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Leviticus 19:13 - Pay workers promptly—Divine justice.

Leviticus 19:13 - ויקרא 19:13

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תַעֲשֹׁק אֶת־רֵעֲךָ וְלֹא תִגְזֹל לֹא־תָלִין פְּעֻלַּת שָׂכִיר אִתְּךָ עַד־בֹּקֶר׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.

Transliteration

Lo-ta'ashok et-re'ekha ve-lo tigzol lo-talin p'ulat sakhir itkha ad-boker.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹֽא־תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק אֶת־רֵֽעֲךָ֖ וְלֹ֣א תִגְזֹ֑ל לֹֽא־תָלִ֞ין פְּעֻלַּ֥ת שָׂכִ֛יר אִתְּךָ֖ עַד־בֹּֽקֶר׃
לֹֽא־תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק אֶת־רֵֽעֲךָ֖ וְלֹ֣א תִגְזֹ֑ל לֹֽא־תָלִ֞ין פְּעֻלַּ֥ת שָׂכִ֛יר אִתְּךָ֖ עַד־בֹּֽקֶר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Oppression and Theft

The verse (Vayikra 19:13) contains three distinct commandments related to interpersonal ethics:

  • לֹא־תַעֲשֹׁק - "Do not oppress" (verbally or financially)
  • וְלֹא תִגְזֹל - "Do not steal" (by force)
  • לֹא־תָלִין פְּעֻלַּת שָׂכִיר - "Do not withhold a worker's wages"

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that תַעֲשֹׁק refers to withholding money that rightfully belongs to another (such as refusing to repay a debt), while תִגְזֹל refers to outright theft by force. The prohibition against withholding wages is singled out because workers are particularly vulnerable - they depend on their daily wages for sustenance (Rashi on Vayikra 19:13).

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchos Sechirus 11:2) rules that the prohibition applies to any hired worker, whether Jewish or non-Jewish, and whether hired for physical labor or intellectual work. The wages must be paid by the end of the night following the workday. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 339:3) elaborates that this applies even if the worker didn't explicitly request payment.

Moral Dimensions in Talmudic Thought

The Talmud (Bava Metzia 111a) states that withholding wages is equivalent to taking a person's life, as the worker may desperately need the money for basic necessities. The Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim 3:7) compares one who withholds wages to one who sheds blood, emphasizing the severity of this transgression.

Kabbalistic Perspective

The Zohar (Vayikra 88a) teaches that withholding wages disrupts the flow of divine blessing in the world, as it represents a blockage in the system of justice and kindness that sustains creation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 111a
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition against withholding a worker's wages overnight, emphasizing the ethical obligation to pay workers promptly.
📖 Sanhedrin 86a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of withholding wages, comparing it to other forms of theft and fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 19:13 mean?
A: Leviticus 19:13 contains three commandments: 1) Do not oppress or cheat your neighbor (לא תעשק), 2) Do not rob (לא תגזל), and 3) Do not withhold a worker's wages overnight (לא תלין פעולת שכיר). These laws emphasize fair treatment of others in financial matters, especially workers who depend on timely payment.
Q: Why is it important to pay workers on time according to Leviticus 19:13?
A: The Torah considers withholding wages overnight a serious offense because a day laborer depends on that money for his family's immediate needs (Rashi on Leviticus 19:13). The Talmud (Bava Metzia 111a) teaches that delaying payment is akin to 'taking a person's soul,' as the worker anxiously awaits his due compensation.
Q: How does Leviticus 19:13 apply to business ethics today?
A: This verse establishes timeless principles for ethical business conduct: 1) Employers must pay workers promptly, 2) All business dealings must be honest without deception, and 3) Taking what isn't yours - whether through force or manipulation - is forbidden. The Rambam (Hilchos Sekhirus 11:2) rules these laws apply equally to Jewish and non-Jewish workers.
Q: What's the difference between 'oppressing' and 'robbing' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains 'oppressing' (תעשק) refers to withholding money rightfully owed to someone (like refusing to repay a debt), while 'robbing' (תגזל) means taking something by force or intimidation. The Sifra adds that oppression can also include psychological pressure in financial matters.
Q: Does Leviticus 19:13 only apply to manual laborers?
A: No. While the verse mentions a 'hired worker' (שכיר), Halacha extends this to all forms of compensation. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 339:6) rules it includes professionals, contractors, and even rental agreements - any situation where payment is expected for services or use of property.