Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 19:35 mean?
A: Leviticus 19:35 teaches that we must act with honesty and fairness in business dealings. The verse specifically prohibits any form of dishonesty in judgment (legal matters) as well as in measurements like length ('meteyard'), weight, and volume. Rashi explains that this includes using inaccurate scales or measures to deceive others.
Q: Why is honesty in business so important in Judaism?
A: Honesty in business is a fundamental principle in Judaism because it reflects our commitment to justice and integrity, which are core Torah values. The Rambam (Hilchot Geneivah 7:12) emphasizes that cheating in business is a serious sin, as it harms others and violates the commandment to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (Leviticus 19:18).
Q: How does Leviticus 19:35 apply today?
A: This verse applies today by requiring us to be scrupulously honest in all financial and legal matters. Whether in selling products (ensuring accurate weights and measures), providing services, or even quoting prices, we must avoid any form of deception. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 49b) states that G-d punishes dishonesty in business even before other sins because it undermines trust in society.
Q: What are examples of violating this commandment?
A: Examples include using a scale that hasn't been properly calibrated, selling items by misleading descriptions, shortchanging customers, or manipulating measurements to give less than promised. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 259) explains that even small deceptions violate this law, as the verse says 'do no unrighteousness'—meaning any form of injustice is forbidden.
Q: Does this law apply only to judges and merchants?
A: No, while the verse mentions 'judgment' (for judges) and measurements (for merchants), the principle applies to everyone. The Sifra (Kedoshim 8:5) teaches that this mitzvah includes all interpersonal dealings where fairness is required. Even in non-business contexts, we must be truthful and avoid taking unfair advantage of others.
Prohibition Against Dishonesty in Business
The verse (Vayikra 19:35) prohibits various forms of dishonesty in business dealings, emphasizing the importance of integrity in measurements and judgments. The Torah lists four categories where injustice must be avoided: judgment (מִשְׁפָּט), meteyard (מִדָּה), weight (מִשְׁקָל), and measure (מְשׂוּרָה).
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi clarifies that this verse warns against deception in both monetary matters and judicial rulings. He explains that "מִשְׁפָּט" refers to judicial corruption, while "מִדָּה, מִשְׁקָל, וּמְשׂוּרָה" pertain to fraudulent measurements in commerce. Even a slight deviation in weights or measures is considered theft and a violation of Torah law.
Rambam's Legal Perspective
In Hilchot Geneivah (7:1-3), Rambam elaborates that using false weights or measures is a severe transgression, as it deceives the public. He rules that one must ensure scales and measuring tools are precise, as even minor discrepancies can accumulate into significant theft over time.
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
Broader Ethical Implications
Beyond literal measurements, Chazal extend this principle to all forms of deception in speech or conduct (geneivat da'at). The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 259) teaches that honesty in business reflects one’s fear of Heaven, as transactions are ultimately judged by Hashem.