Leviticus 19:15 - “‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor show favoritism to the great; but you shall judge your neighbor in righteousness.
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What does "Leviticus 19:15" mean?
Leviticus 19:15 is a cornerstone of ethical jurisprudence and highlights the importance of impartial justice. Let's break it down:
"You shall do no injustice in judgment": This is the overarching principle. It commands absolute fairness and prohibits any perversion of justice. Decisions should be based on facts, evidence, and law, not on personal biases or external pressures.
"You shall not be partial to the poor": This emphasizes that poverty should not be a factor in deciding a case. While compassion for the less fortunate is valued, justice demands that they are not given undue advantage simply because of their economic situation.
"nor show favoritism to the great": This warns against being swayed by wealth, power, or social status. Justice should not be bent to favor the rich, the influential, or the powerful. Everyone, regardless of their position, must be held accountable to the same standards.
"but you shall judge your neighbor in righteousness": This positive statement sums up the ideal. "Righteousness" in this context means acting in accordance with God's moral standards – being honest, fair, and just in all dealings. It implies a commitment to upholding the truth and acting with integrity. "Neighbor" can mean anyone within the community, not just literal neighbors.
In essence, the verse calls for blind justice. It demands that judges (and, by extension, anyone in a position to make decisions affecting others) should be completely impartial, setting aside personal feelings, social considerations, and any other factors that might compromise their objectivity. The focus must solely be on delivering a fair and righteous verdict based on the facts of the case.
Significance:
This verse has had a profound influence on legal and ethical thought throughout history. It highlights that true justice is:
Equitable: Applies equally to all, regardless of their background.
Impartial: Free from bias and favoritism.
Truthful: Based on accurate information and sound reasoning.
Righteous: Morally sound and in accordance with ethical principles.
It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice requires constant vigilance against the corrupting influences of power, wealth, and prejudice.
Leviticus 19:15 - “‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor show favoritism to the great; but you shall judge your neighbor in righteousness.
What does "Leviticus 19:15" mean?
Leviticus 19:15 is a cornerstone of ethical jurisprudence and highlights the importance of impartial justice. Let's break it down:
"You shall do no injustice in judgment": This is the overarching principle. It commands absolute fairness and prohibits any perversion of justice. Decisions should be based on facts, evidence, and law, not on personal biases or external pressures.
"You shall not be partial to the poor": This emphasizes that poverty should not be a factor in deciding a case. While compassion for the less fortunate is valued, justice demands that they are not given undue advantage simply because of their economic situation.
"nor show favoritism to the great": This warns against being swayed by wealth, power, or social status. Justice should not be bent to favor the rich, the influential, or the powerful. Everyone, regardless of their position, must be held accountable to the same standards.
"but you shall judge your neighbor in righteousness": This positive statement sums up the ideal. "Righteousness" in this context means acting in accordance with God's moral standards – being honest, fair, and just in all dealings. It implies a commitment to upholding the truth and acting with integrity. "Neighbor" can mean anyone within the community, not just literal neighbors.
In essence, the verse calls for blind justice. It demands that judges (and, by extension, anyone in a position to make decisions affecting others) should be completely impartial, setting aside personal feelings, social considerations, and any other factors that might compromise their objectivity. The focus must solely be on delivering a fair and righteous verdict based on the facts of the case.
Significance:
This verse has had a profound influence on legal and ethical thought throughout history. It highlights that true justice is:
Equitable: Applies equally to all, regardless of their background.
Impartial: Free from bias and favoritism.
Truthful: Based on accurate information and sound reasoning.
Righteous: Morally sound and in accordance with ethical principles.
It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice requires constant vigilance against the corrupting influences of power, wealth, and prejudice.