Deuteronomy 25:16

Authorized King James Version

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For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy God.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֧י H3588
כִּ֧י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תֽוֹעֲבַ֛ת are an abomination H8441
תֽוֹעֲבַ֛ת are an abomination
Strong's: H8441
Word #: 2 of 10
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
יְהוָ֥ה unto the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה unto the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ thy God H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ thy God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 4 of 10
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 5 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֹ֥שֵׂה For all that do H6213
עֹ֥שֵׂה For all that do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 6 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֵ֑לֶּה such things H428
אֵ֑לֶּה such things
Strong's: H428
Word #: 7 of 10
these or those
כֹּ֖ל H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 8 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֹ֥שֵׂה For all that do H6213
עֹ֥שֵׂה For all that do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 9 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עָֽוֶל׃ unrighteously H5766
עָֽוֶל׃ unrighteously
Strong's: H5766
Word #: 10 of 10
(moral) evil

Analysis & Commentary

For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy God—the Hebrew to'avat YHWH (תּוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה) places commercial fraud in the strongest category of divine disapproval, the same term used for idolatry, child sacrifice, sexual perversion, and occult practices (Deuteronomy 7:25-26, 18:9-12, 22:5). All that do unrighteously (kol oseh avel, כָּל־עֹשֵׂה עָוֶל) broadens from weights and measures to any injustice or wickedness.

God's 'abomination' designation reveals His character—He is truth, and dishonesty fundamentally opposes His nature. Fraud destroys the image of God in human relations, turning neighbor-love into exploitation. The verse climaxes the weights-and-measures passage by revealing its theological foundation: business ethics aren't merely practical wisdom but acts of worship or sacrilege. How we conduct commerce declares whom we serve.

Historical Context

Given circa 1406 BC as part of covenant stipulations for life in Canaan. Israel would encounter Canaanite commercial culture where fraud was merely bad business if caught, not moral failing. Baal worship separated religion from ethics—fertility gods demanded sacrifices but not justice. Yahweh uniquely demanded both ritual purity and commercial integrity, revealing Himself as Lord of all life, not merely cult. This radical integration of worship and ethics distinguished Israel.

Questions for Reflection

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