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Deuteronomy 25:15 - Honest weights bring long life.

Deuteronomy 25:15 - דברים 25:15

Hebrew Text

אֶבֶן שְׁלֵמָה וָצֶדֶק יִהְיֶה־לָּךְ אֵיפָה שְׁלֵמָה וָצֶדֶק יִהְיֶה־לָּךְ לְמַעַן יַאֲרִיכוּ יָמֶיךָ עַל הָאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לָךְ׃

English Translation

But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the Lord thy God gives thee.

Transliteration

Even shelema vatzedek yihyeh-lach eifa shelema vatzedek yihyeh-lach lemaan yaarichu yameicha al ha'adama asher-Adonai Eloheicha noten lach.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֶ֣בֶן שְׁלֵמָ֤ה וָצֶ֙דֶק֙ יִֽהְיֶה־לָּ֔ךְ אֵיפָ֧ה שְׁלֵמָ֛ה וָצֶ֖דֶק יִֽהְיֶה־לָּ֑ךְ לְמַ֙עַן֙ יַאֲרִ֣יכוּ יָמֶ֔יךָ עַ֚ל הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽךְ׃
אֶ֣בֶן שְׁלֵמָ֤ה וָצֶ֙דֶק֙ יִֽהְיֶה־לָּ֔ךְ אֵיפָ֧ה שְׁלֵמָ֛ה וָצֶ֖דֶק יִֽהְיֶה־לָּ֑ךְ לְמַ֙עַן֙ יַאֲרִ֣יכוּ יָמֶ֔יךָ עַ֚ל הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Context

The verse (Devarim 25:15) appears in Parashat Ki Teitzei, where Moshe instructs Bnei Yisrael on various ethical and civil laws. This particular verse emphasizes the importance of honest business practices—specifically, using accurate weights and measures—as a fundamental requirement for dwelling securely in Eretz Yisrael.

Literal Meaning (Peshat)

Rashi explains that the phrase "אֶבֶן שְׁלֵמָה וָצֶדֶק" ("a perfect and just weight") refers to the physical weights used in commerce, which must be exact and not falsified. Similarly, "אֵיפָה שְׁלֵמָה וָצֶק" ("a perfect and just measure") refers to the containers used for measuring volume, which must also be accurate. The Torah warns against any form of deception in business dealings.

Moral and Ethical Implications (Derash)

The Sifrei (a halachic Midrash) elaborates that dishonesty in weights and measures is considered a severe transgression because it is often hidden from human scrutiny but known to Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Geneivah 7:12) rules that fraudulent business practices violate multiple Torah prohibitions, including theft and the broader commandment of "לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ עָוֶל בַּמִּשְׁפָּט" ("Do not commit injustice in judgment").

  • Hidden Sin: The Talmud (Bava Batra 88b) teaches that dishonest weights are worse than other forms of theft because they deceive both the buyer and the Divine Judge.
  • Collective Responsibility: The Midrash Tanchuma (Mishpatim 8) warns that corruption in business can lead to exile, as it undermines societal trust.

Spiritual Consequences

The verse connects honest business conduct with prolonged settlement in Eretz Yisrael ("לְמַעַן יַאֲרִיכוּ יָמֶיךָ עַל הָאֲדָמָה"). The Kli Yakar explains that economic integrity is a prerequisite for Divine blessing, as it reflects a society built on justice and fear of Heaven. The Sforno adds that dishonesty in commerce invites Divine retribution, as it corrupts the moral fabric of the nation.

Practical Halacha

The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 231) codifies strict laws ensuring fair weights and measures, including:

  • Regular inspection of scales and measures to prevent wear or tampering.
  • Prohibition of using imprecise measures even if both parties agree.
  • Requirement to give slightly more than the measured amount ("הַטֵּף וְהַטֵּף") as a safeguard against inadvertent shortchanging.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 88a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the importance of honest weights and measures in business transactions, emphasizing the ethical obligations of merchants.
📖 Sotah 8b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the consequences of dishonest practices, linking just measures to the longevity of one's days in the land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'perfect and just weight' mean in Deuteronomy 25:15?
A: The verse commands us to use honest weights and measures in business dealings. Rashi explains that this means not cheating others by using inaccurate scales or containers when buying or selling. The Torah emphasizes fairness in commerce, as dishonesty undermines trust in society.
Q: Why does the Torah connect honest business practices with long life in the land?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Geneiva 7:12) teaches that dishonest business practices are considered theft, which harms society. The promise of prolonged days in the land shows that ethical behavior in monetary matters is fundamental to the Jewish people's ability to dwell securely in Israel. A just society is a stable society.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern business ethics?
A: The Talmud (Bava Metzia 49b) derives from this verse that we must be meticulous in all financial dealings, whether measuring goods, disclosing product flaws, or honoring agreements. Today, this includes accurate advertising, fair pricing, and transparent contracts - applying the same principles of integrity to contemporary commerce.
Q: What's the significance of repeating 'perfect and just' twice in the verse?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 294) notes the repetition teaches two lessons: 1) Be honest in both buying AND selling (not favoring yourself in either role), and 2) Maintain integrity both when dealing with Jews and non-Jews. The double language emphasizes that justice must be complete in all directions.
Q: Does this commandment only apply to weights and measures literally?
A: While the primary meaning refers to physical measurements, the Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 602) expands this to all forms of honest dealings. This includes paying workers on time, not misleading customers, and keeping one's word - any situation where deception could occur. The physical weights symbolize broader ethical responsibility.