Leviticus 19:13 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 19:13 mean?

Leviticus 19:13 commands people not to cheat or steal from their neighbors, and specifically says that if someone hires a worker, they must pay that person’s wages before the end of the day. This verse sets a clear rule against taking advantage of others, especially those who work for you.

In Leviticus 19:13, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving them practical laws for living together as a community. The verse addresses everyday business and personal dealings, emphasizing fairness and respect. By mentioning both not defrauding and not withholding wages, the verse highlights the importance of honest relationships and timely payment for work done.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 19:13

• The word for "defraud" is עָשַׁק (ʿāshaq), which means to oppress or take advantage of someone, especially by withholding what is rightfully theirs. This word stresses the seriousness of cheating someone out of what they deserve.
• "Neighbour" is רֵעַ (rēaʿ), which refers to a fellow member of the community or someone you have dealings with, not just someone living next door. This broadens the command to include anyone you interact with.
• "Wages" is פְּעֻלָּה (peʿullāh), meaning the payment owed for work done. The verse’s focus on not letting these wages "abide" (לִין, līn) with you overnight shows the expectation of promptness and fairness in paying workers.

Why Leviticus 19:13 matters

• Leviticus 19:13 clears up any idea that delaying payment to workers is a minor issue; it treats withholding wages as a form of theft or oppression.
• The verse connects honesty in business with broader commands to love your neighbor found in this chapter, showing that faithfulness to God includes everyday actions.
• By addressing both defrauding and robbery, the verse highlights that harm can be done through both outright theft and more subtle forms of injustice, like not paying what is owed.