Deuteronomy 24:15 Meaning and Explanation
“At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Pay workers their wage the same day; delayed payment is sin when the worker is poor and dependent on it.
The Context of Deuteronomy 24:15
Immediate payment as a requirement of just labor.
What Does Deuteronomy 24:15 Mean?
The law mandates same-day payment, recognizing that a poor worker depends on daily wages for immediate survival. Withholding even overnight causes hardship; the phrase 'sets his heart upon it' indicates his urgent need and hope for that payment.
The warning that he will 'cry unto the LORD' and it will be sin against you suggests God hears the cry of the exploited worker. Wage theft is not a business dispute but a violation of covenant justice.
Deuteronomy 24:15 in the Original Language
שְׂכָרוֹ (sicharo), 'hire'—wages earned through labor; the fruit of the worker's effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 24:15
What does Deuteronomy 24:15 mean?
Pay workers their wage the same day; delayed payment is sin when the worker is poor and dependent on it.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 24:15?
Immediate payment as a requirement of just labor.