In the biblical context, the concept of prices is closely tied to the economic practices, trade, and social justice principles of ancient Israel and the surrounding cultures. Prices in the Bible are often discussed in terms of fairness, honesty, and the moral implications of economic transactions.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides various insights into the economic life of ancient Israel, where prices were determined by factors such as supply and demand, the value of goods, and the ethical standards set by the Law. Leviticus 19:35-36 commands, "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." This passage underscores the importance of honesty in trade and the setting of prices.

The concept of fair pricing is also evident in the laws concerning the Year of Jubilee, where land was to be returned to its original owners, and prices were adjusted based on the number of years until the next Jubilee (Leviticus 25:14-16). This ensured that economic transactions were equitable and prevented the permanent loss of family inheritance due to financial hardship.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the focus shifts to the ethical and spiritual dimensions of economic behavior. Jesus' teachings often highlight the dangers of greed and the moral responsibility of wealth. In the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), Jesus illustrates the kingdom of heaven through a landowner who pays his workers the same wage regardless of the hours worked, challenging conventional notions of fairness and emphasizing divine generosity.

The early Christian community also grappled with issues of economic justice. Acts 4:34-35 describes how believers sold their possessions and distributed the proceeds to anyone in need, reflecting a communal approach to resources and a departure from strict market-driven pricing.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

Throughout the Bible, the setting of prices is not merely an economic activity but a reflection of one's moral and ethical stance. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This highlights the divine expectation for integrity in all economic dealings.

The prophets frequently condemned the exploitation of the poor through unjust pricing and economic practices. Amos 8:4-6 warns against those who "trample the needy and do away with the poor of the land," criticizing those who manipulate prices to their advantage.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on prices is deeply intertwined with themes of justice, honesty, and community responsibility. The Scriptures call for fair and equitable economic practices that reflect God's character and concern for all people, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized.

The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ...
... THE UNJUST STEWARD - DIVES AND LAZARUS - JEWISH AGRICULTURAL NOTES - PRICES OF PRODUCE -
WRITING AND LEGAL DOCUMENTS - PURPLE AND FINE LINEN - JEWISH NOTIONS ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the unjust steward.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... was deeply in debt, and could not therefore, from its own resources, print and
circulate the books for Sunday schools, and tracts, at as low prices as they ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm

Preface.
... THE BIBLE INSTITUTE COLPORTAGE ASSOCIATION. (DL MOODY, PRESIDENT.). Was founded
for the purpose of issuing good sound Christian literature at low prices. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macneil/the spirit-filled life/preface.htm

His Life
... LETTERS. Styles and prices uniform with "His Life.". HIS GREAT APOSTLE. ... ORDER.
Styles and prices uniform with "His Life.". HIS LAST WEEK. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/title page.htm

Withholding Corn
... system of free trade has nearly put an end to that kind of thing, there are doubtless
some who would again withhold their corn, even at famine prices, if they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/withholding corn.htm

Acts iv. 36, 37
... "They sold them," it is written, "and brought the prices, and laid them down
at the Apostles' feet." (Recapitulation. iv.34-37.) See ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xii acts iv 36.htm

Gambling, Card-Playing
... brawn; in the counting-room over the price of stocks; in the racing tournament over
jockeying and speed; in the Board of Trade hall over future prices of the ...
/.../questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/iii gambling card-playing.htm

Commerce
... They appointed regular inspectors, whose duty it was to go from market to market,
and, more than that, to fix the current market prices (Baba B.88). ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... In the meantime let me beg and pray that you will send Bibles, Bibles, Bibles
of all sizes and prices, and in all languages to Madrid. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 34.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... all kindreds, and tongues, and all nations" (v.7). In the third seal he is viewed
as the Food-controller, weighing out the necessities of life at famine prices ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm

Prices (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Prices (3 Occurrences). ... And they reckoned up the prices
of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. (DBY YLT). ...
/p/prices.htm - 7k

Prick (2 Occurrences)

/p/prick.htm - 11k

Nain (1 Occurrence)
... evil days. It is said that the villagers received such good prices for
simsum that they cultivated it on a large scale. A sudden ...
/n/nain.htm - 8k

Up (25836 Occurrences)
... insurrection, or the like; -- used with verbs of rest, situation, condition, and
the like; as, to be up on a hill; the lid of the box was up; prices are up. ...
/u/up.htm - 9k

Goods (231 Occurrences)
... believed were together, and had all things common," and (Acts 4:34) "as many as
were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the ...
/g/goods.htm - 43k

Gaining (17 Occurrences)
... and he ate. (See NIV). Psalms 44:12 Thou sellest Thy people for small gain,
and hast not set their prices high. (See NIV). Proverbs 3 ...
/g/gaining.htm - 11k

Weak (102 Occurrences)
... monarch; a weak government or state. 20. (vi) Tending towards lower prices;
as, a weak market. 21. (vi) Pertaining to, or designating ...
/w/weak.htm - 38k

Inflated (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (a.) Hollow and distended, as a perianth, corolla, nectary, or pericarp. 5.
(a.) Distended or enlarged fictitiously; as, inflated prices, etc. ...
/i/inflated.htm - 7k

Rule (291 Occurrences)
... 21. (vi) To keep within a (certain) range for a time; to be in general, or as
a rule; as, prices ruled lower yesterday than the day before. ...
/r/rule.htm - 39k

Rally (3 Occurrences)
... consciousness; to recuperate. 4. (vi) To recover strength after a decline
in prices; -- said of the market, stocks, etc. 5. (n.) The ...
/r/rally.htm - 8k

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