Deuteronomy 5:21
“‘And you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. And you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Here, the order is intentionally changed from Exodus, placing the neighbor's wife before his house and adding "field" to the list. This highlights that the core of this commandment isn't just about external possessions, but about guarding the inner desires that can lead to violating the sanctity of relationships and property.
This commandment comes as the final one in the list, following prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, and false testimony. It shifts the focus from outward actions to inner desires, addressing the heart's inclination toward what belongs to others, especially relevant as Israel was preparing to enter and divide the promised land.
Ever notice how this commandment feels a little different here in Deuteronomy compared to the one you might know from Exodus? It’s not just about doing something wrong, but about the heart's deepest desires.
In Exodus 20:17, the commandment against coveting is listed with other prohibitions against outward actions, like stealing or bearing false witness. It simply says, 'You shall not covet your neighbor's house... or anything that is your neighbor's.'
But here in Deuteronomy 5:21, something fascinating happens. The wording expands, and the order shifts. It begins with 'your neighbor's wife,' placing her in a category by herself, which many scholars see as highlighting her dignity and value as a person, not just property. Then, it lists other possessions like the house and 'his field' – a specific addition relevant to Israel about to enter the Promised Land.
More importantly, the Hebrew wording for 'covet' is subtly expanded here. While Exodus uses one primary term, Deuteronomy uses two. The first implies a strong, perhaps even longing desire, and the second often carries the sense of an intense, inordinate lust or craving. This isn't just about thinking about something; it's about the heart being captured by what belongs to another, a deep-seated yearning that can lead to destructive actions.
This commandment seems so straightforward – don't want what your neighbor has. But what does it really include, and why the specific list?
Deuteronomy 5:21 gives us a detailed inventory of what not to covet: a wife, a house, a field, servants, livestock. This isn't just a random list; it covers the core elements of a person's life and livelihood.
Understand the original words
chamad · Hebrew Verb
A strong, improper, and possessive desire for that which belongs to another, violating the tenth commandment and God’s established order of stewardship. It is a matter of the heart, preceding external action.
avah · Hebrew Verb
To long for, crave, or set one's heart upon something. Similar to coveting, it emphasizes the emotional and volitional pull toward an object or status not rightfully one's own.
Jesus expands on the prohibition against coveting, stating that looking at a woman with lustful intent is already adultery in the heart, highlighting the internal nature of this commandment.
Romans 7:7-8Paul uses the tenth commandment, specifically 'You shall not covet,' to demonstrate that the Law reveals sin and awakens it within us, showing that coveting is a deeper, internal issue.
Luke 12:15Jesus directly warns against greed and covetousness, emphasizing that a person's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions, directly addressing the heart of what it means not to covet.
1 Timothy 6:9-10This passage warns about the dangers of the love of money and the desire for wealth, which stems from covetousness and can lead people astray from their faith, showing the destructive power of this sin.
Isaiah 5:8This prophetic denunciation directly condemns those who unlawfully acquire land and houses, illustrating the severe consequences of covetousness and the desire to possess what belongs to others.
clarkeDeuteronomy 5:21: "Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's."
His field - This clause is not in the tenth commandment as it stands in Exodus 20:17 .
pooleDeuteronomy 5:21: "Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's."
In Exo 20 , the order is contrary, and thy neighbour’s house is put before his wife, whereby it is evident that Moses intended this but for one commandment, wherein the order of the words was an inconsiderable circumstance; for if this were two commandments, as some would ha…
Here, the order is intentionally changed from Exodus, placing the neighbor's wife before his house and adding "field" to the list. This highlights that the core of this commandment isn't just about external possessions, but about guarding the inner desires that can lead to violating the sanctity of relationships and property.
This commandment comes as the final one in the list, following prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, and false testimony. It shifts the focus from outward actions to inner desires, addressing the heart's inclination toward what belongs to others, especially relevant as Israel was preparing to enter and divide the promised land.
This commandment comes as the final one in the list, following prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, and false testimony. It shifts the focus from outward actions to inner desires, addressing the heart's inclination toward what belongs to others, especially relevant as Israel was preparing to enter and divide the promised land.
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The final phrase, 'or anything that is your neighbor's,' acts as a catch-all. It ensures no loophole exists. The commandment guards against a spirit of discontent and envy that undermines community and relationships.
"“‘And you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. And you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.’" — Here, the order is intentionally changed from Exodus, placing the neighbor's wife before his house and adding "field" to the list. This highlights that the core of this commandment isn't just about…
