Exodus 20:17 - “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
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What does "Exodus 20:17" mean?
Exodus 20:17, part of the Ten Commandments, is a prohibition against coveting. Coveting is more than just wanting something someone else has; it's a deep-seated, resentful desire to possess what belongs to another person.
Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:
"You shall not covet your neighbor’s house." This starts the list and encompasses the basic idea of wanting what your neighbor owns. It's not just admiration; it's an envious desire to take their home for yourself.
"You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife..." This is a specific prohibition against lusting after and desiring someone else's spouse. It addresses adultery not just as an act, but as a thought and desire, recognizing that sinful actions often begin with sinful desires.
"...nor his male servant, nor his female servant..." This extends the prohibition to include the people who work for your neighbor. Coveting a servant implies a desire to control and own them, which was especially relevant in a society where slavery and indentured servitude were practiced. It also reflects a desire for a higher social status by having more people working for you.
"...nor his ox, nor his donkey..." These are examples of livestock, essential property for agricultural societies. Coveting these animals highlights the desire to possess what another person needs for their livelihood.
"...nor anything that is your neighbor’s." This final phrase is a catch-all, encompassing anything that belongs to your neighbor. It broadens the commandment to include all possessions, material goods, and even intangible advantages.
In essence, the commandment against coveting:
Addresses the root of sin: It recognizes that many sinful actions stem from internal desires and thoughts. Controlling these desires is crucial for avoiding harmful behavior.
Promotes contentment: It encourages people to be content with what they have and to avoid constantly comparing themselves to others.
Protects relationships: Coveting can lead to envy, resentment, and actions that harm relationships with neighbors, family, and community members.
Fosters a sense of fairness and justice: It emphasizes that everyone has the right to own and enjoy their possessions without the threat of someone else's envious desire.
Therefore, the commandment against coveting is a call for:
Inner self-control: Discipline your thoughts and desires.
Gratitude: Appreciate what you have.
Respect: Honor the boundaries of ownership and the rights of others.
Righteousness: Recognize the sinfulness of lust and envy and turn from it.
In conclusion, the verse is a powerful statement about the importance of inner peace and the dangers of unchecked desire. It highlights that true contentment comes from within and is not found in acquiring more possessions or envying what others have.
Exodus 20:17 - “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
What does "Exodus 20:17" mean?
Exodus 20:17, part of the Ten Commandments, is a prohibition against coveting. Coveting is more than just wanting something someone else has; it's a deep-seated, resentful desire to possess what belongs to another person.
Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:
"You shall not covet your neighbor’s house." This starts the list and encompasses the basic idea of wanting what your neighbor owns. It's not just admiration; it's an envious desire to take their home for yourself.
"You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife..." This is a specific prohibition against lusting after and desiring someone else's spouse. It addresses adultery not just as an act, but as a thought and desire, recognizing that sinful actions often begin with sinful desires.
"...nor his male servant, nor his female servant..." This extends the prohibition to include the people who work for your neighbor. Coveting a servant implies a desire to control and own them, which was especially relevant in a society where slavery and indentured servitude were practiced. It also reflects a desire for a higher social status by having more people working for you.
"...nor his ox, nor his donkey..." These are examples of livestock, essential property for agricultural societies. Coveting these animals highlights the desire to possess what another person needs for their livelihood.
"...nor anything that is your neighbor’s." This final phrase is a catch-all, encompassing anything that belongs to your neighbor. It broadens the commandment to include all possessions, material goods, and even intangible advantages.
In essence, the commandment against coveting:
Addresses the root of sin: It recognizes that many sinful actions stem from internal desires and thoughts. Controlling these desires is crucial for avoiding harmful behavior.
Promotes contentment: It encourages people to be content with what they have and to avoid constantly comparing themselves to others.
Protects relationships: Coveting can lead to envy, resentment, and actions that harm relationships with neighbors, family, and community members.
Fosters a sense of fairness and justice: It emphasizes that everyone has the right to own and enjoy their possessions without the threat of someone else's envious desire.
Therefore, the commandment against coveting is a call for:
Inner self-control: Discipline your thoughts and desires.
Gratitude: Appreciate what you have.
Respect: Honor the boundaries of ownership and the rights of others.
Righteousness: Recognize the sinfulness of lust and envy and turn from it.
In conclusion, the verse is a powerful statement about the importance of inner peace and the dangers of unchecked desire. It highlights that true contentment comes from within and is not found in acquiring more possessions or envying what others have.