Ezekiel 45:10

KJV

Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall have just {H6664} balances {H3976}, and a just {H6664} ephah {H374}, and a just {H6664} bath {H1324}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'You are to have honest balance-scales, an honest eifah [a one-bushel dry-measure] and an honest bat [a five-gallon liquid-measure].

Berean Standard Bible

You must use honest scales, a just ephah, and a just bath.

American Standard Version

Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath.

Commentary

### 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](/leviticus/19-35 "Leviticus 19:35-36 - Law on Just Weights and Measures") and [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13 "Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Prohibition of Dishonest Weights") 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](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Vision of the New Temple and Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **just (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** 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.
* **balances (Hebrew, _môʼzên'_):** 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.
* **ephah (Hebrew, _ʼêyphâh'_):** 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.

* [Leviticus 19:35-36](/leviticus/19-35 "Leviticus 19:35-36 - Law on Just Weights and Measures")
* [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13 "Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Abomination of Dishonest Weights")
* [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales are an Abomination")

### 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
* **In what specific areas of your economic life (e.g., work, shopping, investments) might you be tempted to compromise on "just balances" or "just measures"?**
* **How does the principle of "holiness in commerce" challenge the prevailing cultural norms of business in your society today?**
* **Beyond personal conduct, what role do believers have in advocating for justice and fairness in the broader economic systems and policies of their communities?**
* **How can your commitment to "just measures" in your daily life serve as a tangible and impactful expression of your worship and obedience to God?**

### FAQ

**Why are specific measures like "ephah" and "bath" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: 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?**

Answer: 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](/proverbs/16-11 "Proverbs 16:11 - Just Weights and Scales").

**Is this verse solely about business ethics, or does it have a broader spiritual meaning?**

Answer: 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](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - 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](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom"), 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, 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.

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

Amos 8:4

¶ Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,

Amos 8:6

That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; [yea], and sell the refuse of the wheat?

Micah 6:10

Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure [that is] abominable?

Micah 6:11

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

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.

Leviticus 19:35

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