You shall not have two differing weights in your bagThis command addresses the practice of using dishonest measures in trade. In ancient Israel, weights were used to determine the value of goods in transactions. Having differing weights would allow a merchant to cheat customers by using a heavier weight when buying and a lighter one when selling. This practice is condemned as it violates the principle of fairness and justice, which is central to the Mosaic Law. The use of honest weights is emphasized in other scriptures, such as
Leviticus 19:35-36 and
Proverbs 11:1, highlighting the importance of integrity in business dealings.
one heavy and one light
The specific mention of "one heavy and one light" illustrates the deceitful nature of using different standards for personal gain. This practice is not only a breach of trust but also an affront to God's character, who is just and righteous. The prophets, such as Amos (Amos 8:5), spoke against such injustices, calling for repentance and a return to honest practices. In a broader sense, this command can be seen as a call to live a life of integrity, reflecting God's holiness in all aspects of life. The principle of fairness and honesty is echoed in the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of treating others as one would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.
2.
IsraelitesThe audience receiving the law, God's chosen people, preparing to enter the Promised Land.
3.
Promised LandThe land of Canaan, where the Israelites are heading, a place where they are to establish a society based on God's laws.
4.
Merchants and TradersIndividuals who would be directly affected by the commandment against dishonest weights, as they engage in commerce.
5.
God's CovenantThe overarching agreement between God and Israel, which includes living by His statutes and commands.
Teaching Points
Integrity in BusinessGod calls His people to be honest in all their dealings, reflecting His character of truth and justice.
Social JusticeFairness in commerce is not just a personal virtue but a societal necessity, ensuring that all members of the community are treated equitably.
Reflecting God's CharacterAs God's representatives, Christians are to embody His standards of righteousness, including honesty in financial matters.
Trust in God's ProvisionRelying on deceitful practices indicates a lack of trust in God's ability to provide. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's provision through honest work.
Witness to the WorldBy maintaining integrity, Christians serve as a witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of living according to God's Word.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 25:13?
2.How does Deuteronomy 25:13 emphasize honesty in business practices today?
3.Why is using "two differing weights" considered unjust in God's eyes?
4.How does this verse connect with Proverbs 11:1 about honest scales?
5.What modern practices might reflect the principle of fair measurements?
6.How can we ensure integrity in our daily transactions and dealings?
7.What does Deuteronomy 25:13 teach about honesty in business practices?
8.How does Deuteronomy 25:13 relate to modern ethical standards?
9.Why was the command in Deuteronomy 25:13 necessary for ancient Israelite society?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 25?
11.What is the Bible's perspective on inflation?
12.Proverbs 20:10 condemns dishonest scales—what historical or archaeological evidence challenges or supports the accuracy of such transactions in ancient times?
13.Proverbs 11:1 states that the Lord detests dishonest scales—how can this moral stance be proven scientifically or historically?
14.How can integrity guide your business dealings?What Does Deuteronomy 25:13 Mean
You shall not haveGod speaks in the imperative, leaving no room for negotiation. The command demands personal obedience.
•Exodus 20:15 says, “You shall not steal”; this verse expands that broader command into the marketplace.
•Leviticus 19:35-36 reinforces the same standard: “You shall not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume… I am the LORD your God”.
The Lord ties honesty in commerce to His own character—because He is truthful, His people must be truthful.
two differing weightsThe issue is duplicity—possessing a “heavy” stone for buying and a “light” stone for selling.
•Proverbs 20:10 warns, “Differing weights and differing measures—both are detestable to the LORD”.
•Micah 6:11 asks, “Shall I acquit a man with dishonest scales, with a bag of deceptive weights?”.
When we manipulate standards, we undermine trust and deny God’s justice.
in your bagThe scene is the traveling merchant’s bag, not the temple or courthouse. Integrity must live in everyday spaces:
•Deuteronomy 25:14 carries the idea to the house: “You shall not have in your house differing measures, a large and a small”.
•1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 urges believers to “work with your own hands, so that you will walk properly toward outsiders”.
Honesty is portable; wherever the bag goes, righteousness must follow.
one heavy and one lightKeeping both stones reveals intentional deceit. It pictures double standards in any relationship.
•Proverbs 11:1 states, “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight”.
•Amos 8:5 condemns merchants who “skimp the measure, boost the price, and cheat with dishonest scales”.
The Lord delights in integrity because it mirrors His unwavering fairness.
summaryDeuteronomy 25:13 charges God’s people to practice unflinching honesty. Any double standard—whether in business, family, or church life—grieves the God of truth. By refusing to carry “two differing weights,” believers reflect the just character of their Redeemer, honor His name in daily dealings, and cultivate trust within the community.
Deuteronomy 25:13-16.
JUST WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.SoLeviticus 19:35-36. Among the laws of moral holiness comes the law of just weights and measures.
(16)An abomination unto the Lord.--So inProverbs 11:1, "a false balance is abomination to the Lord." (See alsoAmos 8:4-8.) The protection of the poor is the chief practical end in this; rich men can take care of themselves. Poor men aredoublyrobbed by short weight and measure, because they cannot protect themselves against it. The injustice tends to perpetuate their poverty.
Verses 13-16. - Rectitude and integrity in trade are here anew inculcated (cf.
Leviticus 19:35, etc.).
Verse 13. -
Diverse weights; literally, a
stone and a stone - a large one for buying, and a small one for selling (cf.
Amos 8:5). Both weights and measures were to be "perfect,"
i.
e. exactly correct, and so just. (On the promise in ver. 15, see
Deuteronomy 4:26;
Deuteronomy 5:16.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You shall notלֹֽא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nohaveיִהְיֶ֥ה(yih·yeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, betwo differing weightsאֶ֣בֶן(’e·ḇen)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 68:A stonein your bag,בְּכִֽיסְךָ֖(bə·ḵî·sə·ḵā)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3599:A cup, a bag for, money, weightsone heavyגְּדוֹלָ֖ה(gə·ḏō·w·lāh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 1419:Great, older, insolentand one light.וּקְטַנָּֽה׃(ū·qə·ṭan·nāh)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 6996:Small, young, unimportant
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 25:13 You shall not have in your bag (Deut. De Du) 
