Exodus 20:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 20:17
17 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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 20 is a legal covenant chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, mercy, holiness. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it presents the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) as the cornerstone of biblical law. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 20:17
17 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.
Analysis
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.
The tenth command is internal—'lo tachmod' (לֹא תַחְמֹד, do not covet) addresses desire, not action. All previous commands concerned deeds; this penetrates the heart. 'Covet' means inordinate desire, greed that leads to grasping. The comprehensive list (house, wife, servants, animals, anything) covers all neighbor's possessions. Wife listed among property reflects ancient culture, but she's not 'thing'—she's covenant partner. Paul identifies coveting as idolatry (Colossians 3:5)—craving replaces God with stuff. Coveting sparked the first sin (Eve coveted forbidden fruit) and will mark the last days ('lovers of self, lovers of money,' 2 Timothy 3:2). Christ's contentment counters covetousness; gratitude defeats greed.
Historical Context
The tenth commandment uniquely addresses internal disposition rather than external action. This internalization reveals law's spiritual nature—God judges heart, not just hands. Paul says this command convicted him of sin (Romans 7:7).
Reflection
- Why does God command about desires (coveting) and not just actions—what does this teach about law's spiritual nature?
- How does gratitude for God's provision combat covetousness for neighbor's possessions?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 31:9, Jeremiah 5:8, Matthew 5:28, Luke 12:15, Romans 7:7, 13:9