Exodus 20:17
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.
Exodus 20:17
This expansive command forbids coveting what belongs to your neighbor. It targets the internal attitude—the root of many outward sins. The list covers houses, spouses, servants, livestock, and material possessions, illustrating that envy and desire can corrupt the heart even if no outward act occurs. In a largely agrarian society, the temptation to covet what others possess would fuel coercion, social strife, and economic disparity. The command promotes contentment and gratitude, signaling a shift from acquisitive instinct to trust in God’s provision. It also highlights the communal nature of sin: coveting can erode neighborly love and disrupt the covenant community.
Coveting breaches the first commandment that God alone is to be trusted for provision and identity. It exposes worship of things and status rather than the Creator. The verse foreshadows Jesus’ teaching on the dangers of greed and the treasures of the heart. It invites believers to live with generous, grateful hearts that celebrate others’ blessings rather than resent them.
Practically, this means cultivating contentment, gratitude journals, and deliberate generosity. Avoid media or social comparison that inflames envy. Reframe desires by practicing Sabbath rest and focusing on what God has already given. Support fair sharing within communities, resist materialistic pressures, and cultivate simpler living. Teaching children to be hospitable and grateful helps prevent a culture of covetousness.
Cross-References: Luke 12:15; Philippians 4:11-13; James 4:2-3; Proverbs 27:20; 1 Timothy 6:6-10