And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour’s hand, ye shall not oppress one another:
When you sell something to your neighbor or buy something from your neighbor, don't take advantage of each other or treat each other unfairly.
God is teaching that all business dealings should be fair and honest, with no one cheating or taking advantage of others.
📚 Historical Context
This command was given to the Israelites as part of the laws governing the Year of Jubilee, when debts were forgiven and property returned to original families. In an agricultural society where people's survival depended on fair trade and honest dealings, God established these principles to protect the vulnerable from exploitation. The Hebrew word for 'oppress' implies wronging someone through deception or taking advantage of their desperate circumstances.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.