Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
Don't desire your neighbor's wife, and don't covet your neighbor's house, his land, his servants, his livestock, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.
God is commanding us not to want or crave what belongs to other people.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of the Ten Commandments, which God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai as foundational laws for the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is reiterating these commands to a new generation preparing to enter the Promised Land, stressing the need to avoid coveting to prevent jealousy and social conflict in a community where possessions and family stability were crucial for survival. It reflects the ancient Near Eastern culture where unchecked desires could lead to theft, adultery, or disputes over limited resources.
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