Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 20:15 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 20:15, part of the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God, stands as a moral cornerstone in Christian ethics. The commandment is short and simple: “Thou shalt not steal.” (Exodus 20:15 KJV). Yet, the implications of this directive are profound, extending far beyond the physical act of theft to encompass a deeper call to justice, honesty, and respect for others’ property and rights. This article will explore the context, meaning, application, comparison with other biblical texts, modern-day relevance, and commentary on Exodus 20:15 to help Christians understand how to live out this commandment today.
The Context of Exodus 20:15 KJV
Exodus 20:15, “Thou shalt not steal,” is one of the Ten Commandments, which were given to the Israelites by God on Mount Sinai after their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. These commandments form the foundation of moral law and are central to the ethical teachings of the Bible. The Ten Commandments are divided into two sections:
The first part addresses the believer’s relationship with God (e.g., honoring God, not having idols, etc.).
The second part addresses the believer’s relationship with others, focusing on how individuals should treat one another.
Exodus 20:15 falls within the second section, which deals with interpersonal conduct. The commandments that follow this one—such as honoring one’s parents, refraining from murder, adultery, and bearing false witness—are also concerned with how individuals relate to others.
The Role of Stealing in Society
The issue of theft is not a new one in human society. Even in ancient times, stealing was seen as a violation of the social contract and a threat to community stability. A society where stealing is rampant is one that is marked by disorder, mistrust, and injustice. In God’s design for His people, however, there was an expectation of mutual respect and trust. By commanding, “Thou shalt not steal,” God was establishing a fundamental principle of justice—respecting others’ property and rights.
The Israelites, fresh from their experience of slavery, were beginning to form a new society based on God’s law. A society in which theft was prohibited would be one that fostered trust, fairness, and peace. The idea was to establish a just society where people could live together without fear of personal loss or exploitation. The command not to steal was both a moral directive and a practical necessity for the well-being of the nation.
The Exodus 20:15 Meaning
While the phrase “Thou shalt not steal” is relatively straightforward, the broader meaning encompasses more than just the physical act of stealing. This commandment highlights the importance of integrity, honesty, and justice in all aspects of life. Stealing, in this context, refers not only to taking physical objects that belong to someone else, but also to cheating, dishonesty, and exploitation.
Theft as a Violation of Property
The core of Exodus 20:15 is the violation of property. When a person steals, they are taking something that rightfully belongs to someone else. This can involve material goods, but it can also extend to a person’s reputation, ideas, or even time. The principle here is that what belongs to another should be respected, and the integrity of others’ rights is something God values deeply.
The biblical view of property is that ownership is a gift from God and should be treated with respect. The Bible consistently affirms that resources—whether wealth, land, or possessions—are ultimately God’s provision. To steal, therefore, is not only to violate human relationships but also to disregard God’s sovereignty and provision.
The Ethical Underpinnings of Stealing
Stealing is not only an issue of property but also a matter of the heart. Jesus taught that actions like stealing originate from within a person’s heart (Matthew 15:19). In fact, covetousness—the desire for something that belongs to another—often leads to the act of stealing. By addressing stealing, God is concerned not just with external actions but with the attitudes and motivations of the heart.
For Christians, this commandment also emphasizes the need for contentment and trust in God’s provision. Paul’s teaching in Philippians 4:11-12 reflects this, where he talks about learning to be content in all circumstances. When we are discontented or covetous, it opens the door for actions that violate God’s law, including stealing.
Exodus 20:15 Application in Life
The command “Thou shalt not steal” continues to have profound implications for Christian living today. The Bible calls believers to live in a way that reflects God’s justice and honesty, and Exodus 20:15 stands as a reminder to respect the property and rights of others in all circumstances.
Honesty in All Areas of Life
One of the main applications of this commandment is the call to honesty. Christians are called to live lives marked by integrity. This extends to every area of life, from personal relationships to business dealings. For example, in the workplace, believers are expected to be honest in their dealings, not taking things that do not belong to them, whether that be time, money, or resources. This also applies to intellectual property, where plagiarism or copying someone else’s work without credit would be a violation of this command.
In personal relationships, we are also called to respect boundaries and not take from others in ways that are manipulative or exploitative. This includes things like emotional manipulation, where one person takes advantage of another’s trust or vulnerability for personal gain.
The Dangers of Covetousness
Exodus 20:15 not only forbids stealing but also addresses the heart issue of covetousness. In the Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:17), God forbids coveting anything that belongs to someone else. This highlights that stealing often begins with a desire or envy. When we covet what others have, it can lead to resentment, dissatisfaction, and ultimately actions that break the commandment to not steal.
Christians are called to cultivate contentment by focusing on what God has provided and trusting Him for their needs. The New Testament teaches that godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). A life free from covetousness is one that honors God’s provision and respects the boundaries He has set.
Justice and Fairness
Exodus 20:15 calls us to act justly, not just by avoiding stealing but also by promoting justice in society. This commandment also relates to issues of economic fairness, where individuals are called to act justly in their business dealings and treat others with fairness. Christians should seek to promote fair wages, honest business practices, and protect the vulnerable from exploitation.
The commandment also encourages Christians to advocate for justice, ensuring that others are not robbed of their rights or dignity. This might involve standing against systemic injustices such as poverty, oppression, or corruption, where individuals are deprived of their rightful resources due to greed or exploitation.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 20:15 aligns with and is reinforced by various other scriptures throughout the Bible. A broader biblical context helps us understand how this commandment is applied in different situations.
Leviticus 19:11-13 – Justice and Honesty
In Leviticus 19:11-13, God further expounds on the need for honesty in personal conduct. It says:
“Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.”
This passage ties stealing to other forms of dishonesty, emphasizing that lying, falsehood, and manipulation are also violations of the principle expressed in the command not to steal. This extends the application beyond physical theft to a broader call for truthfulness in all interactions.
Ephesians 4:28 – Work and Generosity
In Ephesians 4:28, Paul writes:
“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”
This passage emphasizes work and generosity as an alternative to stealing. It teaches that individuals should work to meet their needs and, moreover, should use their resources to help others. This is a Christian ethic that turns away from selfishness and towards a spirit of generosity and community care.
1 Corinthians 6:10 – Stealing and Inheritance in the Kingdom of God
1 Corinthians 6:10 teaches:
“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse underscores the moral seriousness of theft and its connection to deeper issues of the heart, including greed and covetousness. Stealing, in this broader sense, is not just an offense against people but also an offense against God, and it impacts one’s standing before God.
Modern-Day Relevance
In today’s world, Exodus 20:15 is just as relevant as it was in ancient Israel. Stealing is not limited to the physical act of taking someone’s property—it has evolved in the modern world to include things like identity theft, fraud, corruption, and financial exploitation. Technology, globalization, and the rise of consumerism have introduced new challenges to respecting others’ rights and property.
In a modern context, the principle of not stealing is a call to live with integrity in all aspects of life, whether it be in personal relationships, business dealings, or online activities. As Christians, it is essential to remember that God desires not only external compliance with His commands but also a heart transformed by His love and truth.
Conclusion
Exodus 20:15, “Thou shalt not steal,” is a command that teaches respect for others, fairness, and honesty. It underscores the value of property, the importance of justice, and the call to live a life that honors God’s law. Today, this commandment still speaks to the ethical challenges we face in modern society, urging Christians to act justly, respect the rights of others, and pursue a life of integrity and generosity. By heeding this command, Christians can foster a community marked by peace, trust, and justice.
Exodus 20:15 Commentary
The commandment “Thou shalt not steal” is not just a prohibition against the unlawful taking of others’ possessions; it is an invitation to live according to God’s design for human relationships. It calls for a life of honesty, integrity, and justice, rooted in the recognition that everything ultimately belongs to God. Believers are called to live justly, to be content with what God has provided, and to act with generosity towards others.
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