What does the Bible say about weights?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that weights and measures must be honest, reflecting God’s own righteousness and care for neighbor. Leviticus 19:35-36 and Deuteronomy 25:13-15 command Israel to use just scales and full measures, forbidding the deceit of keeping differing weights for buying and selling. Proverbs 11:1, 16:11, 20:10, and 20:23 likewise declare dishonest scales hateful to the Lord, while accurate measures belong to him. Micah 6:10-11 exposes false weights as part of the injustice God judges. These commands call believers to integrity in business and every ordinary obligation, trusting that the God who sees hidden dealings delights in truthful, fair, and faithful conduct.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- Must be just Leviticus 19:35; Leviticus 19:36; Deuteronomy 25:13-15; Proverbs 11:1; Proverbs 16:11; Proverbs 20:10; Proverbs 20:23; Micah 6:10; Micah 6:11
- See MEASURE
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Generally regulated by the standard of the sanctuary Exodus 30:24
- Sometimes regulated by the king’s standard 2 Samuel 14:26
- Were frequently used in scales or balances Job 31:6; Isaiah 40:12
- Mentioned in scripture
- Gerah Exodus 30:13; Ezekiel 45:12
- Bekah or half shekel Genesis 24:22
- Shekel Exodus 30:13; Ezekiel 45:12
- Dram Nehemiah 7:70; Nehemiah 7:71
- Maneh or pound Nehemiah 7:71; Ezekiel 45:12
- Talent 2 Samuel 12:30; Revelation 16:21
- Value of money estimated according to Genesis 23:16; Genesis 43:21; Jeremiah 32:9
- All metals were given by Exodus 37:24; 1 Chronicles 28:14
- Provisions were sold by, in times of scarcity Leviticus 26:26; Ezekiel 4:10; Ezekiel 4:16
- The Jews
- Forbidden to have various Deuteronomy 25:13; Deuteronomy 25:14
- Forbidden to have unjust Leviticus 19:35; Leviticus 19:36
- Frequently used unjust Micah 6:11
- Illustrative
- Of sins Hebrews 12:1
- Of the restraints put on the elements Job 28:25
- (Heavy,) of the exceeding glory reserved for saints 2 Corinthians 4:17
See also
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