King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 25:13 Mean?

“Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights , a great and a small. divers: Heb. a stone and a stone”

Context

When men strive together one with another , and the wife of the one draweth near for to deliver her husband out of the hand of him that smiteth him, and putteth forth her hand, and taketh him by the secrets:

Then thou shalt cut off her hand, thine eye shall not pity her.

Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights , a great and a small. divers: Heb. a stone and a stone

Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures , a great and a small. divers: Heb. an ephah and an ephah

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.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

Deuteronomy 25:13-16. **JUST WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.** So Leviticus 19:35-36. Among the laws of moral holiness comes the law of just weights and measures. (16) **An abomination unto the Lord.**—So in Proverbs 11:1, “a false balance is abomination to the Lord.” (See also Amos 8:4-8.) The protection of the poor is the chief practical end in this; rich men can take care of themselves. Poor men are *doubly *robbed by short weight and measure, because they cannot protect themselves against it. The injustice tends to perpetuate their poverty.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 25:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.