Proverbs - 20:23



23 Yahweh detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Proverbs 20:23.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
Diverse weights are an abomination to Jehovah; And a false balance is not good.
Diverse weights are an abomination before the Lord: a deceitful balance is not good.
An abomination to Jehovah are a stone and a stone, And balances of deceit are not good.
Unequal weights are disgusting to the Lord, and false scales are not good.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord,.... See Gill on Proverbs 20:10; which is here repeated for the further confirmation of it, and that it might be taken notice of and avoided; and perhaps this sin of using false weights and measures was common with the Jews;
and a false balance is not good; in the sight of God; but an abomination, as in Proverbs 11:1; nor is it good for men in the issue; for though they may gain by it at present, it will prove a loss to them in the end, since it will bring a curse on all they get.

A bargain made by fraud will prove a losing bargain in the end.

23 An abomination to Jahve are two kinds of weights;
And deceitful balances are not good.
A variant to Proverbs 20:10, Proverbs 11:1. The pred. לא־טוב (Proverbs 17:26; Proverbs 18:5; Proverbs 19:3) is conceived of as neut.; they are not good, much rather bad and pernicious, for the deceiver succeeds only in appearance; in reality he fails.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


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