20:23
This proverb has a similar theme to 11:1 and 20:10, but the structure is slightly different. Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:
23a
Unequal weights are detestable to LORD
23b and dishonest scales are no good.
20:23a
Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD: For the word detestable, see the note on 20:10b. For the phrase Unequal weights, see the note on 20:10a and the General Comment on 20:10a–b at the end of 20:10b.
As in 20:10a, the phrase Unequal weights is a figure of speech (metonymy). It represents the practice of using differing weights in a balance scale to cheat people. It also represents the dishonest people who cheat others in this way. Some ways to translate this figure of speech are:
• Keep the metonymy. For example:
The Lord detests double standards (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
The LORD is repulsed/nauseated by scales that show the wrong weight
• Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:
Using inaccurate scales is abhorrent/disgusting to the LORD.
-or-
The LORD is disgusted when people cheat others by using weighing devices that are not correct/accurate.
20:23b
and dishonest scales are no good: For the phrase dishonest scales, see the notes on 11:1a–b and 11:1a.
are no good: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “are not good.” This phrase is a figure of speech (litotes). Its function is to emphasize that inaccurate scales are very bad. The LORD is disgusted when people cheat others by using such scales.
General Comment on 20:23a–b
The parallel terms “unequal weights” and “dishonest scales” both refer to using an inaccurate weighing device in order to cheat people. In some languages, it may be more natural to combine the parallel lines. For example:
The Lord hates people who use dishonest scales and weights. (Good News Translation)
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