Exodus 20:17
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This commandment doesn't just forbid stealing; it dives deeper, targeting the internal desire for what belongs to another. The extensive list—house, wife, servants, animals—isn't just about possessions, but about a whole way of life and contentment God calls us to, urging us to find our satisfaction in Him rather than in comparisons or envy.
This final commandment shifts focus from outward actions to inward desires, addressing the root of many sins against others. It follows prohibitions against stealing and false witness, showing that God’s law reaches even into our thoughts and motivations, not just our deeds. The list of possessions, from a house to a donkey, emphasizes that coveting can extend to any aspect of a neighbor's life or property.
Have you ever thought something bad but didn't act on it? The Bible says God sees even those hidden thoughts.
This tenth commandment is unique among ancient laws. While other codes might punish the act of stealing or adultery, God's law goes deeper, prohibiting the desire that leads to these actions.
The Inward Battle:
This law reveals God's expectation for a righteous life that starts from within. It's not just about avoiding outward sin, but about cultivating a pure heart. The commentators highlight that God looks at the 'inward thought or motive' and requires 'truth in the inward parts'.
Free to Choose:
This doesn't mean we're helpless against our desires. The text suggests we have a 'controlling power' and 'free-will' to manage our thoughts and passions. God holds us accountable for the desires we nurture.
Why does God list so many things? What's the real danger in wanting what your neighbor has?
The detailed list—house, wife, servants, animals—isn't just about covering all bases. It emphasizes that covetousness is a discontent with our own lot and an envy of others.
More Than Just Wanting:
Coveting isn't a simple wish; it's a 'longing after, in order to enjoy as a property the person or thing coveted.' It's the desire to possess what belongs to another, which often stems from dissatisfaction with God's provision in our lives.
The Foundation of Wrongdoing:
This inward desire is identified as the 'root of nearly every sin against a neighbour.' When we intensely desire what isn't ours, it can lead to plotting, deception, and ultimately, actions that harm others. It erodes the foundation of healthy community by fostering envy and resentment.
Understand the original words
chamad · Hebrew Verb
A deep, unchecked, and sinful desire for what belongs to another; it is an internal heart attitude that disregards God's provision and leads to further moral failure.
Paul directly references this commandment to illustrate how the law reveals sin by highlighting desires that the law itself condemns.
Matthew 5:27-28Jesus expands on this commandment, showing that even lustful thoughts towards another's spouse are a violation, emphasizing the law's concern for inner purity.
James 1:14-15This passage explains how inner desires, or coveting, lead to sin and ultimately to death, directly connecting the heart's longing to outward transgression.
Micah 2:2This prophetic passage describes people actively coveting and seizing land and houses, showing the destructive outward actions that spring from this inward sin.
1 Timothy 6:9-10This New Testament passage warns against the love of money, which is a form of coveting, and shows its destructive consequences in seeking wealth.
pulpitExodus 20:17: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
Verse 17. - Thou shalt not covet. Here the Mosaic law takes a step enormously in advance of any other ancient code. Most codes stopped short at the deed; a few went on to words; not one attempted to control thoughts. "Thou shalt not covet" teaches men that there is One who sees the heart; t…
clarkeExodus 20:17: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house - wife, etc. - Covet signifies to desire or long after, in order to enjoy as a property the person or thing coveted. He breaks this command who by any means endeavors to deprive a man of his house or farm by taking them over his head, as it is expre…
This commandment doesn't just forbid stealing; it dives deeper, targeting the internal desire for what belongs to another. The extensive list—house, wife, servants, animals—isn't just about possessions, but about a whole way of life and contentment God calls us to, urging us to find our satisfaction in Him rather than in comparisons or envy.
This final commandment shifts focus from outward actions to inward desires, addressing the root of many sins against others. It follows prohibitions against stealing and false witness, showing that God’s law reaches even into our thoughts and motivations, not just our deeds. The list of possessions, from a house to a donkey, emphasizes that coveting can extend to any aspect of a neighbor's life or property.
This final commandment shifts focus from outward actions to inward desires, addressing the root of many sins against others. It follows prohibitions against stealing and false witness, showing that God’s law reaches even into our thoughts and motivations, not just our deeds. The list of possessions, from a house to a donkey, emphasizes that coveting can extend to any aspect of a neighbor's life or property.
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In a world of comparison, how can we truly live by this command?
Exodus 20:17 elevates the standard of righteousness far beyond what most societies recognized. It's a command that reflects the holiness of God and sets His people apart.
God's Advanced Law:
This commandment marks a significant step, teaching that God 'cares far less for the outward act than the inward thought or motive.' No other ancient code dared to regulate the inner life like this.
The Aim: Transformation:
The goal isn't just outward compliance but inward transformation. By guarding our desires, we align ourselves with God's heart and prevent the sins that would fracture our relationships and dishonor Him. It calls us to a life of gratitude and contentment with what God has given.
"“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”" — This commandment doesn't just forbid stealing; it dives deeper, targeting the internal desire for what belongs to another. The extensive list—house, wife, servants, animals—isn't just about possess…
