King James Version

What Does Exodus 20:17 Mean?

Exodus 20:17 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maids...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word 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.”

Exodus 20:17 · KJV

Context

15

Thou shalt not steal.

16

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

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.

18

And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

19

And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

Read Exodus 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. Why does God command about desires (coveting) and not just actions—what does this teach about law's spiritual nature?
  2. How does gratitude for God's provision combat covetousness for neighbor's possessions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
לֹ֥א1 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַחְמֹ֞ד2 of 15

“Thou shalt not covet”

H2530

to delight in

בֵּ֣ית3 of 15

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לְרֵעֶֽךָ׃4 of 15

“nor any thing that is thy neighbour's”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

לֹֽא5 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַחְמֹ֞ד6 of 15

“Thou shalt not covet”

H2530

to delight in

אֵ֣שֶׁת7 of 15

“wife”

H802

a woman

לְרֵעֶֽךָ׃8 of 15

“nor any thing that is thy neighbour's”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

וְעַבְדּ֤וֹ9 of 15

“nor his manservant”

H5650

a servant

וַֽאֲמָתוֹ֙10 of 15

“nor his maidservant”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

וְשׁוֹר֣וֹ11 of 15

“nor his ox”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

וַֽחֲמֹר֔וֹ12 of 15

“nor his ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

וְכֹ֖ל13 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר14 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לְרֵעֶֽךָ׃15 of 15

“nor any thing that is thy neighbour's”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 20:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 20:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 13:9Luke 12:15Hebrews 13:5Ephesians 5:5Colossians 3:5Romans 7:7

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