King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:15 Mean?

Leviticus 19:15 in the King James Version says “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 19:15 · KJV

Context

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.

16

Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.

17

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. and: or, that thou bear not sin for him

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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).


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  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 help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
לֹֽא1 of 15
H3808

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

תַעֲשׂ֥וּ2 of 15

“Ye shall do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עָ֙וֶל֙3 of 15

“no unrighteousness”

H5766

(moral) evil

בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֔ט4 of 15

“in judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

לֹֽא5 of 15
H3808

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

תִשָּׂ֣א6 of 15

“thou shalt not respect”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

פְּנֵ֣י7 of 15

“the person”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

דָ֔ל8 of 15

“of the poor”

H1800

properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin

וְלֹ֥א9 of 15
H3808

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

תֶהְדַּ֖ר10 of 15

“nor honour”

H1921

to swell up (literally or figuratively, active or passive); by implication, to favor or honor, be high or proud

פְּנֵ֣י11 of 15

“the person”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

גָד֑וֹל12 of 15

“of the mighty”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

בְּצֶ֖דֶק13 of 15

“but in righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

תִּשְׁפֹּ֥ט14 of 15

“shalt thou judge”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

עֲמִיתֶֽךָ׃15 of 15

“thy neighbour”

H5997

companionship; hence (concretely) a comrade or kindred man

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 19:15 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 19:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 1:17