Exodus 20:17

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תַחְמֹ֞ד
Thou shalt not covet
to delight in
#3
בֵּ֣ית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#4
לְרֵעֶֽךָ׃
nor any thing that is thy neighbour's
an associate (more or less close)
#5
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
תַחְמֹ֞ד
Thou shalt not covet
to delight in
#7
אֵ֣שֶׁת
wife
a woman
#8
לְרֵעֶֽךָ׃
nor any thing that is thy neighbour's
an associate (more or less close)
#9
וְעַבְדּ֤וֹ
nor his manservant
a servant
#10
וַֽאֲמָתוֹ֙
nor his maidservant
a maid-servant or female slave
#11
וְשׁוֹר֣וֹ
nor his ox
a bullock (as a traveller)
#12
וַֽחֲמֹר֔וֹ
nor his ass
a male ass (from its dun red)
#13
וְכֹ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
לְרֵעֶֽךָ׃
nor any thing that is thy neighbour's
an associate (more or less close)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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