20:10

This verse describes the LORD’s attitude toward merchants or traders who cheat others when they buy or sell.

10a Differing weights and unequal measures—

10b both are detestable to the LORD.

In Hebrew, this verse is a single sentence. The English Standard Version shows this structure more literally. It has:

10a Unequal weights and unequal measures

10b are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

See 11:1 and 20:23 for notes on the same topic.

20:10a

Differing weights and unequal measures: The phrase Differing weights refers to the weights that were used when weighing merchandise on a balance scale. The phrase unequal measures refers to containers or units of measure used for grain. A dishonest trader used a heavier/larger weight or measure when buying something and a lighter/smaller weight or measure when selling it.

These phrases are figures of speech (metonymy). They represent the practice of using differing weights and measures to cheat people. They also represent the dishonest people who cheat others in this way. See the General Comment on 20:10a–b for ways to translate these figures of speech.

20:10b

both are detestable to the LORD: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as both are detestable to the LORD is literally “abomination of the LORD.” For more information, see 11:1a, where the same phrase is used.

General Comment on 20:10a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to change the order of the two verse parts. Here are some ways to translate the figures of speech, using both orders:

• Keep the metonymy. For example:

False weights and unequal measures—the Lord detests double standards of every kind. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
The LORD is repulsed/nauseated by scales that show the wrong weight and containers that hold the wrong amount.

• Translate the meaning of the metonymy. For example:

The Lord hates people who use dishonest weights and measures. (Good News Translation)
-or-
Using inaccurate scales and measuring containers is abhorrent/disgusting to the LORD.
-or-
The LORD is disgusted when people cheat others by using weighing or measuring devices that are not correct/accurate.

See also 20:10a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display.

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