The term "short ephah" refers to a dishonest or deceitful measure used in trade, specifically in the context of ancient Israelite commerce. The ephah was a standard unit of dry measure used in the ancient Near East, roughly equivalent to about 22 liters or 5.8 gallons. A "short ephah" would therefore be an ephah that is intentionally made smaller than the standard, used to cheat buyers by giving them less than what they paid for.

The Bible explicitly condemns the use of dishonest measures, including the short ephah, as an abomination to the Lord. In the book of Leviticus, God commands the Israelites to use honest scales and measures: "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" (Leviticus 19:35-36). This command underscores the importance of integrity and fairness in economic transactions, reflecting God's character and His desire for justice among His people.

The prophet Micah also addresses the issue of dishonest measures, highlighting it as a symptom of the moral decay in Israel: "Shall I acquit a man with dishonest scales and with a bag of false weights? For the rich men of the city are full of violence, her residents speak lies, and their tongues are deceitful in their mouths" (Micah 6:11-12). Here, the short ephah is emblematic of broader societal corruption, where economic injustice is linked to violence and deceit.

In the book of Proverbs, the use of false measures is again condemned: "Differing weights and unequal measures—both are detestable to the LORD" (Proverbs 20:10). This verse reiterates the principle that God values honesty and fairness, and that deceit in business practices is offensive to Him.

The use of a short ephah is not merely a matter of economic injustice but is also seen as a violation of the covenant relationship between God and His people. By engaging in dishonest practices, the Israelites would not only harm their neighbors but also dishonor God, who called them to be a holy nation set apart by their righteous conduct.

In summary, the "short ephah" serves as a biblical symbol of fraud and injustice, condemned by God through His prophets and laws. It represents a breach of trust and integrity, which are foundational to a just and godly society. The biblical injunctions against such practices call believers to uphold honesty and fairness in all aspects of life, reflecting the character of God in their dealings with others.