The Church Fathers on this verse

Leviticus 19:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thou shalt not do that which is unjust, nor judge unjustly. Respect not the person of the poor: nor honour the countenance of the mighty. But judge thy neighbour according to justice.

Douay-Rheims

לֹא־תַעֲשׂ֥וּ עָ֙וֶל֙ בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֔ט לֹא־תִשָּׂ֣א פְנֵי־דָ֔ל וְלֹ֥א תֶהְדַּ֖ר פְּנֵ֣י גָד֑וֹל בְּצֶ֖דֶק תִּשְׁפֹּ֥ט עֲמִיתֶֽךָ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Jerome of Stridon

4th centuryChurch Father

Do not show bias against the needy in legal matters, for under the guise of compassion, we might arrive at an unjust conclusion. Every individual must be evaluated based not on human status, but on their deeds. Wealth does not impede a prosperous person if it is used wisely, just as poverty does not inherently confer merit upon a less fortunate individual if he fails to resist sin amid filth and need.

Isidore of Pelusium

5th centuryChurch Father

I hold that He is the most just arbiter in conflicts, unafraid of positions of power, and generously provides the vulnerable with what they require. In recognizing the worth of each individual, He maintains impartiality during His assessments, adhering to an unwavering standard of truth in all matters.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.