Leviticus 19:11-12
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This verse groups "stealing," "dealing falsely," and "lying" together, suggesting they aren't just isolated acts but a progression of dishonesty that erodes trust. The command against "dealing falsely" is particularly nuanced, encompassing any deception that cheats someone, even through seemingly minor dishonest acts in business or by withholding truth. It highlights that our integrity in everyday dealings is just as important as avoiding outright theft.
“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a larger section of Leviticus where God is laying out specific instructions for His people on how to live holy lives, especially in their interactions with each other. Following commands about not taking advantage of the poor or the foreigner, these verses directly address dishonest behavior within the community, forbidding theft, deceit, and lying. The surrounding context emphasizes that these actions violate the trust and care owed to fellow Israelites, undermining the community God desires to build.
We often think of stealing as a big, dramatic act. But what if God sees even small dishonesties as theft?
Leviticus 19:11 starts with a direct command: "You shall not steal." While this echoes the Ten Commandments, the context here in Leviticus gives it a specific flavor. The scholars suggest this command might be particularly aimed at owners who would deny the poor their rightful gleanings from fields and vineyards. It's a reminder that God cares about how we treat the vulnerable, and even depriving someone of what's rightfully theirs, in a subtle way, is still stealing in His eyes. It’s not just about grand theft; it’s about every instance where we take what isn't ours, or fail to give what is due.
Why are 'dealing falsely' and 'lying' lumped together with stealing? What's the connection?
The verse continues, "neither deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another." These aren't just minor social gaffes; they are serious offenses against God and neighbor. 'Dealing falsely' often refers to being dishonest in business or not being trustworthy with what's been committed to you. It’s about manipulation and overreaching in transactions. Lying, of course, is directly speaking untruth. The scholars point out that these acts are grouped because they all involve undermining trust and causing harm through deceit rather than force. They are ways to gain advantage at another's expense, eroding the very fabric of community God intends.
Understand the original words
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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.
shebu'ah · Hebrew Noun
An oath taken in the name of God; swearing falsely involves invoking God's name to support a lie, thereby violating the third commandment.
chalal · Hebrew Verb
To treat something holy as common or unclean; specifically, using God’s name in a way that dishonors His character or causes others to despise Him.
This verse directly echoes the Eighth Commandment, showing that the prohibition against stealing is a foundational principle of God's law, meant to protect property and uphold justice.
Ephesians 4:25Paul directly quotes this Levitical command, urging believers to put off falsehood and speak truthfully to one another, demonstrating that these ethical standards extend beyond the Old Testament Law into the New Testament church.
Colossians 3:9This passage parallels Leviticus 19:11 by linking lying and deceit to the 'old self,' instructing believers to stop their dishonest practices as they put on the 'new self,' renewed in the image of God.
Luke 10:30-37The Parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the spirit of these commands by showing compassion and actively helping someone in need, contrasting with the indifference and self-serving actions that might lead to dishonesty or neglect.
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.
This verse groups "stealing," "dealing falsely," and "lying" together, suggesting they aren't just isolated acts but a progression of dishonesty that erodes trust. The command against "dealing falsely" is particularly nuanced, encompassing any deception that cheats someone, even through seemingly minor dishonest acts in business or by withholding truth. It highlights that our integrity in everyday dealings is just as important as avoiding outright theft.
This passage is part of a larger section of Leviticus where God is laying out specific instructions for His people on how to live holy lives, especially in their interactions with each other. Following commands about not taking advantage of the poor or the foreigner, these verses directly address dishonest behavior within the community, forbidding theft, deceit, and lying. The surrounding context emphasizes that these actions violate the trust and care owed to fellow Israelites, undermining the community God desires to build.
This passage is part of a larger section of Leviticus where God is laying out specific instructions for His people on how to live holy lives, especially in their interactions with each other. Following commands about not taking advantage of the poor or the foreigner, these verses directly address dishonest behavior within the community, forbidding theft, deceit, and lying. The surrounding context emphasizes that these actions violate the trust and care owed to fellow Israelites, undermining the community God desires to build.
"“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the LORD." — This verse groups "stealing," "dealing falsely," and "lying" together, suggesting they aren't just isolated acts but a progression of dishonesty that erodes trust. The command against "dealing falsel…
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Last reviewed October 2026
