What is the meaning of Leviticus 19:13?

You must not defraud your neighbor

“You must not defraud your neighbor…” (Leviticus 19:13a)

­• God prohibits any form of cheating, scheming, or manipulation that deprives someone of what is rightfully theirs (Exodus 22:21; Proverbs 11:1).

­• Defrauding includes subtle practices: dishonest business weights, false advertising, withholding information, or signing unfair contracts (Amos 8:5; Micah 6:11).

­• The command is personal—“your neighbor”—reminding us that every transaction involves a fellow image-bearer (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 22:39).

­• New-Testament echo: “No one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister” (1 Thessalonians 4:6). Christ-centered living leaves no room for exploiting others.

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or rob him

“…or rob him.” (Leviticus 19:13b)

­• Robbery is open, forceful wrongdoing; fraud is hidden. God condemns both (Exodus 20:15; Ephesians 4:28).

­• Taking by force what belongs to someone else violates love of neighbor and stewardship before God (Romans 13:8-10).

­• Even withholding pledged help—time, resources, promises—can be a form of robbery in God’s eyes (Malachi 3:8-10; Luke 3:10-14).

­• God’s people reflect His character by respecting boundaries and property, modeling integrity in a culture that often normalizes “getting ahead” at any cost.

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You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand

“You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand.” (Leviticus 19:13c)

­• In an agrarian society day-laborers relied on immediate pay to feed their families. Delaying wages endangered their livelihood (Deuteronomy 24:14-15).

­• Prompt payment honors the dignity of work and the worker, mirroring how God provides for His people daily (Matthew 6:11).

­• Exploiting workers provokes divine judgment: “The wages you withheld…are crying out” (James 5:4).

­• Employers today apply this by paying fairly and on time, providing safe conditions, and refusing to use power imbalances for gain (Colossians 4:1).

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summary

Leviticus 19:13 calls for wholehearted honesty, protection of property, and timely fairness to workers. Fraud, robbery, and wage-withholding all violate love of neighbor and trust in God’s provision. Living this verse means practicing transparent dealings, respecting others’ rights, and ensuring those who labor receive what is due without delay, reflecting the righteous character of the Lord who sees and judges every transaction.