Leviticus 19:13 - “‘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.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 19:13

What does "Leviticus 19:13" mean?


Leviticus 19:13 is a straightforward commandment about fairness and justice, specifically regarding the treatment of your fellow Israelite and the timely payment of wages. Let's break it down:

"You shall not oppress your neighbor, nor rob him." This is a general prohibition against taking advantage of someone through force, power, or deception. It covers a wide range of behaviors, from physical violence and intimidation to unfair business practices and fraud. It emphasizes treating everyone with respect and ensuring their rights are protected. It emphasizes treating one's neighbor with fairness and respect, refraining from acts of injustice or exploitation.

"'The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning.'" This is more specific. It commands that you must pay a hired worker promptly, before the new day begins. Delaying or withholding wages was considered a form of oppression and robbery. Because workers, especially day laborers, relied on those wages to provide for themselves and their families each day. Delaying payment could leave them in a vulnerable situation.

In Summary:

The verse is about:

Justice: Treating others fairly and not exploiting them.
Timeliness: Fulfilling obligations promptly, especially when someone is dependent on you.
Respect: Recognizing the inherent dignity of workers and their need to be paid what they've earned without delay.

The verse highlights the importance of a just and compassionate society where vulnerable people, like hired laborers, are not taken advantage of. It remains relevant in contemporary discussions about fair labor practices and the ethical treatment of workers.

What categories does "Leviticus 19:13" have?