Proverbs 20:10
Proverbs 20:10 in Multiple Translations
Differing weights and unequal measures — both are detestable to the LORD.
Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
Diverse weights, and diverse measures, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.
Unequal weights and unequal measures, they are all disgusting to the Lord.
The Lord hates both dishonest weights and dishonest measures.
Diuers weightes, and diuers measures, both these are euen abomination vnto the Lord.
A stone and a stone, an ephah and an ephah, Even both of them [are] an abomination to Jehovah.
Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.
Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
Diverse weights and diverse measures, both are abominable before God.
Yahweh detests people who use weights that are not right and measures that are not correct.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:10
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.
Proverbs 20:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶ֣בֶן
וָ֭/אֶבֶן
אֵיפָ֣ה
וְ/אֵיפָ֑ה
תּוֹעֲבַ֥ת
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
גַּם
שְׁנֵי/הֶֽם
אֶ֣בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fs
וָ֭/אֶבֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
Conj | N-fs
אֵיפָ֣ה
ʼêyphâh
H374
ephah
N-fs
וְ/אֵיפָ֑ה
ʼêyphâh
H374
ephah
Conj | N-fs
תּוֹעֲבַ֥ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
N-fs
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
שְׁנֵי/הֶֽם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 20:10
אֶ֣בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
וָ֭/אֶבֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
Conj | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
אֵיפָ֣ה
ʼêyphâh
H374
"ephah"
N-fs
An ephah was a unit of measurement in the Old Testament, equivalent to about 9 gallons, used to quantify dry goods like grain, as mentioned in the books of Leviticus and Ruth.
Definition: 1) ephah 1a) a dry measure of quantity, equal to 3 seahs, 10 omers; the same as the liquid measure bath; (about 9 imperial gallons (40 l), rabbinical writings give sizes of one-half this amount) 1b) the receptacle for measuring or holding that amount
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: ephah, (divers) measure(-s). See also: Exodus 16:36; Ezekiel 45:10; Proverbs 20:10.
וְ/אֵיפָ֑ה
ʼêyphâh
H374
"ephah"
Conj | N-fs
An ephah was a unit of measurement in the Old Testament, equivalent to about 9 gallons, used to quantify dry goods like grain, as mentioned in the books of Leviticus and Ruth.
Definition: 1) ephah 1a) a dry measure of quantity, equal to 3 seahs, 10 omers; the same as the liquid measure bath; (about 9 imperial gallons (40 l), rabbinical writings give sizes of one-half this amount) 1b) the receptacle for measuring or holding that amount
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: ephah, (divers) measure(-s). See also: Exodus 16:36; Ezekiel 45:10; Proverbs 20:10.
תּוֹעֲבַ֥ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
שְׁנֵי/הֶֽם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:10
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:10
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:10
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:10
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
8A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes.
9Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?
10Differing weights and unequal measures — both are detestable to the LORD.
11Even a young man is known by his actions— whether his conduct is pure and upright. 12Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 11:1 | Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight. |
| 2 | Proverbs 20:23 | Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good. |
| 3 | Leviticus 19:35 | You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 25:13–15 | You shall not have two differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light. You shall not have two differing measures in your house, one large and one small. You must maintain accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. |
| 5 | Micah 6:10–11 | Can I forget any longer, O house of the wicked, the treasures of wickedness and the short ephah, which is accursed? Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights? |
| 6 | Revelation 21:8 | But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.” |
| 7 | Amos 8:4–7 | Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales. Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!” The LORD has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: “I will never forget any of their deeds. |
| 8 | Proverbs 16:11 | Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 7:25–26 | You must burn up the images of their gods; do not covet the silver and gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it; for it is detestable to the LORD your God. And you must not bring any detestable thing into your house, or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. You are to utterly detest and abhor it, because it is set apart for destruction. |
Proverbs 20:10 Summary
Proverbs 20:10 teaches us that using different standards to measure things, or being dishonest in our dealings, is something that God hates. This is because honesty and integrity are important to God, as we see in verses like Leviticus 19:35-36. We can apply this to our lives by being fair and honest in all we do, whether it's in our work, our relationships, or our personal choices (see Psalm 37:37). By seeking to live with integrity and honesty, we can reflect God's character and bring glory to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have differing weights and unequal measures?
In the context of Proverbs 20:10, differing weights and unequal measures refer to the practice of using different standards to measure goods or services, often to cheat or deceive others, which is detestable to the LORD, as seen in other scriptures like Deuteronomy 25:13-16 and Micah 6:11.
Why are differing weights and unequal measures detestable to the LORD?
Differing weights and unequal measures are detestable to the LORD because they represent dishonesty and a lack of integrity, which are contrary to God's character and will, as expressed in verses like Leviticus 19:35-36 and Proverbs 11:1.
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
We can apply Proverbs 20:10 to our daily lives by being honest and fair in all our dealings, whether in business, personal relationships, or other areas, and by seeking to reflect God's character of integrity and justice, as seen in Psalm 37:37 and Isaiah 33:15.
What is the relationship between this verse and the surrounding verses?
Proverbs 20:10 is related to the surrounding verses in that it highlights the importance of integrity and justice, which are also themes in verses like Proverbs 20:8-9, which discuss the king's role in judging and the difficulty of achieving moral purity, and Proverbs 20:11-12, which talk about the importance of actions and the LORD's role in creation.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be using 'differing weights and unequal measures' in my own life, and how can I repent and change?
- How can I cultivate a heart of integrity and honesty, and what role does my relationship with God play in this process?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the principle of fairness and justice in my daily interactions with others, and how can I seek to reflect God's character in these areas?
- How can I balance the need for fairness and justice with the need for mercy and compassion, and what does Scripture say about these tensions?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:10
Divers weights, [and] divers measures,.... Or, "a stone and a stone, and an ephah and an ephah" (d).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:10
Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD. Divers weights - Hebrew, 'a stone and a stone' - i:e., one weight in buying; a different one in selling.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:10
Divers weights and divers measures; one greater and true for public show, and one lesser and false for private use, when they had an opportunity of deceiving.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:10
Proverbs 20:10 Divers weights, [and] divers measures, both of them [are] alike abomination to the LORD.Ver. 10. Divers weights, and divers measures, &c.] Now, if the very weights and measures are abomination, how much more the men that make use of them? And what shall become of such as measure to themselves a whole six days, but curtail God’ s seventh or misemploy it?
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:10
(10) Divers weights and divers measures . . .—See above on Proverbs 11:1.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:10
Verse 10. Divers weights and divers measures] A peise and a peise; - Old MS. Bible: from the French pois, weight. Hebrew: "A stone and a stone; an ephah and an ephah." One the standard, the other below it; one to buy with, the other to sell by.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:10
10. Divers weights] Lit. a stone and a stone, an ephah and an ephah; different weights or measures to buy and to sell with, or when there is risk of detection, and when fraud is safe. Comp. Deuteronomy 25:13-14, where the explanatory words, “a great and a small,” are added, as they are here by the LXX. (στάθμιονμέγακαὶμικρόν); and see ch. Proverbs 11:1 (note), Proverbs 16:11.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:10
See Proverbs 11:1 : Here perhaps, as a companion to Proverbs 20:9, with a wider application to all judging one man by rules which we do not apply to ourselves or to another.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:10
10. Divers weights measures — Literally, a stone and a stone, an epha and an epha, which some interpret to mean a double weight and a double epha; that is, two of each, one true and the other false,
Sermons on Proverbs 20:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(2006 Conference) 12. the Balance of Truth-3 (Bible Study) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of finding balance in various aspects of the Christian life. It discusses the need for balancing evangelism with discipleship, ensuring that b |
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(Through the Bible) Proverbs 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of studying and applying the word of God. He encourages the listeners to not just be hearers of the word, but to also be doers |
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Jesus Is the Light of the World - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as the light of the world and the need for transparency and integrity in our lives. He challenges listen |
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A Spiritual Life by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not acquiring money through evil means such as deceit and false balance. He shares a heartbreaking story of a girl whose mo |
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Dishonesty in Small Matters Inconsistent With Honesty in Anything by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes that dishonesty in small matters reflects a lack of true integrity in all aspects of life, arguing that one who is unjust in the least is unjust also in m |
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February 7. 1678. Weights and Measures. by Jane Lead | Jane Lead preaches about the importance of weighing ourselves with the Golden Weight or Shekel of the Sanctuary, emphasizing that anything short of that divine standard will be una |
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Surely Something Must Be Amiss With the Scales! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of honesty in all aspects of life, particularly in business and moral judgments, urging Christians to examine their scales and balances. He p |