Leviticus 19:15
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The verse doesn't just tell judges to be fair; it specifically warns against showing favoritism to the poor, implying that even pity can pervert justice. True righteousness in judgment means looking at the facts, not at a person's status or circumstances, ensuring that both the poor and the mighty are treated with impartial justice.
“You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage arrives in Leviticus 19 amidst a series of laws detailing how the Israelites are to live as a holy people, reflecting God's own holiness. These instructions cover everything from how to treat the poor and vulnerable to proper worship and honest dealings. This specific verse about judgment directly follows commands not to curse the deaf or put obstacles before the blind, emphasizing a consistent ethic of care and justice for all, regardless of their condition or status.
It’s easy to let our feelings sway our judgment, especially when dealing with someone vulnerable or someone powerful. But God’s standard for justice is crystal clear.
Justice Beyond Pity or Power
Leviticus 19:15 commands, “You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great.” This is a powerful instruction about the nature of true justice.
Guarding Against False Pity
We might think it’s a good thing to favor the poor, perhaps out of pity. But the verse warns against this. Showing pity in a court of law by ruling unfairly in favor of the poor is still injustice. True justice isn't about making someone feel better emotionally; it's about upholding what is right according to the law.
Resisting the Mighty
On the other end, we’re told not to “defer to the great.” This means we shouldn’t be intimidated by wealth, status, or power. The rich and influential shouldn't get special treatment or have the law bent for them. Their standing doesn't make their case more valid or their actions more excusable.
The Goal: Impartiality
The core principle here is impartiality. Justice isn't meant to be influenced by personal feelings, social standing, or the desire to please others. It demands a commitment to fairness for everyone involved.
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What’s the alternative to partiality? God provides a simple, yet profound, standard for how judgment must be carried out.
The Standard: Unwavering Righteousness
The verse concludes with a clear directive: “but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.” This isn't just about avoiding wrong; it's about actively pursuing what is right.
Righteousness as the Foundation
'Righteousness' here refers to adherence to God's law and moral standards. It means judging based on the truth of the situation, the evidence presented, and the principles of justice God has established. It's an objective standard, not a subjective feeling.
Judging Your Neighbor
The command extends to how we interact with and judge our 'neighbor.' While the immediate context is legal judgment, the principle applies broadly. It calls us to approach interactions and assessments with integrity, fairness, and a commitment to what is morally correct.
A Divine Mandate
This standard is rooted in God's own character. He is perfectly righteous and just. Therefore, His people are called to reflect that character in their dealings with one another, especially in matters that affect their lives and communities.
Understand the original words
avel · Hebrew Noun
An act of wrongdoing or unrighteousness; in a legal or social context, it refers to perverting justice or treating people unfairly.
tzedeq · Hebrew Noun
The quality of being upright, just, and in conformity with God’s standard of moral character; it is the basis upon which decisions and judgments should be made.
This New Testament passage directly quotes and expands on the Leviticus command, highlighting that showing favoritism is a sin and a violation of God's law.
Deuteronomy 1:17This verse from Deuteronomy echoes the same principle, emphasizing that justice belongs to God and judges must not show partiality to the rich or poor.
Proverbs 24:23The wisdom literature in Proverbs reinforces this ethical standard, stating that it is not good to show partiality to the wicked or to acquit the guilty.
Psalm 82:3-4This psalm calls out unjust judges, urging them to defend the weak and fatherless, and to uphold the rights of the afflicted and needy, directly aligning with the spirit of Leviticus 19:15.
bensonLeviticus 19:15: "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour."
Leviticus 19:15 . The poor — So as, through pity to him, to give an unrighteous sentence.
pulpitLeviticus 19:15: "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour."
Verse 15. - Justice is to be done to all. The less danger of respecting the person of the poor has to be guarded against, as well as the greater and more obvious peril of honouring the person of the mighty. The scales of Justice must be held even and her eyes bandaged, that she may not prefer one a…
The verse doesn't just tell judges to be fair; it specifically warns against showing favoritism to the poor, implying that even pity can pervert justice. True righteousness in judgment means looking at the facts, not at a person's status or circumstances, ensuring that both the poor and the mighty are treated with impartial justice.
This passage arrives in Leviticus 19 amidst a series of laws detailing how the Israelites are to live as a holy people, reflecting God's own holiness. These instructions cover everything from how to treat the poor and vulnerable to proper worship and honest dealings. This specific verse about judgment directly follows commands not to curse the deaf or put obstacles before the blind, emphasizing a consistent ethic of care and justice for all, regardless of their condition or status.
This passage arrives in Leviticus 19 amidst a series of laws detailing how the Israelites are to live as a holy people, reflecting God's own holiness. These instructions cover everything from how to treat the poor and vulnerable to proper worship and honest dealings. This specific verse about judgment directly follows commands not to curse the deaf or put obstacles before the blind, emphasizing a consistent ethic of care and justice for all, regardless of their condition or status.
"“You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor." — The verse doesn't just tell judges to be fair; it specifically warns against showing favoritism to the poor, implying that even pity can pervert justice. True righteousness in judgment means looking…
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Last reviewed October 2026
