King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:13 Mean?

Leviticus 19:13 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all nigh...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 19:13 · KJV

Context

11

Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.

12

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

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.

14

Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.

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.

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse falls within the section on Various Laws of Holiness. Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18).


The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18). Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לֹֽא1 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק2 of 13

“Thou shalt not defraud”

H6231

to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow

אֶת3 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רֵֽעֲךָ֖4 of 13

“thy neighbour”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

וְלֹ֣א5 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִגְזֹ֑ל6 of 13

“neither rob”

H1497

to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob

לֹֽא7 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָלִ֞ין8 of 13

“shall not abide”

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

פְּעֻלַּ֥ת9 of 13

“him the wages”

H6468

(abstractly) work

שָׂכִ֛יר10 of 13

“of him that is hired”

H7916

a man who is hired by the day or year

אִתְּךָ֖11 of 13
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

עַד12 of 13
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בֹּֽקֶר׃13 of 13

“with thee all night until the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Leviticus 19:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 19:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 5:4Malachi 3:5Deuteronomy 24:14-15Jeremiah 22:13Proverbs 20:10Exodus 22:15

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