Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Deuteronomy 25:15

Next

[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.

But thou shalt have a perfect {H8003} and just {H6664} weight {H68}, a perfect {H8003} and just {H6664} measure {H374} shalt thou have: that thy days {H3117} may be lengthened {H748} in the land {H127} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee.

You are to have a correct and fair weight, and you are to have a correct and fair measure, so that you will prolong your days in the land ADONAI your God is giving you.

You must maintain accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

A perfect and just weight shalt thou have; a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be long in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 25:15 is a powerful command from God to ancient Israel, emphasizing the importance of integrity and fairness in all commercial dealings. It underscores that ethical conduct is not merely a secular matter but a divine requirement with significant consequences.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in the book of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) that outlines the specific laws and statutes God gave to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. These laws were designed to establish a righteous and just society, distinct from the surrounding pagan nations. Immediately preceding this verse, Deuteronomy 25:13-14 explicitly forbids having "diverse weights" or "diverse measures," setting the stage for this positive command to have "perfect and just" ones. The emphasis is on standardizing and purifying commercial practices to reflect God's character of justice.

Key Themes

  • Divine Demand for Integrity: The command for "perfect and just weight" and "perfect and just measure" highlights God's absolute demand for honesty and transparency in all transactions. It's not enough to avoid outright fraud; the standard is one of complete fairness and accuracy. This principle extends beyond ancient marketplaces to modern business ethics, requiring truthfulness in advertising, fair pricing, and accurate representation.
  • Justice in Commerce: This law protects both the buyer and the seller from exploitation. It reflects God's concern for social justice, ensuring that economic interactions are not opportunities for the powerful to oppress the vulnerable. A society built on such principles fosters trust and stability.
  • Covenant Obedience and Blessing: The promise, "that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee," directly links obedience to this ethical standard with longevity and security in the Promised Land. This reinforces a major theme throughout Deuteronomy: faithfulness to God's covenant, demonstrated through adherence to His laws, brings blessings, while disobedience leads to consequences. Similar promises of long life for obedience are seen in Deuteronomy 6:2.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "perfect" (shalem, שָׁלֵם) and "just" (tzedeq, צֶדֶק) are significant. Shalem implies wholeness, soundness, and integrity – not lacking anything. Tzedeq refers to righteousness, equity, and conformity to a moral standard. Together, they convey a profound sense of complete and unwavering fairness. This isn't about being 'mostly' honest, but about embodying God's own character of righteousness and justice in every interaction.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 25:15 remains highly relevant today, urging believers to uphold the highest standards of integrity in all aspects of life, particularly in business and financial dealings. It challenges us to:

  • Practice Honesty: Be truthful in all our dealings, whether selling a product, offering a service, or engaging in negotiations. Avoid deceptive practices, hidden fees, or misrepresentations.
  • Promote Fairness: Strive for equitable outcomes in our interactions, considering the well-being of others and not just personal gain.
  • Reflect God's Character: Our commitment to justice and integrity in commerce is a powerful testimony to the world about the God we serve. As Proverbs 11:1 states, "A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight." This verse calls us to delight in what God delights in.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 20:12 (4 votes)

    ¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

  • Deuteronomy 4:40 (3 votes)

    Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

  • Deuteronomy 17:20 (2 votes)

    That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left: to the end that he may prolong [his] days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.

  • 1 Peter 3:10 (2 votes)

    For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

  • Deuteronomy 11:9 (2 votes)

    And that ye may prolong [your] days in the land, which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey.

  • Deuteronomy 5:16 (2 votes)

    Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

  • Deuteronomy 6:18 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt do [that which is] right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,