Old Testament
Leviticus 19:36
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Use honest scales, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt.
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Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.
What Leviticus 19:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 19:36, God commands the Israelites to use fair and honest measures in their trade practices. This includes having just balances and weights, as well as accurate measures for grain and liquids. The emphasis on honesty in commerce reflects God's character and His desire for His people to reflect integrity in their dealings. By reminding them that He is the Lord who delivered them from Egypt, God underscores the importance of ethical behavior as a response to His grace and guidance. This verse highlights the broader principle of justice and fairness in all aspects of life, encouraging the community to uphold these values in their interactions with one another. It serves as a reminder that their actions should align with God's standards, promoting trust and harmony within the community. Overall, this commandment is about ensuring that all transactions are conducted with integrity, which is essential for a healthy society.
How to apply Leviticus 19:36 to your life
In our daily lives, we should strive to be honest in all our dealings, whether in business or personal relationships. This means being transparent and fair, ensuring that we treat others as we would like to be treated. Upholding integrity fosters trust and strengthens community bonds.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
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Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 19:36 mean?
Leviticus 19:36 means that God commands the Israelites to use honest and fair measures in their trade, emphasizing integrity in commerce. This reflects God's character and His desire for His people to act justly in their dealings.
What is the meaning of honest scales in Leviticus 19:36?
Honest scales in Leviticus 19:36 refer to accurate measuring tools that ensure fairness in trade. This command highlights the importance of integrity and justice in business practices.
How does Leviticus 19:36 apply to modern life?
Leviticus 19:36 applies to modern life by encouraging individuals to be honest in all dealings, whether in business or personal relationships. Upholding integrity fosters trust and strengthens community bonds.
Why does God emphasize honesty in Leviticus 19:36?
God emphasizes honesty in Leviticus 19:36 to promote justice and fairness among His people. By reminding them of their deliverance from Egypt, He highlights the importance of ethical behavior as a response to His grace.
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