Deuteronomy 25:14

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Deuteronomy 25:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Thou shalt not have in thy house diverse measures, a great and a small.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Thou shalt not have in thy house diverse measures, a great and a small.
Deuteronomy 25:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Deuteronomy 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14Thou shalt not have in thy house diverse measures, a great and a small.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thou shall not have in thine house divers, measures, etc.] Or, “an ephah and an ephah”; which was one sort of measure in use with the Jews, and held above a bushel; and is put for all others, which should be alike, and not a great and a small; one to buy with, and another to sell by, as before observed; which would be to cheat both seller and buyer in their turns; (see <300805> Amos 8:5).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Honesty in trade, as a duty to our neighbor, is emphatically enforced once more (compare Leviticus 19:35-36). It is noteworthy that John the Baptist puts the like duties in the forefront of his preaching (compare Luke 3:12 ff); and that “the prophets” (compare Ezekiel 45:10-12; Amos 8:5; Micah 6:10-11) and “the Psalms” Proverbs 16:11; Proverbs 20:10, Proverbs 20:23, not less than “the Law,” especially insist on them. Deuteronomy 25:13 Divers weights - i. e. stones of unequal weights, the lighter to sell with, the heavier to buy with. Stones were used by the Jews instead of brass or lead for their weights, as less liable to lose anything through rust or wear. Deuteronomy 25:17-19 It was not…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“divers measures: Heb. an ephah and an ephah, Aiphah waaiphah; for this was the cost common measure among the Israelites, by which all the others were made and adjusted. They are not only forbidden to use divers weights and measures, one large or heavy to buy with, and another small and light to sell with, but they were not even allowed to keep such in the house. It is observable also, that these too common but dishonest actions are branded as "an abomination to the Lord," equally with idolatry, and other scandalous crimes. Deu 25:14 Deuteronomy 25:15”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification