King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:11 Mean?

Leviticus 19:11 in the King James Version says “Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.”

Leviticus 19:11 · KJV

Context

9

And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.

10

And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.

11

Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.

12

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

13

Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.

This verse falls within the section on Various Laws of Holiness. Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18).


The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18). Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לֹ֖א1 of 8
H3808

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

תִּגְנֹ֑בוּ2 of 8

“Ye shall not steal”

H1589

to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive

וְלֹֽא3 of 8
H3808

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

תְכַחֲשׁ֥וּ4 of 8

“neither deal falsely”

H3584

to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)

וְלֹֽא5 of 8
H3808

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

תְשַׁקְּר֖וּ6 of 8

“neither lie”

H8266

to cheat, i.e., be untrue (usually in words)

אִ֥ישׁ7 of 8

“one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בַּֽעֲמִיתֽוֹ׃8 of 8

“to another”

H5997

companionship; hence (concretely) a comrade or kindred man

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Leviticus 19:11 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 Leviticus 19:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 101:7Ephesians 4:25Exodus 20:15Colossians 3:9Zechariah 5:3-4Romans 3:4

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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