Exodus 20:17
What does Exodus 20:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 20:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 20:17 means
This commandment prohibits coveting, an internal desire for what belongs to another person, including their house, spouse, servants, animals, or any other possession. Unlike the previous commands which focus on outward actions, this one delves into the heart's intentions and desires. It reveals that sin begins in the heart and can lead to breaking other commands like stealing or adultery. This prohibition seeks to root out the source of many sins, fostering contentment and respect for others' blessings.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thou 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let not your desire be turned to your neighbour's house, or his wife or his man-servant or his woman-servant or his ox or his ass or anything which is his.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Thou dost not desire the house of thy neighbour, thou dost not desire the wife of thy neighbour, or his man-servant, or his handmaid, or his ox, or his ass, or anything which <FI>is<Fi> thy neighbour's.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house; neither shalt thou desire his wife, nor his servant, nor his handmaid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is his.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thou shalt not desire thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not desire thy neighbour's wife, nor his bondman, nor his handmaid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbour's.
Context
This verse concludes the Ten Commandments by addressing the internal attitude of covetousness, setting it apart from the previous commands that dealt with outward actions. It serves as the capstone, revealing that God's law extends beyond behavior to the thoughts and desires of the heart. This command is crucial for understanding the depth of God's moral standard, demonstrating that true righteousness comes from an inner transformation, not just outward conformity, impacting all future commands.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 5:4
While it remained, did it not remain thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thy power? How is it that thou hast conceived this thing in thy heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
- Hebrews 13:5
Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.
- Ezekiel 33:31
And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but do them not; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their gain.
- Acts 20:33
I coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
- Proverbs 6:24
To keep thee from the evil woman, From the flattery of the foreigner’s tongue.
- Jeremiah 5:8
they were as fed horses roaming at large; every one neighed after his neighbor’s wife.
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