Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 25:14 mean?
A: Leviticus 25:14 teaches that when conducting business transactions—whether buying or selling—one must act honestly and not deceive or take advantage of others. The Torah emphasizes fair dealings, especially between fellow Jews ('amitecha,' your neighbor). Rashi explains that this verse prohibits ona'ah (fraud or overcharging) in business, which includes both financial deception and verbal mistreatment.
Q: Why is the prohibition against fraud in business important in Judaism?
A: Fair business practices are a fundamental part of Jewish ethics (derech eretz). The Talmud (Bava Metzia 58b) states that fraud in business is considered a severe sin because it harms trust between people and violates the commandment to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (Leviticus 19:18). The Rambam (Hilchot Mechira 12:1) also rules that dishonest business dealings can lead to financial and spiritual consequences.
Q: How does Leviticus 25:14 apply to modern business dealings?
A: The principle of avoiding fraud applies today just as it did in ancient times. Jewish law (halacha) requires transparency in pricing, honest representation of goods, and fair negotiation. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that even non-verbal deception (such as misleading body language in a sale) violates this commandment. Businesses must prioritize integrity to fulfill this mitzvah.
Q: Does Leviticus 25:14 only apply to Jews, or to non-Jews as well?
A: While the verse specifically mentions 'your neighbor' (amitecha), referring to fellow Jews, the broader Torah principle of justice applies universally. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 56b) states that fair business dealings are part of the Noahide laws, which are binding on all humanity. However, the detailed laws of ona'ah (fraud) as derived from this verse primarily govern transactions between Jews.
Q: What is an example of violating this commandment in everyday life?
A: Examples include overcharging for an item when the buyer is unaware of its true value, hiding defects in a product, or using misleading advertising (based on Talmud Bava Metzia 49b). Even charging an unfair price without outright lying can violate this law. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 227) outlines specific guidelines to ensure ethical business conduct.
Prohibition Against Fraud in Business
The verse (Vayikra 25:14) establishes a fundamental ethical principle in Jewish commerce: the prohibition of ona'ah (fraudulent dealings) in business transactions. Rashi explains that this applies both to overcharging and underpaying, as the Torah states, "you shall not defraud one another"—indicating mutual responsibility.
Scope of the Prohibition
Rambam (Hilchot Mechira 12:1) elaborates that ona'ah applies to both buyer and seller, and extends beyond monetary fraud to include verbal deception (ona'at devarim). The Talmud (Bava Metzia 58b) emphasizes that misleading someone in business violates this mitzvah, even if no money changes hands.
Threshold for Fraud
The Mishnah (Bava Metzia 4:3) establishes that a discrepancy of more than one-sixth of an item's true value constitutes ona'ah:
Spiritual Dimension
The Sforno notes that this prohibition appears in the context of the Sabbatical and Jubilee laws to teach that proper business conduct is integral to maintaining holiness in the Land of Israel. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) connects this mitzvah to the broader principle of "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Vayikra 19:18).
Practical Application
Chofetz Chaim (in Ahavat Chesed) stresses that this law requires: