Leviticus 25:14

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

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:"

Context

This verse is found within Leviticus chapter 25, which primarily details the laws concerning the Sabbatical year (every seven years) and the Year of Jubilee (every fifty years). These laws were foundational to Israel's economic and social structure, designed by God to prevent extreme wealth disparity, ensure land eventually returned to its original families, and provide regular resets for the nation's economy. Within this framework of divine provision and social justice, Leviticus 25:14 specifically addresses the ethical conduct required in everyday commercial transactions. It underscores the principle that even in buying and selling, the Israelites were to uphold fairness and integrity, reflecting God's character in their dealings.

Key Themes

  • Fairness in Commerce: The verse directly commands equitable practices in all buying and selling. It emphasizes that economic transactions should not be opportunities for one party to take undue advantage of another.
  • Prevention of Oppression: The core prohibition, "ye shall not oppress one another," highlights God's deep concern for the vulnerable and His abhorrence of exploitation. This principle extends beyond mere financial loss to include emotional distress or social harm caused by unfair dealings.
  • Justice and Equity: This law serves as a cornerstone for Biblical justice in economic life, ensuring that basic human dignity is preserved even in the marketplace. It promotes a society where mutual respect and care, rather than greed, govern interactions.
  • Brotherly Love: Implicit in the command not to oppress is the call to love one's neighbor as oneself, extending the principles found in Leviticus 19:18 to economic spheres.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "oppress" is yanah (יָנָה). This term carries a strong meaning of "to wrong," "to defraud," "to deal treacherously with," or "to take advantage of." It implies not just causing financial loss, but doing so through deceit, unfairness, or by exploiting someone's ignorance, weakness, or necessity. It's a comprehensive term for unethical and unjust treatment in a transaction, ensuring that the spirit of the law goes beyond simple monetary value to encompass moral conduct.

Practical Application

Leviticus 25:14 remains profoundly relevant today for individuals and societies alike. It calls for:

  • Ethical Business Practices: Encourages honesty, transparency, and fair pricing in all commercial dealings, whether as a seller or a buyer.
  • Consumer Protection: Implies the need for regulations and personal ethics that protect consumers from deceptive practices, hidden fees, or price gouging.
  • Integrity in Negotiations: Teaches that even in bargaining, one should not exploit another's desperation or lack of information.
  • Social Responsibility: Reminds us that economic activity has moral dimensions and should contribute to the well-being of the community, not just individual profit. This principle aligns with broader calls for doing justly and loving mercy in all aspects of life.

In essence, this verse serves as a timeless reminder that God cares about how we conduct our business and that our transactions should always be governed by principles of fairness, integrity, and respect for our fellow human beings.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 19:13 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 22:12 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Amos 8:7 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 12:3 (3 votes)

    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.