Deuteronomy 25:13
Deuteronomy 25:13 in Multiple Translations
You shall not have two differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light.
¶ Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small.
Thou shalt not have in thy bag diverse weights, a great and a small.
Do not have in your bag different weights, a great and a small;
Don't have two different measuring weights in your bag, one that's heavy and one that's light.
Thou shalt not haue in thy bagge two maner of weightes, a great and a small,
'Thou hast not in thy bag a stone and a stone, a great and a small.
You shall not have in your bag diverse weights, one heavy and one light.
Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small:
Thou shalt not have divers weights in thy bag, a greater and a less:
“When you are buying or selling things, do not try to cheat people by having two kinds of weights, one which you use when you buy something and one which you use when you sell something, and two kinds of measuring baskets, one which you use when you buy something and one which you use when you sell something.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 25:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 25:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
יִהְיֶ֥ה
לְ/ךָ֛
בְּ/כִֽיסְ/ךָ֖
אֶ֣בֶן
וָ/אָ֑בֶן
גְּדוֹלָ֖ה
וּ/קְטַנָּֽה
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/ךָ֛
Prep | Suff
בְּ/כִֽיסְ/ךָ֖
kîyç
H3599
purse
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אֶ֣בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fs
וָ/אָ֑בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
Conj | N-fs
גְּדוֹלָ֖ה
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
וּ/קְטַנָּֽה
qâṭân
H6996
small
Conj | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 25:13
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/ךָ֛
""
Prep | Suff
בְּ/כִֽיסְ/ךָ֖
kîyç
H3599
"purse"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A purse or bag was used to carry money or weights in ancient times. It was a container made of leather or cloth, used for storing valuables. In the Bible, it is mentioned in the books of Genesis and Zechariah.
Definition: 1) bag, purse 1a) for weights, money
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bag, cup, purse. See also: Deuteronomy 25:13; Proverbs 23:31; Proverbs 1:14.
אֶ֣בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
וָ/אָ֑בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
Conj | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
גְּדוֹלָ֖ה
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וּ/קְטַנָּֽה
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 25:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 25:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 25:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 25:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:13
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 25:13
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 25:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:13
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 25:13
Context — Standard Weights and Measures
11If two men are fighting, and the wife of one comes to rescue her husband from the one striking him, and she reaches out her hand and grabs his genitals,
12you are to cut off her hand. You must show her no pity.
13You shall not have two differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light.
14You shall not have two differing measures in your house, one large and one small. 15You must maintain accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 11:1 | Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight. |
| 2 | Proverbs 16:11 | Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern. |
| 3 | Leviticus 19:35–37 | You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. You must keep all My statutes and all My ordinances and follow them. I am the LORD.” |
| 4 | Amos 8:5 | asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales. |
| 5 | Micah 6:11–12 | Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights? For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 45:10–11 | You must use honest scales, a just ephah, and a just bath. The ephah and the bath shall be the same quantity so that the bath will contain a tenth of a homer, and the ephah a tenth of a homer; the homer will be the standard measure for both. |
| 7 | Proverbs 20:10 | Differing weights and unequal measures — both are detestable to the LORD. |
Deuteronomy 25:13 Summary
Deuteronomy 25:13 is telling us to always be honest and fair in our business and personal dealings. This means not cheating or lying to get what we want, but instead being truthful and transparent in all our interactions (see Proverbs 10:9). By being honest and fair, we can build trust and respect with others, and we can also show our love and respect for God. As it says in Leviticus 19:36, we should have honest scales and weights, and this applies to all areas of our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main idea of Deuteronomy 25:13?
The main idea of Deuteronomy 25:13 is that God wants us to be honest in all our dealings, especially when it comes to business and trade, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:13, where it says, 'You shall not have two differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light.'
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse reminds us to be truthful and fair in all our interactions, whether it's at work, in our communities, or with our friends and family, just like it says in Proverbs 10:9, 'Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.'
Is it really that important to have honest weights and measures?
Yes, it is, because honesty and fairness are essential to building trust and respect in any relationship, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:15, which says that using accurate and honest weights and measures will help us live long in the land that the Lord our God is giving us.
How can I apply this verse to my own life and business practices?
You can apply this verse by being transparent and truthful in all your dealings, whether personal or professional, and by treating others with fairness and respect, just like it says in Leviticus 19:36, 'You shall have honest scales, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be using 'differing weights' in my own life, and how can I correct this?
- How can I demonstrate honesty and fairness in my daily interactions with others?
- What are some potential consequences of using dishonest weights and measures, and how can I avoid these consequences?
- In what ways can I show respect for others by being truthful and fair in my dealings with them?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 25:13
Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights,.... Or, "a stone and a stone" (y); it being usual, in those times and countries, to have their weights of stone, as it was formerly with us here; we
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 25:13
Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:13
The great, either to buy with, or openly to make show of; the small, for their private use in selling.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:13
Deuteronomy 25:13 Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small.Ver. 13. Divers weights, a great and a small.] As they have that weigh not out a whole seventh day to God, who hath given men six whole days to labour in; these sell by one measure and buy by another. It was an error, doubtless, for want of due light and better information, in that pious prince, Edward VI, to give order to his council, that upon Sundays they should attend public affairs of the realm, despatch answers to letters, and make full despatches of all things concluded in the week before; provided that they be present at common prayer. Life of Edw. VI, by Sir J. Heywood, p. 147.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:13
Deuteronomy 25:13-16. JUST WEIGHTS AND .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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:13
Verse 13. Divers weights] אבן ואבן eben vaaben, a stone and a stone, because the weights were anciently made of stone, and some had two sets of stones, a light and a heavy. With the latter they bought their wares, by the former they sold them. In our own country this was once a common case; smooth, round, or oval stones were generally chosen by the simple country people for selling their wares, especially such as were sold in pounds and half pounds. And hence the term a stone weight, which is still in use, though lead or iron be the matter that is used as a counterpoise: but the name itself shows us that a stone of a certain weight was the material formerly used as a weight. See the notes on Leviticus 19:35-36.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 25:13
13–16. Against Divers Weights and Measures Israel shall not use these—greater (for purchases) and smaller (for sales)—for he who does so is an abomination to Jehovah (Deuteronomy 25:13 f., Deuteronomy 25:16). Interpolated (for it breaks the connection between Deuteronomy 25:13 f. and Deuteronomy 25:16) is a positive command to have a single normal set of weights and measures; that thy days may be long, etc.—Sg. address throughout. Parallel in H, Leviticus 19:35 f., also a negative command with a positive added; but a different expression of the religious motive. The laws may be quite independent; for the provocations for them were many in Israel. Amos 8:5 describes among other commercial sins making the ephah small (for selling) and the shekel great (for weighing the purchasers’ money, etc.) and dealing falsely with false balances; Mi. Deuteronomy 6:10 declares the scant measure loathsome. To the popular piety weights and measures, like the husbandman’s methods (see on Deuteronomy 22:9-11), were of divine institution, they were Jehovah’s and his work (Proverbs 16:11).
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 25:13
Honesty in trade, as a duty to our neighbor, is emphatically enforced once more (compare Leviticus 19:35-36).
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:13
THE DUTY OF UPRIGHT DEALING , Deuteronomy 25:13-19. 13. Divers weights — The Hebrew reads, a stone and a stone. The use of stones for weights was common. On the subject of honesty in weights and measures see Leviticus 19:35-36.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 25:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(2006 Conference) 12. the Balance of Truth-3 (Bible Study) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of finding balance in various aspects of the Christian life. It discusses the need for balancing evangelism with discipleship, ensuring that b |
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(Through the Bible) Proverbs 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of studying and applying the word of God. He encourages the listeners to not just be hearers of the word, but to also be doers |
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Jesus Is the Light of the World - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as the light of the world and the need for transparency and integrity in our lives. He challenges listen |
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A Spiritual Life by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not acquiring money through evil means such as deceit and false balance. He shares a heartbreaking story of a girl whose mo |
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Dishonesty in Small Matters Inconsistent With Honesty in Anything by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes that dishonesty in small matters reflects a lack of true integrity in all aspects of life, arguing that one who is unjust in the least is unjust also in m |
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February 7. 1678. Weights and Measures. by Jane Lead | Jane Lead preaches about the importance of weighing ourselves with the Golden Weight or Shekel of the Sanctuary, emphasizing that anything short of that divine standard will be una |
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Surely Something Must Be Amiss With the Scales! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of honesty in all aspects of life, particularly in business and moral judgments, urging Christians to examine their scales and balances. He p |