), which presents a detailed, visionary blueprint for a new temple, a reordered land, and a restored community in post-exilic Israel. Following elaborate descriptions of the temple's architecture and the sacred rituals to be performed within it, chapters 45-46 shift focus to the regulations governing the prince, the priests, and the people, particularly concerning their roles in maintaining the sanctity and divine order of this new system. This specific verse directly addresses the economic and commercial practices of the community, demonstrating that the divine order for Israel extends beyond the cultic realm to encompass the practical ethics of daily life, ensuring that the entire society reflects God's righteousness. The emphasis on just measures is presented as a practical outworking of the pervasive holiness that is to define this new, ideal community.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, commerce was an integral part of daily existence, and the use of weights and measures was ubiquitous for trading essential goods such as grain, oil, wine, and metals. Unfortunately, dishonest practices, including the use of false scales or manipulated measures, were common means of exploitation, particularly against the vulnerable. Against this backdrop, the Mosaic Law consistently emphasized the critical importance of honest weights and measures as a direct reflection of God's righteous character and a foundational element of a just society. Passages such as Leviticus 19:35-36 and Deuteronomy 25:13-16 explicitly condemn dishonest practices, declaring them an "abomination" to the Lord. Ezekiel's powerful reiteration of this command in a vision of future restoration highlights that ethical economic conduct is not merely a legal requirement but a core component of the ideal, righteous community living under God's covenant, especially for a people returning from exile and seeking to rebuild a society truly dedicated to God.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of holiness, demonstrating that God's demand for purity and separation extends beyond the sacred space of the temple into the seemingly secular realm of commerce. Secondly, it underscores the theme of justice and righteousness (Hebrew: tsedeq), portraying God as one who not only commands but also expects equitable dealings among His people. This divine standard of justice is comprehensive, touching every aspect of life. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of integrity, emphasizing that a community truly committed to God must exhibit consistency between its stated faith and its practical conduct. The accuracy of scales and measures becomes a tangible sign of a society's adherence to God's moral law, reflecting the divine order and character that should permeate every aspect of the restored Israel, as seen in the broader vision of Ezekiel 40-48.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word (H6664) is central to the verse, appearing three times to emphasize its pervasive requirement. Derived from the root meaning "to be right," tsedeq encompasses the right (natural, moral or legal), equity, and righteousness in its fullest sense. In this context, it signifies absolute fairness, precision, and moral uprightness in commercial dealings, directly reflecting God's own righteous character and His demand for moral rectitude in all human interactions.
This term (H3976), always appearing in the dual form, refers to a "pair of scales." In ancient commerce, goods were frequently weighed, particularly precious metals or valuable commodities. The command for "just balances" directly addresses the pervasive potential for fraud through manipulated scales, ensuring that every transaction is conducted with accuracy and unimpeachable honesty.
An ephah (H374) was a standard dry measure, primarily used for grain, and could also refer to a measure in general. Its inclusion alongside balances and the bath measure indicates God's comprehensive concern for integrity across all types of commercial exchanges, whether by weight or by volume. The demand for a "just ephah" ensures that the quantity of dry goods sold or purchased is precisely as stated, preventing any form of deceit or shortchanging.
Verse Breakdown
"Ye shall have just balances,"
This foundational clause establishes the imperative for commercial integrity, specifically addressing the accuracy of weighing instruments. It mandates that scales used for trade must be precise, unmanipulated, and truthful, ensuring that the weight of goods exchanged is fair and equitable to both buyer and seller. This directly combats the prevalent ancient practice of using false weights for dishonest gain and exploitation.
"and a just ephah,"
Expanding on the principle of fairness, this clause extends the demand for integrity to dry measures. The "ephah" was a standard unit for commodities like grain, flour, or other dry goods. The requirement for a "just ephah" means that the volumetric measure used for such goods must be exact and honest, preventing any deceitful reduction in quantity or deliberate overcharging.
"and a just bath."
Completing the comprehensive scope of the divine command, this clause applies the same unwavering standard of justice to liquid measures. The "bath" was a standard unit for liquids such as oil and wine, essential commodities in ancient life. The mandate for a "just bath" ensures that all liquid transactions are conducted with precise and honest measurements, leaving no avenue for exploitation, fraud, or the shortchanging of customers in the marketplace.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device powerfully employed in Ezekiel 45:10 is Repetition, specifically of the Hebrew word tsedeq ("just"). By repeating "just" before "balances," "ephah," and "bath," the text emphatically underscores the absolute, pervasive, and non-negotiable nature of righteousness in all commercial dealings. This triple repetition serves as a potent rhetorical device, hammering home the point that integrity is not an optional virtue but a divine imperative, permeating every aspect of economic life. Furthermore, the selection of "balances," "ephah," and "bath" functions as a form of Merism or Synecdoche. These three specific examples represent the entirety of commercial transactions—weighing, dry measuring, and liquid measuring—thereby encompassing all forms of trade and exchange. This implies that God's demand for justice is not limited to these specific items but applies universally to every business interaction. The verse also carries a strong Didactic Tone, presenting a direct, prescriptive command that instructs the community on precisely how to live righteously in their daily economic affairs, reflecting the broader instructional and ethical purpose of Ezekiel's vision for the restored Israel.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Ezekiel 45:10 profoundly reveals God's character as inherently just and righteous, a characteristic He expects to be mirrored in His people. This command transcends mere legalistic adherence; it is a profound theological statement that true worship and covenant faithfulness are not confined to the temple courts or ritual observances but must permeate every sphere of life, including the seemingly mundane realm of commerce. For God, holiness is holistic and comprehensive, demanding integrity in business as much as in prayer or sacrifice. The economic sphere, often mistakenly viewed as secular, is here consecrated by divine command, illustrating that all human activity, when conducted according to God's standards, becomes an act of worship and a tangible testament to His sovereignty. This verse emphasizes that a community truly living under God's righteous rule will exhibit fairness and honesty as a public witness to His nature, distinguishing itself sharply from the exploitative and deceptive practices common in the surrounding nations.
Reflection and Application
Ezekiel 45:10, though rooted in an ancient context, offers timeless and profoundly relevant principles for contemporary believers. It challenges us to recognize that our faith is not a compartmentalized aspect of our lives but extends into every area, especially our economic dealings. Whether we are consumers, employees, business owners, or investors, this verse calls us to operate with unwavering honesty, transparency, and fairness. It demands that we reject any form of deceit, manipulation, or exploitation, ensuring that our transactions are always just and equitable. This means accurate pricing, truthful advertising, fulfilling commitments, and respecting the inherent value of goods and services. Beyond personal conduct, this verse also encourages us to advocate for systemic justice in the marketplace, supporting policies and practices that promote fairness, protect the vulnerable, and condemn corporate greed or deceptive practices. Ultimately, living out Ezekiel 45:10 means embodying God's righteousness in our economic lives, demonstrating that our commitment to Christ transforms how we earn, spend, and manage our resources, making our integrity a powerful and compelling witness to the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are specific measures like "ephah" and "bath" mentioned in this verse?
The mention of specific measures like the "ephah" (a dry measure for grain) and "bath" (a liquid measure for oil or wine), alongside "balances" (for weighing goods), is crucial because it demonstrates that God's concern for justice is not abstract or theoretical. Instead, it applies to the practical, tangible, and everyday details of economic life in ancient Israel. By specifying these common commercial tools, the verse underscores that integrity is required in every type of transaction, from weighing precious metals to measuring staple foods and liquids. It leaves no room for ambiguity, emphasizing that God's ethical standards permeate all aspects of human interaction, not just grand moral principles or sacred rituals.
How does this ancient command for "just balances" apply to modern business practices?
The principle of Ezekiel 45:10 remains profoundly relevant for modern business. While we no longer use physical ephahs or baths, the underlying command for absolute honesty and fairness in all transactions is timeless. This translates to accurate pricing, truthful advertising, transparent dealings, ethical labor practices, and honoring contracts. For businesses, it means delivering on promises, ensuring product quality, and avoiding deceptive marketing or exploitative practices. For individuals, it calls for honesty in financial dealings, integrity in employment, and responsible consumer choices. The core message is that our economic activities should reflect God's character of justice, ensuring that no one is exploited or defrauded, and that all exchanges are conducted with integrity, as seen in the broader biblical call for ethical conduct in Proverbs 16:11.
Is this verse solely about business ethics, or does it have a broader spiritual meaning?
While Ezekiel 45:10 directly addresses business ethics, its spiritual meaning is much broader and deeply theological. It illustrates the comprehensive nature of God's holiness and His demand for righteousness, which extends beyond ritual worship into every sphere of life. For the restored community envisioned by Ezekiel, ethical economic conduct was not merely a legal requirement but an integral part of their identity as God's people and a tangible expression of their covenant faithfulness. It signifies that true worship of God encompasses not just what happens in the temple, but how people live, work, and interact in the marketplace. It teaches that our integrity in daily life is a reflection of our commitment to God, demonstrating that our faith impacts every decision and action, making our entire lives an act of worship and a witness to His character.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Ezekiel 45:10, with its call for a perfectly just community, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the Kingdom He inaugurated. The "just balances, ephah, and bath" speak to a divine standard of righteousness that no human system, including ancient Israel, could perfectly uphold due to the pervasive nature of sin. Jesus, however, is the embodiment of perfect justice and righteousness. He lived a life of absolute integrity, fulfilling every jot and tittle of God's law, including its ethical demands. He is the standard by which all justice is measured, the righteous King who establishes a kingdom of justice and equity. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only pays the price for our unrighteousness but also imputes His perfect righteousness to those who believe, enabling them to live justly. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a foretaste of this righteous kingdom, a community empowered by the Holy Spirit to embody the principles of justice and integrity in all its dealings. As believers, we are called to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, not merely avoiding dishonest practices but actively pursuing fairness and equity in our personal lives, our workplaces, and our societal interactions, reflecting the very character of the Lamb of God who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness. This vision of a truly just community, once an ideal for Israel, becomes a spiritual reality and a practical pursuit for those who follow Christ, empowered by His Spirit to live out the comprehensive holiness of God in every facet of life.