“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Leviticus 19:11
What does Leviticus 19:11 mean?
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Leviticus 19:11
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It's easy to hear "don't steal" and think only of grand theft, but the text groups it with "dealing falsely" and "lying to one another." This connection reveals that any dishonest act, even subtle cheating or a manipulative word in business, is seen as a violation of trust akin to outright theft in God's eyes. It highlights that our integrity in everyday dealings is just as foundational as respecting property.
“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage follows laws about respecting family and the Sabbath, and precedes commands about justice and love for neighbors. Here, God shifts to direct ethical instructions, specifically condemning dishonest actions in everyday life, like theft, deceit in business, and outright lying. These prohibitions are woven into a broader tapestry of laws meant to build a holy community grounded in truth and integrity.
We often think of stealing as a loud, obvious act, like breaking into a house. But God’s Word has a broader definition.
Leviticus 19:11 begins with a clear prohibition: 'You shall not steal.' While this certainly includes outright theft, the context here, and in the surrounding verses, suggests it extends to more subtle forms of deprivation.
The 'Corner' and the 'Gleaning'
The laws in Leviticus often connected to the care of the poor. For instance, God commanded farmers to leave the corners of their fields unharvested and to not pick up fallen grapes or grain. This was a provision for the needy.
When the text here says 'you shall not steal,' it’s a reminder not to deprive others of what is rightfully theirs, even if it’s through cleverness or by exploiting loopholes. This could mean withholding wages, shortchanging someone, or taking advantage of a situation where someone else is vulnerable. It’s about respecting everyone’s right to what they have earned or are entitled to.
Beyond outright theft, God’s heart is grieved by dishonesty that warps truth and damages relationships.
Leviticus 19:11 continues with 'neither deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.' These are not minor offenses in God's eyes; they are closely linked to stealing.
Dealing Falsely:
This phrase points to a deeper betrayal of trust. It’s about being unfaithful in agreements, whether spoken or implied. Think of someone who is entrusted with a secret and spills it, or a business partner who cheats the other. It’s a violation of integrity.
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Lying:
Lying is a direct assault on truth. In this context, it’s often tied to business dealings or personal disputes. Imagine falsely accusing someone to get their property, or lying about a debt to gain an advantage.
Together, these commands highlight that our words and actions in our relationships, especially in commerce and trust, must be grounded in truth and integrity. God values honesty not just in grand gestures, but in the everyday interactions that build or break community.
Understand the original words
ganab · Hebrew Verb
To take something that belongs to another without permission or right; a violation of the eighth commandment, encompassing both physical theft and the withholding of what is due to others.
kachash · Hebrew Verb
Refers to acting with deceit, fraud, or dishonesty in dealings with others; it is the opposite of living in truth and integrity as required by God.
shaqar · Hebrew Verb
To speak untruths or deliberately deceive another; it is condemned throughout Scripture as a practice contrary to the character of God, who is Truth.
This passage contains the foundational command not to steal, providing the direct basis for the prohibition in Leviticus 19:11.
Ephesians 4:25This New Testament passage echoes the call to truthfulness by urging believers to 'put off falsehood and speak truthfully to one another,' directly linking to the prohibition against lying.
Colossians 3:9Similar to Ephesians 4:25, this verse instructs believers to 'lie to each other,' reinforcing the importance of honesty in all dealings, as commanded in Leviticus.
Proverbs 12:22This proverb highlights the value of truthfulness by stating that 'lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight,' underscoring the moral weight of honesty.
Luke 3:14When John the Baptist instructs soldiers on how to live righteously, he specifically tells them 'not to extort money from anyone by force or by false accusation,' which directly relates to the prohibitions against stealing and dealing falsely.
clarkeLeviticus 19:11: "Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another."
Ye shall not steal, etc. - See the notes on Exodus 20:15 .
barnesLeviticus 19:11: "Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another."
Leviticus 19:11 forbids injuries perpetrated by craft; Leviticus 19:13 , those perpetrated by violence or power, the conversion of might into right. In Leviticus 19:13 "defraud" should rather be, oppress.
It's easy to hear "don't steal" and think only of grand theft, but the text groups it with "dealing falsely" and "lying to one another." This connection reveals that any dishonest act, even subtle cheating or a manipulative word in business, is seen as a violation of trust akin to outright theft in God's eyes. It highlights that our integrity in everyday dealings is just as foundational as respecting property.
This passage follows laws about respecting family and the Sabbath, and precedes commands about justice and love for neighbors. Here, God shifts to direct ethical instructions, specifically condemning dishonest actions in everyday life, like theft, deceit in business, and outright lying. These prohibitions are woven into a broader tapestry of laws meant to build a holy community grounded in truth and integrity.
This passage follows laws about respecting family and the Sabbath, and precedes commands about justice and love for neighbors. Here, God shifts to direct ethical instructions, specifically condemning dishonest actions in everyday life, like theft, deceit in business, and outright lying. These prohibitions are woven into a broader tapestry of laws meant to build a holy community grounded in truth and integrity.
"“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another." — It's easy to hear "don't steal" and think only of grand theft, but the text groups it with "dealing falsely" and "lying to one another." This connection reveals that any dishonest act, even subtle ch…
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Last reviewed October 2026