Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

LEVITICUS 19:15KJV
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Leviticus 19:15 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 19:15 mean?

Leviticus 19:15 commands the Israelites to judge fairly and honestly, without showing favoritism to either the poor or the powerful. The verse insists that justice should be based on what is right, not on a person’s social status or influence.

In this verse, God is speaking to the people of Israel through Moses, giving them specific instructions about how to treat one another in legal matters. The setting is a series of laws meant to guide everyday life in the community. The verse highlights that both the poor and the mighty are to be treated equally in judgment, emphasizing that true justice is impartial and rooted in righteousness.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 19:15

  • "unrighteousness" (עָוֶל, 'avel): This word means injustice or wrongdoing. Its use here stresses that any kind of unfairness in judgment is unacceptable, not just obvious corruption.
  • "respect" (נָשָׂא, nasa'): This verb means to lift up or show partiality. The idea is not to “lift up the face” of the poor, meaning not to favor someone just because of their disadvantaged position.
  • "honour" (הָדַר, hadar): This word means to make someone impressive or give special status. The verse warns against giving extra honor to the powerful in court.
  • "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedek): This word means justice or what is right. The command is to judge others based on what is truly just, not on outward appearances or relationships.

Why Leviticus 19:15 matters

  • Leviticus 19:15 makes clear that justice is not about siding with the underdog or the influential, but about doing what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
  • This verse sits among other commands about honesty, respect, and fairness, showing that God’s law cares deeply about everyday relationships and community trust.
  • The verse corrects the idea that showing favoritism to the poor is always virtuous or that the powerful deserve special treatment; instead, it insists that everyone stands equal before the law.

Where else these words appear

“honour” Hebrew H1921 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 23:3 Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.
  • Proverbs 25:6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
  • Isaiah 63:1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

“neighbour” Hebrew H5997 · used in 10 verses

  • Leviticus 6:2 If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;
  • Leviticus 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
  • Leviticus 25:15 According to the number of years after the jubile thou shalt buy of thy neighbour, and according unto the number of years of the fruits he shall sell unto thee:

“poor” Hebrew H1800 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 23:3 Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.
  • Psalms 72:13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
  • Proverbs 28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

“unrighteousness” Hebrew H5766 · used in 51 verses

  • Leviticus 19:35 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.
  • Job 34:10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
  • Isaiah 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.