Leviticus 19:36 - Honesty reflects divine redemption.

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Hebrew Text

מֹאזְנֵי צֶדֶק אַבְנֵי־צֶדֶק אֵיפַת צֶדֶק וְהִין צֶדֶק יִהְיֶה לָכֶם אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר־הוֹצֵאתִי אֶתְכֶם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

Just balances, just weights, a just efa, and a just hin, shall you have: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Mo'znei tzedek avnei-tzedek eifat tzedek vehin tzedek yihyeh lakhem ani Adonai Eloheikhem asher-hotzeiti etkhem me'eretz Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

מֹ֧אזְנֵי צֶ֣דֶק אַבְנֵי־צֶ֗דֶק אֵ֥יפַת צֶ֛דֶק וְהִ֥ין צֶ֖דֶק יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֑ם אֲנִי֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־הוֹצֵ֥אתִי אֶתְכֶ֖ם מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

Parasha Commentary

The Commandment of Honest Weights and Measures

The verse (Vayikra 19:36) emphasizes the importance of maintaining honest weights and measures in business dealings. The Torah specifies four types of measurements: מֹאזְנֵי צֶדֶק (just balances), אַבְנֵי־צֶדֶק (just weights), אֵיפַת צֶדֶק (a just efa), and וְהִין צֶדֶק (a just hin). These represent the fundamental tools of commerce, and the Torah demands absolute integrity in their use.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the repetition of the word צֶדֶק (justice) for each type of measurement underscores the severity of dishonest business practices. He cites the Talmud (Bava Metzia 49b), which teaches that fraudulent measurements are considered worse than illicit relations because they are committed in secret and can easily go undetected. The Torah therefore warns repeatedly to ensure strict adherence to fairness.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Geneivah 7:12) elaborates that using false weights is not merely a financial transgression but a violation of the broader prohibition against theft (גְּנֵבָה). He emphasizes that even a slight deviation in measurement constitutes theft, as it deceives the buyer or seller. The Torah’s insistence on precise measurements reflects the principle that honesty in business is foundational to a just society.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim 8:4) connects this mitzvah to the Exodus from Egypt, as the verse concludes: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." The Midrash teaches that just as Hashem redeemed us from slavery, we must uphold justice in our dealings to merit continued divine favor. Dishonest business practices undermine the moral foundation of the Jewish people, which was established through the Exodus.

Practical Halachic Implications

Merchants must regularly inspect their scales and measures to ensure accuracy (Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat 231:1).
Even unintentional discrepancies due to wear and tear must be corrected (Rema, Choshen Mishpat 231:2).
Using slightly inaccurate weights is forbidden, even if the buyer is aware (Tosafot, Bava Metzia 61b).

Spiritual Significance

The Kli Yakar notes that the verse’s conclusion—"I am the Lord your God"—teaches that honesty in business is not merely a social obligation but a divine commandment. By maintaining integrity in commerce, we sanctify Hashem’s name and fulfill our role as a מַמְלֶכֶת כֹּהֲנִים (kingdom of priests).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 61b

The verse is cited in a discussion about the prohibition of dishonest weights and measures, emphasizing the importance of fairness in business transactions.

📖 Sifra Kedoshim 8:3

The verse is referenced in a midrashic interpretation discussing the ethical obligations of maintaining honest weights and measures as part of living a holy life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 19:36 mean about weights and measures?
A: Leviticus 19:36 commands us to use honest and accurate weights and measures in business dealings. The Torah emphasizes 'just balances' and 'just weights' to teach that fairness in commerce is a fundamental Jewish value. Rashi explains that this verse warns against even subtle deception in business, as dishonest practices violate God's will.

Q: Why does the verse connect honest business with the Exodus from Egypt?
A: The verse concludes by reminding us that God took us out of Egypt to teach that ethical behavior—especially in business—is part of our covenant with Him. The Rambam (Hilchot Geneiva 7:12) connects this to the idea that just as God redeemed us from slavery, we must act with integrity and not oppress others through dishonest dealings.

Q: How does this verse apply to modern business practices?
A: This verse teaches timeless principles of honesty in all transactions. The Chofetz Chaim (in 'Ahavat Chesed') explains that this includes accurate pricing, truthful advertising, and fair wages. Even today, Jewish law (Halacha) strictly prohibits any form of deception or unfair advantage in business, as it violates this biblical commandment.

Q: What are the 'efa' and 'hin' mentioned in this verse?
A: The efa and hin were standard units of measurement in biblical times—the efa for dry goods (like flour) and the hin for liquids (like oil). The Talmud (Bava Batra 89b) discusses how these measurements must be precise. The verse teaches that all measurements, whether large or small, must be honest and consistent.

Q: Why is honesty in business so important in Judaism?
A: The Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim 8:3) states that dishonesty in business is worse than other sins because it harms society and undermines trust. The verse emphasizes 'I am the Lord your God' to show that ethical business conduct is not just social policy—it's a divine commandment and a reflection of our relationship with God.