Leviticus 19:15

KJV

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: [but] in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall do {H6213} no unrighteousness {H5766} in judgment {H4941}: thou shalt not respect {H5375} the person {H6440} of the poor {H1800}, nor honour {H1921} the person {H6440} of the mighty {H1419}: but in righteousness {H6664} shalt thou judge {H8199} thy neighbour {H5997}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Do not be unjust in judging - show neither partiality to the poor nor deference to the mighty, but with justice judge your neighbor.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.

American Standard Version

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty; but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:15 establishes a foundational principle of divine justice, commanding absolute impartiality in all forms of judgment. It explicitly prohibits showing favoritism, whether to the vulnerable poor or the influential mighty, insisting that all decisions must be rendered solely on the basis of righteousness and truth. This verse underscores God's character as the ultimate standard of justice, demanding that His people reflect His equity in their legal, social, and relational interactions with their neighbors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19:15 is an integral part of the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), a section of the Torah dedicated to outlining the ethical and ritual requirements for Israel to live as a holy nation set apart for Yahweh. Chapter 19, in particular, presents a mosaic of moral and social laws, transitioning from ritual purity to interpersonal ethics. This verse follows commands regarding the treatment of the deaf and blind ([Leviticus 19:14](/leviticus/19-14 "Leviticus 19:14 - Do Not Curse the Deaf or Put a Stumbling Block Before the Blind")), and precedes prohibitions against slander and hatred ([Leviticus 19:16-18](/leviticus/19-16 "Leviticus 19:16-18 - Do Not Slander or Hate Your Neighbor")). The overarching theme of the chapter, encapsulated in the command to "[love your neighbor as yourself](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")," provides the ethical framework within which impartial judgment is not merely a legal requirement but an expression of covenantal love and communal well-being.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, legal systems often reflected the social hierarchies of the time, where the powerful could easily exploit the vulnerable. Israel's law, however, stood in stark contrast, rooted in the character of a God who is inherently just and righteous. This command for impartiality was revolutionary, aiming to create a society where justice was accessible to all, regardless of their social or economic standing. The instructions were primarily directed at judges and those in positions of authority, but their underlying principle extended to all members of the community in their daily interactions. The covenant between God and Israel ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")) demanded that Israel's societal structures and individual behaviors mirror the divine standard of justice, distinguishing them from surrounding nations whose legal systems often favored the elite.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unrighteousness (Hebrew, _ʿāwel_):** This term denotes perversion, injustice, or moral crookedness. It speaks to a deviation from what is straight, right, or equitable. In the context of judgment, it signifies a deliberate distortion of truth or fairness, leading to an outcome that is not aligned with God's standard of justice.
* **Respect the person / Honour the person (Hebrew, _nāśāʾ pānîm_):** This is a Hebrew idiom literally meaning "to lift up the face" or "to accept the face." It refers to showing partiality, favoritism, or deference based on someone's outward appearance, status, wealth, or influence, rather than on the merits of the case or the truth of the situation. The repetition with both "poor" and "mighty" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the prohibition against any form of bias.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _ṣedeq_):** This fundamental biblical concept signifies conformity to an ethical or moral standard, particularly God's own character. In the context of judgment, it means making decisions that are just, fair, and true, reflecting God's perfect equity. It is the antithesis of `ʿāwel` (unrighteousness) and demands an objective, truth-driven approach to evaluating situations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment":** This opening clause sets forth a broad, overarching prohibition against any form of injustice or perversion of truth within the judicial or decision-making process. It establishes the absolute necessity of integrity and fairness as the bedrock of all judgments.
* **"thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty":** This clause provides specific examples of how "unrighteousness in judgment" manifests. It explicitly forbids showing partiality: neither favoring the poor out of misplaced pity or sentimentality, nor deferring to the rich or powerful out of fear, self-interest, or a desire for gain. This dual prohibition ensures that the standard of justice remains consistent for everyone, irrespective of their social or economic standing.
* **"[but] in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour":** This concluding clause offers the positive command, stating the correct way to judge. Judgment must be rendered "in righteousness," meaning it must be based solely on truth, equity, and God's just standards. The term "thy neighbour" broadens the scope beyond formal legal settings to encompass all interpersonal interactions, implying that every decision affecting another person should be characterized by fairness and integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:15 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Antithesis** is prominent, contrasting "unrighteousness" with "righteousness" and presenting the two opposing extremes of "the poor" and "the mighty" to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the impartiality required. This creates a clear dichotomy between what is forbidden and what is commanded. The structure also utilizes a form of **Negative Parallelism** in the middle clause ("thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty"), where two similar negative statements reinforce the single concept of avoiding favoritism. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates a **Didactic Tone**, typical of the Holiness Code, using direct commands ("Ye shall do," "thou shalt not," "shalt thou judge") to instruct the audience clearly and authoritatively on ethical conduct. The repetition of the concept of "judgment" or "righteousness" at the beginning and end of the verse creates a subtle **Inclusio**, framing the specific prohibitions within the broader principle of just decision-making.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:15 is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of God's character. Yahweh Himself is the ultimate standard of justice and righteousness, who "shows no partiality and accepts no bribes" ([Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God Shows No Partiality")). Therefore, His people are called to reflect this divine attribute in their own legal and social dealings. This command transcends mere legalism, becoming an ethical imperative that flows from the very nature of God and the covenant relationship. It underscores the principle that true justice is not about social engineering or political expediency, but about upholding truth and fairness as a reflection of divine order. The impartiality demanded here is a cornerstone of a healthy, God-honoring community, preventing oppression and ensuring equity for all.

* [Deuteronomy 1:17](/deuteronomy/1-17 "Deuteronomy 1:17 - Judges Must Be Impartial"): "Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's..."
* [Proverbs 24:23](/proverbs/24-23 "Proverbs 24:23 - Partiality in Judgment is Not Good"): "These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment."
* [James 2:1-4](/james/2-1 "James 2:1-4 - Warning Against Favoritism"): "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Leviticus 19:15 is explicitly directed at those in positions of formal judgment, its profound principle of impartiality extends to every believer in their daily lives. We are constantly making judgments—about people, situations, and decisions. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts for any subtle biases or prejudices we may harbor, whether conscious or unconscious. Do we treat those with power or influence differently from those who are marginalized or overlooked? Do we listen more attentively to certain voices, or dismiss others prematurely, based on their background, appearance, or perceived status? Applying this verse means actively striving to see others through God's eyes, valuing each person equally as an image-bearer of God, and making decisions based on truth and righteousness rather than personal preference, fear, or gain. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of fairness and integrity in our homes, workplaces, churches, and communities, ensuring that our interactions consistently reflect the impartial love and justice of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be unconsciously showing favoritism or partiality?**
* **How does this command to judge righteously apply to my interactions with family, friends, colleagues, and strangers?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my decisions and opinions are based on truth and fairness, rather than external factors or personal biases?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean we should not help the poor or advocate for the marginalized?**
Answer: No, quite the opposite. This verse is not a prohibition against compassion or social justice, but rather a command to ensure that justice is applied equally to all. The Bible consistently calls for special care and protection for the vulnerable (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor")). The point of Leviticus 19:15 is that in a legal or judgmental context, the poor person's case should not be dismissed because of their poverty, nor should they be favored simply because they are poor if the facts of the case do not support it. Similarly, the rich should not be favored because of their wealth, nor condemned simply because they are rich. Justice must be blind to status, ensuring that the law is applied fairly to all.

**How does this principle of impartiality apply outside of a courtroom setting?**
Answer: While the primary context is judicial, the principle of impartial judgment has broad application. It extends to how we evaluate information, form opinions about people, make hiring decisions, resolve conflicts, or even how we listen to different perspectives in a conversation. It calls us to avoid prejudice and stereotypes, to treat all individuals with dignity and respect, and to base our evaluations on truth and merit rather than on superficial characteristics or social standing. For believers, this means embodying Christ's love and fairness in every interaction, reflecting God's own impartiality.

**Why is impartiality so important to God?**
Answer: Impartiality is crucial to God because it reflects His inherent character of righteousness and truth. God Himself "is not a God of partiality" ([Acts 10:34](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34 - God Shows No Partiality")). When humans act with partiality, they pervert justice, oppress the vulnerable, and undermine the social fabric. God desires a society where justice flows like a river ([Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")), ensuring that all people, made in His image, are treated with equity and dignity. Impartiality in judgment is therefore a fundamental expression of loving God and loving one's neighbor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the Son of God, Jesus perfectly demonstrated the impartial justice commanded in the Old Testament law. He did not "respect the person" of anyone, interacting with the marginalized and the powerful alike, always speaking truth and administering grace and judgment based on righteousness, not status. He ministered to the poor and outcast ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Preaches Good News to the Poor")) without sentimental favoritism that would compromise truth, and he confronted the rich and powerful ([Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23-13 "Matthew 23:13-36 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")) without fear or deference, always upholding God's righteous standard. Ultimately, Jesus is revealed as the righteous judge, to whom "all judgment has been committed" by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Son Has Authority to Judge")). His sacrificial death on the cross, while seemingly a perversion of justice, was in fact the ultimate act of divine justice and mercy, satisfying the demands of God's holy law while providing a way for unrighteous humanity to be reconciled. In Christ, the law's demand for perfect impartiality is met, and believers are called to imitate His example, empowered by the Spirit to live lives of justice and fairness, reflecting the character of their impartial Lord who will one day judge the living and the dead with perfect equity ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World Through Jesus")).

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

Deuteronomy 1:17

Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; [but] ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment [is] God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring [it] unto me, and I will hear it.

Proverbs 24:23

¶ These [things] also [belong] to the wise. [It is] not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

Deuteronomy 27:19

Cursed [be] he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Exodus 23:6

Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.

Exodus 23:8

And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

Exodus 23:2

Thou shalt not follow a multitude to [do] evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest [judgment]:

Exodus 23:3

Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.