Exodus Chapter 20 · Verse 16
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 5
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַעֲנֶ֥ה
Thou shalt not bear
H6030
תַעֲנֶ֥ה
Thou shalt not bear
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
Cross References
Proverbs 19:5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.Matthew 19:18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,Psalms 15:3He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.Exodus 23:1Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.Proverbs 10:18He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.Acts 6:13And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:Ephesians 4:31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:1 Timothy 1:10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;James 4:11Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.Proverbs 11:13A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern courts lacked forensic evidence; testimony was crucial. False witness could result in death sentences for the innocent. Deuteronomy 19:16-21 prescribes lex talionis for false witnesses—the penalty they sought to impose on another.
Questions for Reflection
- How does false witness destroy justice and community trust?
- In what ways do Christians bear false witness beyond courtroom perjury (gossip, slander, exaggeration)?
Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
'Lo ta'aneh' (לֹא תַעֲנֶה) means 'do not answer/testify.' 'False witness' (עֵד שָׁקֶר, ed shaqer) specifically addresses courtroom perjury, though applications extend to all lying. Truth-telling maintains justice—false testimony condemns the innocent and acquits the guilty. God values truth because He IS truth (John 14:6); lies come from Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44). Proverbs repeatedly condemns false witnesses (Proverbs 6:19, 12:17, 19:5). False witnesses crucified Christ (Matthew 26:59-61); false witness stones Stephen (Acts 6:13). The command protects reputation (ninth) as previous commands protect life (sixth), marriage (seventh), and property (eighth). Truth-telling builds community; lying destroys it.