Leviticus 25:14

KJV

And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest [ought] of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not oppress one another:

KJV (with Strong's)

And if thou sell {H4376} ought {H4465} unto thy neighbour {H5997}, or buyest {H7069} ought of thy neighbour's {H5997} hand {H3027}, ye shall not oppress {H3238} one {H376} another {H251}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"'If you sell anything to your neighbor or buy anything from him, neither of you is to exploit the other.

Berean Standard Bible

If you make a sale to your neighbor or a purchase from him, you must not take advantage of each other.

American Standard Version

And if thou sell aught unto thy neighbor, or buy of thy neighbor’s hand, ye shall not wrong one another.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse, embedded within the broader laws of the Sabbatical and Jubilee years in Leviticus 25, lays down a fundamental ethical principle for all commercial transactions among the Israelites. It strictly prohibits any form of oppression, exploitation, or unfair dealing, whether one is selling or buying. This divine command underscores God's deep concern for justice, equity, and the well-being of every individual in the community, ensuring that economic interactions are governed by integrity and mutual respect rather than greed or deceit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 25 is a pivotal chapter in the Mosaic Law, establishing the foundational principles for Israel's economic and social life through the institutions of the Sabbatical Year (every seventh year, as detailed in [Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1-7 "Leviticus 25:1-7 - The Sabbatical Year")) and the Year of Jubilee (every fiftieth year, outlined in [Leviticus 25:8-12](/leviticus/25-8-12 "Leviticus 25:8-12 - The Year of Jubilee")). These laws were divinely designed to prevent the permanent accumulation of wealth and land by a few, to ensure the periodic redistribution of property, to release indentured servants, and to provide a regular reset for the nation's economy, emphasizing God's ultimate ownership of the land (as declared in [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")). Within this grand framework of divine provision and social justice, [Leviticus 25:14](/leviticus/25-14 "Leviticus 25:14 - Prohibition of Oppression in Transactions") zooms in on the micro-level of daily commercial interactions, applying the overarching principles of justice and non-oppression to individual buying and selling. It serves as a specific ethical guideline within the broader economic system, ensuring that macro-level justice translates into micro-level integrity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel's economy was primarily agrarian, with land ownership being central to family identity, security, and livelihood. The laws of Sabbatical and Jubilee years were revolutionary for their time, counteracting the natural human tendency towards economic stratification and ensuring that even those who fell into poverty could eventually regain their ancestral inheritance. In a society without modern banking or extensive social welfare systems, personal transactions, often involving land, goods, or labor, carried significant weight and potential for abuse. The command in [Leviticus 25:14](/leviticus/25-14 "Leviticus 25:14 - Ethical Conduct in Transactions") directly addressed the potential for exploitation inherent in such dealings, particularly when one party might be desperate or ignorant. God's law sought to establish a just society where the vulnerable were protected, and where the covenant relationship with Yahweh permeated all aspects of life, including the marketplace. This ethical imperative was a radical departure from the often exploitative practices common in surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures, reflecting Israel's unique calling as a holy nation set apart by God.

* **Key Themes:** [Leviticus 25:14](/leviticus/25-14 "Leviticus 25:14 - The Prohibition of Oppression") contributes significantly to several major themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Righteousness**, emphasizing that God's character demands equitable dealings among His people. This verse reinforces the concept of **God's Ownership of All Things**, particularly the land (as seen in [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")), which means human economic activity must be conducted as stewardship under His authority, not as absolute dominion. It also highlights the theme of **Covenantal Community and Neighborly Love**, extending the principle of loving one's neighbor to economic interactions, ensuring that mutual care and respect govern transactions. Finally, the verse underscores the **Protection of the Vulnerable**, reflecting God's compassion for the poor and disadvantaged by explicitly forbidding practices that would further burden them, thereby fostering a society of integrity and social welfare.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oppress (Hebrew, _yânâh'_):** (H3238) This primitive root signifies "to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat." In the context of commercial transactions, it means to wrong, defraud, or take unfair advantage of another. It implies more than just causing financial loss; it speaks to an act of injustice committed through deceit, unfairness, or by exploiting another's vulnerability, ignorance, or necessity. The use of _yânâh_ here underscores that God's concern extends beyond mere monetary value to encompass the moral and spiritual integrity of the transaction. It forbids any action that would cause distress, harm, or undue burden to one's neighbor in a commercial exchange, emphasizing the ethical dimension of economic activity.

* **Neighbour (Hebrew, _ʻâmîyth'_):** (H5997) Derived from a root meaning "to associate," this word refers to a comrade, fellow, or kindred man. It highlights that the transactions are not with strangers but with fellow members of the covenant community. The term emphasizes the relational aspect of the command, implying a bond of mutual responsibility and care. The prohibition against oppression is thus not merely a legalistic rule but an ethical imperative rooted in the shared identity and covenant relationship among the Israelites, where the well-being of each individual is a concern for all.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour":** This clause addresses the seller's responsibility. It implies that when one is disposing of property, goods, or services, they must do so with integrity and fairness. The "ought" (or "anything") indicates the broad scope of the command, covering all forms of commercial exchange. The emphasis is on the relationship with "thy neighbour," highlighting that these are transactions within the covenant community, where mutual respect and care should prevail. This includes providing accurate information, fair pricing, and honest representation of the item being sold.

* **"or buyest [ought] of thy neighbour's hand":** This clause balances the command by addressing the buyer's responsibility. It acknowledges that oppression can occur from either side of a transaction. A buyer could exploit a seller's desperation, ignorance, or need, offering an unfairly low price or imposing exploitative terms. The phrase "of thy neighbour's hand" signifies receiving something directly from them, emphasizing the personal nature of the transaction and reinforcing the idea that the buyer also has a moral obligation to deal justly and generously, not taking advantage of another's circumstances.

* **"ye shall not oppress one another":** This is the central prohibition and the core ethical principle of the verse. The plural "ye" indicates that this is a communal responsibility, applying to both parties involved in the transaction and to the community as a whole to uphold justice. The command "shall not oppress" (לֹא תוֹנוּ, _lo' tonu_) is an absolute prohibition against any form of exploitation, fraud, or unfair dealing. It is a call to ensure that all commercial interactions are characterized by equity, honesty, and a genuine concern for the well-being of the other person, reflecting God's own character of justice and righteousness and ensuring the flourishing of the entire community.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Leviticus 25:14 is **Legal Prohibition**, expressed through a direct negative command ("ye shall not oppress"). This straightforward, declarative statement leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the ethical standard required in commercial dealings, emphasizing the absolute nature of the divine injunction. The verse also employs **Parallelism** by addressing both sides of a transaction ("if thou sell... or buyest"), creating a balanced and comprehensive scope that ensures neither party is exempt from the ethical imperative and highlighting the reciprocal nature of the command. Furthermore, the repeated use of the term "neighbour" throughout the verse functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the relationship (neighbor) stands for the broader covenant community and the ethical obligations inherent within that community, underscoring that economic activity is not merely a detached exchange of goods but an interaction between covenant members. The entire chapter, with this verse embedded, serves as an **Exemplum** of divine law applied to practical life, illustrating how God's holiness and justice are to permeate every aspect of Israelite society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:14 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and equity, not merely as abstract ideals but as practical requirements for daily life, particularly in economic interactions. It reveals a God who cares deeply about the vulnerable and abhors exploitation, establishing a moral framework that transcends mere legalism to touch the heart of human relationships. This command underscores the theological truth that all possessions ultimately belong to God ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")), and therefore, economic activity must reflect His stewardship and righteousness. The prohibition against oppression is an extension of the greatest commandments: to love God and to love one's neighbor as oneself, demonstrating that genuine love manifests in fair and honest dealings and is integral to a community that reflects God's holiness.

* [Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14-15 "Deuteronomy 24:14-15 - Do Not Oppress the Hired Servant")
* [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales are an Abomination")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 25:14 remains remarkably relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless call to ethical conduct in all our financial and commercial dealings. It challenges us to examine our hearts and practices, asking whether our transactions truly reflect the character of God – a God of justice, fairness, and compassion. Whether we are buying groceries, selling a car, negotiating a contract, or engaging in any form of exchange, this verse reminds us that the marketplace is not a morally neutral zone. Our integrity, transparency, and concern for the well-being of the other party are spiritual matters, directly impacting our witness and our obedience to Christ. It calls us to resist the pervasive cultural pressures of greed and self-interest, instead seeking to honor God by treating others as we would wish to be treated, ensuring that no one is exploited or disadvantaged through our actions. This principle extends beyond individual transactions to inform our support for ethical business practices, fair labor, and just economic systems that uphold human dignity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, as a buyer or seller, unknowingly or knowingly "oppress" another person in today's economic climate?**
* **How can I actively ensure fairness and transparency in my personal and professional transactions, reflecting God's character?**
* **What practical steps can I take to advocate for justice and prevent exploitation in my community or industry, aligning with the spirit of this command?**

### FAQ

**What does "oppress" specifically mean in this context, and how does it apply beyond just financial loss?**

Answer: In Leviticus 25:14, "oppress" (Hebrew: _yânâh_) refers to a comprehensive act of wronging, defrauding, or taking unfair advantage of another person in a commercial transaction. It goes beyond mere financial loss to encompass deceit, exploitation of ignorance or desperation, or any action that causes undue distress or harm. It implies a breach of trust and a disregard for the well-being of one's neighbor. For example, selling a faulty product without disclosure, charging exorbitant prices during a crisis, or knowingly buying something for far less than its true value from someone in dire need would all fall under this prohibition. The emphasis is on the moral integrity and ethical conduct of the parties involved, ensuring that transactions are fair and just, reflecting God's concern for the vulnerable and for righteous relationships within the community. This principle is echoed in other parts of the law, such as the prohibition against dishonest weights and measures in [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13-16 "Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Honest Weights and Measures"), and the broader call to justice found throughout the prophets.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:14, with its command against oppression in commercial dealings, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Mosaic Law provided external regulations for a just society, Christ embodies the perfect righteousness and selfless love that such laws aimed to cultivate. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled the law's demand for justice and compassion, never exploiting or oppressing anyone, but rather serving and giving His life for others ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The principle of "not oppressing one another" is transformed and elevated in the New Covenant, becoming an outflow of the believer's new nature in Christ, who calls His followers to love their neighbor as themselves ([Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - Love Your Neighbor")). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live out this radical ethic, conducting all their affairs, including economic ones, with integrity, generosity, and a genuine concern for the welfare of others, reflecting the character of the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world, including the sin of exploitation ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, what was once a legal prohibition becomes a Spirit-empowered expression of Christ's love and justice in the marketplace, anticipating the perfect justice of His coming kingdom where all oppression will cease ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")).

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

Leviticus 19:13

Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob [him]: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.

Leviticus 25:17

Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I [am] the LORD your God.

Ezekiel 22:12

In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 22:13

Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee.

Amos 8:4

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

Amos 8:7

The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.

1 Samuel 12:3

Behold, here I [am]: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received [any] bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.