Leviticus 19:35

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall do {H6213} no unrighteousness {H5766} in judgment {H4941}, in meteyard {H4060}, in weight {H4948}, or in measure {H4884}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Don't be dishonest when measuring length, weight or capacity.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume.

American Standard Version

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in measures of length, of weight, or of quantity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:35 issues a profound divine command for absolute integrity and righteousness in all forms of judgment and commercial dealings. As a cornerstone of the "Holiness Code," this verse underscores God's unwavering expectation that His people reflect His character of perfect justice and fairness, not only in grand legal pronouncements but also in the mundane, everyday transactions involving measurements of length, weight, and volume, thereby ensuring equitable treatment for all members of society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19 stands as a pivotal chapter within the "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26), a section of the Pentateuch dedicated to outlining the ethical and moral requirements for Israel to live as a holy nation, set apart for God. Following the sacrificial laws, this code shifts focus to practical holiness in daily life. Chapter 19 itself is a rich tapestry of diverse commands, often introduced by the recurring phrase "I am the LORD your God" (e.g., [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")), emphasizing the divine authority behind these instructions. It moves from general principles like honoring parents and keeping the Sabbath to specific prohibitions against idolatry, stealing, lying, slandering, and oppressing the vulnerable. Verse 35 specifically falls within a block of commands (verses 33-37) that address fair treatment of foreigners and the importance of just weights and measures, culminating in a final exhortation to keep all God's statutes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, commerce was fundamental to daily life, relying heavily on standardized measures for various goods. Markets were bustling centers where transactions involving grains, liquids, precious metals, and textiles occurred through bartering or exchange using established units of length, weight, and volume. Unfortunately, deceitful practices, such as using false scales or inaccurate measuring rods, were rampant and often exploited the poor and vulnerable, who had little recourse. The command in [Leviticus 19:35](/leviticus/19-35 "Leviticus 19:35 - Command for Just Measures") directly confronts this pervasive injustice, extending the principle of righteousness from the formal legal "judgment" (referring to judicial decisions) to the practicalities of the marketplace. This divine mandate was revolutionary, establishing an ethical standard far superior to the common practices of the time, reflecting God's profound concern for social equity and the well-being of every individual, especially those susceptible to economic exploitation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unrighteousness (Hebrew, _'awel'_ or _'awlah'_):** This term denotes injustice, perversity, or wickedness. It describes any act that deviates from what is right, equitable, or morally upright. In the context of Leviticus 19:35, it encompasses not just overt cheating but any subtle manipulation or distortion of truth that results in an unfair outcome, whether in a legal ruling or a commercial transaction. It speaks to a fundamental breach of God's righteous character.
* **Meteyard (Hebrew, _middah'_), Weight (Hebrew, _mishqal'_), Measure (Hebrew, _mesurah'_):** These three terms collectively represent the full spectrum of commercial measurements. `Middah` refers to a standard of length (e.g., for cloth or land). `Mishqal` refers to a standard weight (e.g., for grain, silver, or other commodities, used with scales). `Mesurah` refers to a standard of volume (e.g., for liquids like oil or wine, or dry goods like grain). By listing all three, the text emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's demand for honesty, leaving no area of commerce exempt from the requirement of integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment,"**: This clause establishes the overarching principle. "Judgment" (`mishpat`) here refers primarily to legal or judicial decisions. The command prohibits any perversion of justice, any bias, corruption, or unfairness in the legal system, ensuring that verdicts and rulings are always righteous and impartial. This sets the stage for the subsequent commercial applications.
* **"in meteyard, in weight, or in measure."**: This expands the principle of "no unrighteousness" from the formal judicial sphere to the everyday marketplace. It specifically targets the common methods of commercial exchange: using accurate lengths (`meteyard`), true weights (`weight`), and honest volumes (`measure`). This comprehensive list underscores God's concern for integrity in every transaction, no matter how small, ensuring that all parties receive what is genuinely due to them.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:35 employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole. By specifying "judgment" (the formal legal sphere) and then "meteyard, weight, or measure" (the practical commercial sphere), the verse comprehensively covers all areas where fairness and integrity are required, from the highest court to the most common market stall. This device emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of God's demand for righteousness. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the concept of "no unrighteousness" across these different domains reinforces the absolute and non-negotiable nature of the command. The use of a concise, declarative **Ethical Instruction** ("Ye shall do no unrighteousness") makes the command direct, clear, and authoritative, leaving no room for ambiguity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:35 is deeply rooted in the theological conviction that God's character is fundamentally righteous and just, and therefore, His people are called to reflect this attribute in every facet of their lives, especially in their interactions with others. This command elevates commercial honesty from a mere ethical guideline to a divine imperative, demonstrating that economic integrity is a spiritual matter directly tied to one's relationship with God. It reveals God's concern for social equity, the protection of the vulnerable, and the establishment of a society built on truth and fairness, where the dignity and livelihood of every individual are respected. The meticulous detail concerning "meteyard, weight, or measure" highlights that God cares not only about grand theological principles but also about the practical, often mundane, details of daily life, emphasizing that holiness permeates even the marketplace.

* [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13 "Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Just Weights and Measures Commanded")
* [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - False Balances and Just Weights")
* [Micah 6:10-11](/micah/6-10 "Micah 6:10-11 - Condemnation of Dishonest Weights")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless principle of Leviticus 19:35 transcends ancient marketplaces, calling believers today to a profound commitment to integrity in every sphere of life. While literal meteyards and weights may be less common, the spirit of this law demands honesty in all our dealings—whether in business, personal finances, academic pursuits, or even online interactions. It challenges us to examine our pricing, advertising, contracts, and the way we represent ourselves and our products or services. It encourages transparency, accuracy, and a genuine desire to treat others as we would wish to be treated, ensuring that our pursuit of profit or personal gain never comes at the expense of another's rightful due. Ultimately, living out this command is a powerful testimony to God's character in a world often marked by deceit, demonstrating that our faith shapes not just our worship but also the very fabric of our daily lives and economic interactions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life or work might you be tempted to compromise on "meteyard, weight, or measure" in a modern context?**
* **How does the principle of "no unrighteousness in judgment" apply to how you form opinions or make decisions about others?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure that your financial and commercial dealings consistently reflect the integrity God demands?**

### FAQ
**Why is God so specific about "meteyard, weight, or measure"?**

Answer: God's specificity about "meteyard, weight, or measure" in [Leviticus 19:35](/leviticus/19-35 "Leviticus 19:35 - Command for Just Measures") highlights His meticulous concern for justice and equity in the most practical and common aspects of daily life. In ancient societies, these were the fundamental tools of commerce. Dishonesty in these areas directly impacted the livelihood of individuals, especially the poor and vulnerable, who were easily defrauded by inaccurate measurements. By addressing these specifics, God demonstrates that true holiness is not confined to religious rituals but permeates every transaction, ensuring that His people live out His righteous character in their economic interactions. This specificity underscores that God cares about both grand principles of justice and the minute details of how we treat our neighbor.

**Does this command apply to modern business practices, even without literal "meteyards" or "weights"?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the specific tools (meteyards, weights, measures) have evolved, the underlying principle of [Leviticus 19:35](/leviticus/19-35 "Leviticus 19:35 - Command for Just Measures") remains profoundly relevant for modern business practices. It calls for absolute honesty and integrity in all commercial dealings. This translates to accurate pricing, truthful advertising, fair contracts, transparent financial reporting, ethical sales practices, and honest representation of products and services. Whether it's a digital transaction, a complex financial agreement, or a simple purchase, the command prohibits any form of deceit, manipulation, or misrepresentation that would lead to an unrighteous gain or an unfair disadvantage for another party. The spirit of the law demands that our business practices reflect God's character of justice and truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:35, with its demand for absolute righteousness in judgment and commerce, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of perfect justice and truth, the one who "did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")). Unlike the merchants who might use false weights, Jesus always dealt in perfect truth and integrity, even when facing immense pressure and opposition ([John 8:46](/john/8-46 "John 8:46 - Jesus' Challenge to His Accusers")). His teachings consistently upheld the spirit of this law, emphasizing the importance of honesty in speech ("Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'" - [Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Matthew 5:37 - Oaths and Truthfulness")) and the principle of treating others as one would wish to be treated ([Matthew 7:12](/matthew/7-12 "Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule")). Furthermore, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross establishes the perfect righteousness necessary for humanity to stand before a holy God, fulfilling the law's demand for unblemished integrity. As believers, we are called to live as new creations in Him, empowered by the Holy Spirit to pursue righteousness and justice in all our dealings, reflecting His character in our marketplaces and judgments, just as He perfectly reflected the Father's will ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Putting Away Falsehood")).

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 25:15

[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.

Deuteronomy 25:13

¶ Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small.

Matthew 7:2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Leviticus 19:15

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.

Proverbs 20:10

¶ Divers weights, [and] divers measures, both of them [are] alike abomination to the LORD.

Proverbs 16:11

¶ A just weight and balance [are] the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag [are] his work.

Proverbs 11:1

¶ A false balance [is] abomination to the LORD: but a just weight [is] his delight.