Leviticus 19:13
Leviticus 19:13 in Multiple Translations
You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand.
¶ 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.
Thou shalt not oppress thy neighbor, nor rob him: the wages of a hired servant shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.
Do not be cruel to your neighbour or take what is his; do not keep back a servant's payment from him all night till the morning.
Don't cheat others or rob them. Don't refuse to pay wages due to workers until the morning.
Thou shalt not do thy neighbour wrong, neither rob him. The workemans hire shall not abide with thee vntil the morning.
'Thou dost not oppress thy neighbour, nor take plunder; the wages of the hireling doth not remain with thee till morning.
“‘You shall not oppress your neighbor, nor rob him. “‘The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning.
Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor, neither rob him : the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.
Thou shalt not calumniate thy neighbour, nor oppress him by violence. The wages of him that hath been hired by thee shall not abide with thee until the morning.
‘Do not cheat anyone or steal from anyone. ‘If you have agreed to pay your workers at the end of the day, do what you have promised; do not keep those wages until the next day.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 19:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 19:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק
אֶת
רֵֽעֲ/ךָ֖
וְ/לֹ֣א
תִגְזֹ֑ל
לֹֽא
תָלִ֞ין
פְּעֻלַּ֥ת
שָׂכִ֛יר
אִתְּ/ךָ֖
עַד
בֹּֽקֶר
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק
ʻâshaq
H6231
to oppress
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רֵֽעֲ/ךָ֖
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תִגְזֹ֑ל
gâzal
H1497
to plunder
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תָלִ֞ין
lûwn
H3885
to lodge
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
פְּעֻלַּ֥ת
pᵉʻullâh
H6468
wages
N-fs
שָׂכִ֛יר
sâkîyr
H7916
hired
Adj
אִתְּ/ךָ֖
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
בֹּֽקֶר
bôqer
H1242
morning
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 19:13
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק
ʻâshaq
H6231
"to oppress"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To oppress means to press upon or defraud someone, often violently. It is used to describe wrongdoing in the Bible, such as in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) to press upon, oppress, violate, defraud, do violence, get deceitfully, wrong, extort 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to oppress, wrong, extort 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Pual) to be exploited, be crushed
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: get deceitfully, deceive, defraud, drink up, (use) oppress(-ion), -or), do violence (wrong). See also: Leviticus 5:21; Proverbs 14:31; Psalms 72:4.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רֵֽעֲ/ךָ֖
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִגְזֹ֑ל
gâzal
H1497
"to plunder"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to take something by force, like plundering or robbing, and is used in stories like David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. It can also mean to strip or flay something, and is often associated with violence.
Definition: 1) to tear away, seize, plunder, tear off, pull off, rob, take away by force 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear away, rob 1a2) to seize, plunder (with acc cognate) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be robbed 1b2) to be taken away
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: catch, consume, exercise (robbery), pluck (off), rob, spoil, take away (by force, violence), tear. See also: Genesis 21:25; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:10.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תָלִ֞ין
lûwn
H3885
"to lodge"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.
Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.
פְּעֻלַּ֥ת
pᵉʻullâh
H6468
"wages"
N-fs
Wages or reward is the meaning of this word, describing the payment or result of someone's work or labour. It is often used to refer to the fruit of one's efforts.
Definition: 1) work, recompense, reward 1a) work 1b) wages
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: labour, reward, wages, work. See also: Leviticus 19:13; Isaiah 40:10; Psalms 17:4.
שָׂכִ֛יר
sâkîyr
H7916
"hired"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a hired worker, someone paid by the day or year. In the Bible, hired laborers were common, and the KJV translates this word as hired or hireling.
Definition: 1) hired 1a) hired (of animal) 1b) hireling, hired labourer (subst) 1b1) mercenary
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: hired (man, servant), hireling. See also: Exodus 12:45; Deuteronomy 15:18; Isaiah 16:14.
אִתְּ/ךָ֖
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
בֹּֽקֶר
bôqer
H1242
"morning"
N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
Study Notes — Leviticus 19:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 19:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 19:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 19:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 19:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 19:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 19:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 19:13
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 19:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 19:13
- Sermons on Leviticus 19:13
Context — Love Your Neighbor
11You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another.
12You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.
13You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand.
14You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD. 15You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 5:4 | Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. |
| 2 | Malachi 3:5 | “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 24:14–15 | Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 22:13 | “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, |
| 5 | Proverbs 20:10 | Differing weights and unequal measures — both are detestable to the LORD. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 22:29 | The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy and have exploited the foreign resident without justice. |
| 7 | Exodus 22:15 | If the owner was present, no restitution is required. If the animal was rented, the fee covers the loss. |
| 8 | Mark 10:19 | You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat others, honor your father and mother.’ ” |
| 9 | Exodus 22:21 | You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 22:3 | This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place. |
Leviticus 19:13 Summary
[This verse reminds us to always be honest and fair in our dealings with others, whether it's in business or in our personal relationships. We should never try to cheat or take advantage of someone else, as this is not how God wants us to treat each other. Instead, we should strive to be kind, respectful, and truthful, just like God is with us (Psalm 25:10, Matthew 7:12). By doing so, we can build strong, healthy relationships and reflect God's love to those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to defraud my neighbor?
To defraud someone means to cheat or deceive them, often for personal gain. According to Leviticus 19:13, this is unacceptable behavior towards our neighbors, and we are called to act with honesty and integrity, as seen in Exodus 20:17 and Leviticus 19:11.
Why is it important to pay a hired hand's wages on time?
Withholding wages from a hired hand can cause them significant hardship, as they rely on their daily earnings to provide for themselves and their families. Paying them on time, as commanded in Leviticus 19:13, demonstrates our respect for their labor and our commitment to treating others fairly, as taught in Deuteronomy 24:14-15 and Jeremiah 22:13.
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse reminds us that our daily interactions with others, whether in business or personal relationships, should be characterized by honesty, fairness, and respect. As followers of God, we are called to reflect His character in all our dealings, as seen in Micah 6:8 and Colossians 3:23-24.
What is the consequence of disobeying this command?
Disobeying this command can lead to damaged relationships, a loss of trust, and even spiritual consequences, as our actions can reflect poorly on our faith and grieve God's heart, as seen in Ephesians 4:30 and 1 Corinthians 10:31-33.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways might I be unintentionally defrauding or taking advantage of those around me, and how can I make amends?
- How can I ensure that I am treating others fairly and with respect in my daily interactions, whether at work, at home, or in my community?
- What are some practical ways I can demonstrate my commitment to honesty and integrity in my relationships, and how can I hold myself accountable to these values?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of what it means to love my neighbor as myself, as commanded in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 19:13
Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob [him],.... Not defraud him secretly, nor rob him openly and by force, as Aben Ezra; not defraud him in buying and selling, in retaining wages due to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 19:13
Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. Ye shall not steal ... neither lie one to another , [ 'iysh (H376) ba`ªmiytow (H5997)] - a man by his neighbour.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 19:13
The wages, Heb. the work, put for the wages, as . Shall not abide with thee all night, because his urgent necessities require it for present subsistence.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 19:13
Leviticus 19:13 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.Ver. 13. The wages of him that is hired.] This is a crying sin, condemned by the very light of nature. Plato would have him double paid that is not paid in due time. De Legibus, lib. x.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 19:13
(13) Thou shalt not defraud.—Here oppression by fraud and oppression by violence are forbidden. It is probably in allusion to this passage that John the Baptist warned the soldiers who came to him: “And he said to them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14). The wages of him that is hired.—From the declaration in the next clause, which forbids the retention of the wages over night, it is evident that the day labourer is here spoken of. As he is dependent upon his wages for the support of himself and his family, the Law protects him by enjoining that the earnings of the hireling should be promptly paid. This benign care for the labourer, and the denunciation against any attempt to defraud him, are again and again repeated in the Scriptures (Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Jeremiah 32:13; Malachi 3:5; James 5:4). Hence the humane interpretation which obtained of this law during the second Temple: “He who treats a hireling with harshness sins as grievously as if he hath taken away life, and transgresses five precepts.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 19:13
Verse 13. The wages - shall not abide with thee all night] For this plain reason, it is the support of the man's life and family, and they need to expend it as fast as it is earned.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 19:13
13, 14. Cp. Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Malachi 3:5; James 5:4. Precepts expressed in 2nd pers. sing. against unjust dealing, and taking advantage of a neighbour’s infirmities. Though the deaf cannot hear, the curse must not be uttered, and the helpless condition of the blind calls for protection and the removal of stumblingblocks (cp. Deuteronomy 27:18). Cp. Job’s description of his conduct, ‘I was eyes to the blind’ (Job 29:15).
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 19:13
13. Not defraud thy neighbour — This prohibition of fraud is not practically neutralized, as some assent, by the spoiling of the Egyptians by borrowing their jewels, since the borrowing was simply asking for a parting gift.
Sermons on Leviticus 19:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Vii. the Commercial Sign by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer discusses the last Biblical sign of the times mentioned in James 5:1-8, focusing on the 'heaping up' of treasures in 'the last days,' which signifies an increas |
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God Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel discusses the need for a revival of faith and a return to God's unchanging truth. He emphasizes that while God and the gospel remain constant, it is o |
|
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I Am the God That Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of recognizing our accountability to God. He warns that without the blessing of God and the guidance of His Word, we are los |
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A Cry Against Wicked Youth! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A Cry Against Wicked Youth!' where he draws parallels between the wickedness of Nineveh and the moral decline of modern youth. He |
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Ill-Gotten Gain - Part 2 by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of injustice and greed in society. He uses vivid imagery to describe the consequences of employers withholding wages from their wor |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 134 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on God. He shares his personal experience of being in a season where all invitations and opportunities stopped, and |
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Ii. Abuses to Be Discussed in Councils by Martin Luther | Martin Luther preaches against the abuses in the Roman Catholic Church, particularly focusing on the corruption, greed, and exploitation of power by the pope, cardinals, and bishop |