C1
We are to deal fairly and honestly in business.
Category: Commerce
Type: Positive
Form: Explicit
Source dataset: Old Testament
Uniqueness: Unique
Classical commandment: Yes
New Covenant Literal Application
Applies to Person Categories: Everyone
Literal Application: mandated
More explanation about New Covenant Literal Application
The New Covenant Literal Application Code (NCLA) is an interpretive guide used by the authors to indicate which person categories a mitzvah applies to, and at what level of literal compliance.
It combines person categories such as Jewish, K'rov Yisrael, and Gentile, together with male/female distinctions and an application level such as mandated, recommended, optional, or prohibited.
This code reflects the authors' interpretive opinion and is provided for prayerful consideration. On this page, the technical code is summarized into plain language to help new readers understand it more easily.
Detailed codes: GFm - Gentile female, mandated | GMm - Gentile male, mandated | JFm - Jewish female, mandated | JMm - Jewish male, mandated | KFm - K'rovat Yisrael female, mandated | KMm - K'rov Yisrael male, mandated
Bible references
Key NT Scriptures
- Colossians 3:9-10
- 2 Corinthians 8:20-21
Key OT Scriptures
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Deuteronomy 23:20
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Deuteronomy 25:13-16
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Exodus 22:20
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Leviticus 5:21-24
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Leviticus 19:11-13
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Leviticus 19:35-36
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Leviticus 25:14
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Proverbs 20:10
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Commentary
Rabbi Michael Rudolph
This Mitzvah consolidates a number of God's mitzvot into the single principle that we are to deal fairly and honestly when transacting business with our neighbors; it applies equally to the buyer and to the seller of both goods and services. The buyer must not defraud a seller by purchasing an item which he knows (or suspects) is under-priced in error. Likewise, a seller must not sell an item whose condition and value do not justify its price. Error in price is only one of several kinds of errors which can be made. It is possible that either the buyer or the seller could err in the identity, condition, or usability of an item. If an error is made and discovered within a reasonable time by either party, it should be called to the other party's attention, and an adjustment should be negotiated to meet Scripture's requirement of fairness. In an ethical sale, nothing is concealed, there is full disclosure, and both parties act willingly and without coercion. This is in partial contrast with the British and American Common-law which does not countenance fraud, but embraces the principle of Caveat Emptor - "Let the buyer beware!" Intentionally using inaccurate weights and measures in a transaction of buying or selling is, of course, dishonest and sinful. However, it can also be accidental, so Scripture prohibits even possessing weights and measures that are inaccurate. To make the point graphic, Maimonides states that one cannot possess an inaccurate measuring vessel, even if it is only used to collect urine.
Classical commentators
Maimonides draws on the Oral Tradition to say that one-sixth of the fair price is the amount that an item can be overcharged or undercharged without either side having recourse. It is noteworthy that Maimonides' mitzvah RN253 commands that we are not to wrong a proselyte (convert to Judaism) in matters of business. He derives this from Exodus 22:20(21) , which refers neither to conversion nor business. Meir and HaChinuch follow Maimonides' reasoning, but broaden their respective statements to include all matters involving monetary value.
Copyright © Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster, The Law of Messiah, Torah from a New Covenant Perspective, Volume 1 & 2
Classical sources
Maimonides
Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, 12th century) organized all 613 Torah commandments into a structured list. These linked items show where this Law of Messiah commandment overlaps with that classical framework.
Meir of Rothenburg
Rabbi Meir of Rothenburg (13th century, Germany) was a leading Talmudic authority. These reference numbers link this commandment to his halachic rulings.
MN50, MN30, MN37, MN83, MN47, MN84
Source and License
Based on The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective by Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster.
License: CC BY-ND 4.0 (Attribution required, NoDerivatives). CC BY-ND 4.0
Disclaimer: the original content is authored by Rabbi Michael Rudolph and Rabbi Daniel Juster; additional notes or implementation details on this website are not part of their original work and do not represent their views.
Record source: The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective - Volume 1 & 2
Copyright note: Copyright © Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster, The Law of Messiah, Torah from a New Covenant Perspective, Volume 1 & 2