Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 20:17 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 20:17, the Tenth Commandment in the biblical list of Ten Commandments, presents a profound moral teaching for Christians today. The verse, found in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, reads:
“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.” (Exodus 20:17 KJV)
At first glance, this command may seem focused merely on material possessions or social status, but a deeper look reveals that it addresses the very nature of human desire, contentment, and moral integrity. This article will explore the context, meaning, application, comparison with other biblical texts, modern-day relevance, and commentary on Exodus 20:17 to uncover its full significance and relevance to Christians today.
The Context of Exodus 20:17 KJV
Exodus 20:17 is the final commandment in a series of directives given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. These commandments, often referred to as the Decalogue, form the bedrock of moral and ethical living in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The first four commandments deal with humanity’s relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of worship, reverence, and obedience to Him. The remaining commandments focus on interpersonal relationships, establishing principles for living harmoniously with one another.
The Tenth Commandment stands as a fitting conclusion to the Decalogue because it addresses the internal disposition of the heart—specifically, human desires and the struggle with covetousness. While many of the other commandments address outward actions (such as murder, stealing, or lying), the Tenth Commandment speaks to the root causes of these sins—uncontrolled desires that arise within the human heart.
The Role of Covetousness in the Decalogue
The Tenth Commandment underscores the moral importance of contentment. It is a command that goes beyond outward actions to address the internal attitude that can lead to sinful behavior. The fact that this command comes last is significant, as it deals with the heart’s desires, the area where all sins ultimately begin. By forbidding coveting, God is warning His people against the dangers of discontentment and envy, which can lead to actions that violate His law.
The Israelites had just been delivered from slavery in Egypt and were preparing to enter the Promised Land. As they formed a new society, it was crucial for them to understand that their relationships with each other must be governed by principles of fairness, respect, and love. Coveting, or desiring what belonged to someone else, would breed resentment, division, and disorder in the community. Therefore, the commandment to “not covet” was foundational for the moral fabric of society.
The Exodus 20:17 Meaning
Exodus 20:17 directly addresses the issue of covetousness, which is defined as a strong desire for something that belongs to someone else. Coveting is not merely about wanting something or wishing for something better; it refers to discontentment with what God has provided and an unhealthy desire to possess what belongs to others.
The verse specifically lists several things that should not be coveted:
A neighbor’s house: This refers to the desire for someone else’s material wealth or property.
A neighbor’s wife: Coveting another person’s spouse indicates a desire that threatens the sanctity of marriage and relationships.
A neighbor’s servants (manservant, maidservant): This refers to desiring someone else’s position, influence, or social standing.
A neighbor’s livestock: The ox and ass were valuable assets in agricultural societies, so desiring them reflects an envy of others’ economic success.
Any other possessions: This broadens the command to include all other possessions or goods that belong to someone else.
Internal vs. External Sin
What makes this commandment unique is that it addresses the internal struggle of human desire. While the other commandments focus on specific external actions (such as stealing, committing adultery, or bearing false witness), this commandment speaks to the heart’s discontentment. Jesus later expands on this in the New Testament, teaching that sins like adultery and murder stem from internal desires (Matthew 5:21-30). Covetousness, then, is the precursor to many forms of external sin, as it can drive individuals to take unethical actions to fulfill their selfish desires.
The Root of Sin
In this way, Exodus 20:17 teaches that sin is not just about outward actions but about the attitudes and desires within the heart. Coveting leads to a series of actions that might violate other commandments. For instance, coveting a neighbor’s spouse could lead to adultery (Exodus 20:14), or coveting someone’s possessions could lead to stealing (Exodus 20:15).
Therefore, the Tenth Commandment calls believers to guard their hearts, to ensure that they are content with what God has given them, and not driven by selfish desires. The New Testament reinforces this idea by urging Christians to set their hearts on things above, rather than on material possessions (Colossians 3:1-2).
Exodus 20:17 Application in Life
The command not to covet is highly applicable to Christians today, especially in a world that promotes materialism and personal ambition. This command is not merely about controlling desires for material goods, but about cultivating a heart of contentment, generosity, and trust in God’s provision.
Contentment with What God Provides
One of the primary applications of Exodus 20:17 is learning contentment with what God has provided. The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-12 that he had learned to be content in all circumstances, whether he had plenty or was in need. Coveting, in contrast, reflects a discontentment with God’s provision and a belief that His blessings are not sufficient. This commandment calls Christians to trust in God’s goodness and His timing, rather than pursuing desires that lead to envy and greed.
The Dangers of Envy
Coveting often leads to envy, which is a destructive emotion. Envy arises when we desire what others have and feel bitter about their success or blessings. This can lead to resentment, bitterness, and strife in relationships. Instead of rejoicing with others in their blessings, we become focused on how we can take or achieve what they have. The Bible calls believers to celebrate others’ successes rather than being envious of them (Romans 12:15).
The Pursuit of Material Wealth
In a world that places immense value on material wealth, Exodus 20:17 reminds Christians to re-evaluate their priorities. Jesus warned against storing up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19-21) and urged His followers to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). The pursuit of wealth and possessions should not be the ultimate goal for Christians. Rather, believers are called to pursue a life of generosity, service, and eternal value.
Protecting Marital Faithfulness
Another critical application of this commandment is the preservation of marital faithfulness. Coveting someone else’s spouse is a direct violation of God’s design for marriage and the sanctity of relationships. Christians are called to honor the institution of marriage by rejecting adultery, lust, and all forms of infidelity. The Tenth Commandment calls believers to cultivate purity in their thoughts and actions, guarding their hearts against any desire that would violate the sanctity of marriage.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 20:17 is not the only place in Scripture where God speaks about coveting. Throughout the Bible, covetousness is viewed as a serious sin that leads to other forms of wrongdoing.
James 1:14-15 – The Process of Sin
James 1:14-15 describes the process by which desires lead to sin: “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
This passage highlights how internal desires (like covetousness) can lead to sin. James warns that unchecked desires eventually lead to spiritual death. Therefore, Exodus 20:17 serves as a preventative measure, urging believers to guard their hearts before desires lead them astray.
Luke 12:15 – Beware of Greed
Jesus warned against the dangers of greed in Luke 12:15:
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Here, Jesus teaches that covetousness is a form of idolatry, where material possessions become the focus of a person’s life. The Tenth Commandment in Exodus 20:17 helps prevent such idolatry by teaching believers not to covet the possessions or relationships of others.
Colossians 3:5 – Covetousness as Idolatry
In Colossians 3:5, Paul directly links covetousness with idolatry:
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Coveting is considered idolatry because it places the desire for things above God’s will. The Tenth Commandment is a call to reject idolatry in all its forms, including the idolization of wealth, status, and relationships.
Modern-Day Relevance
In today’s world, the commandment “Thou shalt not covet” speaks powerfully to the dangers of materialism, consumerism, and the pursuit of status. Social media, advertising, and celebrity culture often fuel desires for things that we do not have, leading to dissatisfaction and envy.
Moreover, coveting can lead to unhealthy competition, financial debt, and broken relationships. Christians today are called to a life of generosity, contentment, and thankfulness for what God has given, rather than pursuing the endless accumulation of material possessions.
Conclusion
Exodus 20:17 is a profound commandment that calls believers to examine their hearts and desires. Coveting—whether it be for possessions, relationships, or status—can lead to a series of destructive behaviors that violate God’s moral law. By rejecting covetousness, Christians are called to live with contentment, gratitude, and integrity, trusting that God has provided everything needed for a life of peace and joy. This commandment remains as relevant today as it was when it was first given, urging believers to protect their hearts from the dangers of envy, greed, and discontentment.
Exodus 20:17 Commentary
The Tenth Commandment underscores the importance of guarding our hearts against desires that lead to sin. It is not merely a prohibition against stealing or committing adultery; it is a call to cultivate contentment, to appreciate God’s provision, and to reject the temptation to covet what belongs to others. The commandment teaches that a life of faithfulness to God requires a heart that is pure, satisfied with His blessings, and focused on eternal values rather than fleeting material desires.
Related topics:
- What Does Exodus 20:14 Mean?
- Exodus 20:15 Meaning, Context & Commentary
- What Does Exodus 20:16 Mean?