TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 5:6–22.
Here is the repetition of the ten commandments, in which observe, 1. Though they had been spoken before, and written, yet they are again rehearsed; for precept must be upon precept, and line upon line, and all little enough to keep the word of God in our minds and to preserve and renew the impressions of it. We have need to have the same things often inculcated upon us. See Phi 3:1. 2. There is some variation here from that record (Ex. 20), as there is between the Lord's prayer as it is in Mt. 6 and as it is Lu. 11. In both it is more necessary that we tie ourselves to the things than to the words unalterably. 3. The most considerable variation is in the fourth commandment. In Ex. 20 the reason annexed is taken from the creation of the world; here it is taken from their deliverance out of Egypt, because that was typical of our redemption by Jesus Christ, in remembrance of which the Christian sabbath was to be observed: Remember that thou wast a servant, and God brought thee out, Deu 5:15. And Therefore, (1.) "It is fit that thy servants should be favoured by the sabbath-rest; for thou knowest the heart of a servant, and how welcome one day's ease will be after six days' labour." (2.) "It is fit that thy God should be honoured by the sabbath-work, and the religious services of the day, in consideration of the great things he has done for thee." In the resurrection of Christ we were brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God, with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore, by the gospel-edition of the law, we are directed to observe the first day of the week, in remembrance of that glorious work of power and grace. 4. It is added in the fifth commandment, That it may go well with thee, which addition the apostle quotes, and puts first (Eph 6:3), that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long. If there be instances of some that have been very dutiful to their parents, and yet have not lived long upon earth, we may reconcile it to the promise by this explication of it, Whether they live long or no, it shall go well with them, either in this world or in a better. See Ecc 8:12. 5. The last five commandments are connected or coupled together, which they are not in Exodus: Neither shalt thou commit adultery, neither shalt thou steal, etc., which intimate that God's commands are all of a piece: the same authority that obliges us to one obliges us to another; and we must not be partial in the law, but have respect to all God's commandments, for he that offends in one point is guilty of all, Jam 2:10, Jam 2:11. 6. That these commandments were given with a great deal of awful solemnity, Deu 5:22. (1.) They were spoken with a great voice out of the fire, and thick darkness. That was a dispensation of terror, designed to make the gospel of grace the more welcome, and to be a specimen of the terrors of the judgment-day, Psa 50:3, Psa 50:4. (2.) He added no more. What other laws he gave them were sent by Moses, but no more were spoken in the same manner that the ten commandments were. He added no more, therefore we must not add: the law of the Lord is perfect. (3.) He wrote them in two tables of stone, that they might be preserved from corruption, and might be transmitted pure and entire to posterity, for whose use they were intended, as well as for the present generation. These being the heads of the covenant, the chest in which the written tables were deposited was called the ark of the covenant. See Rev 11:19.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 5:19, the eighth commandment, "Neither shalt thou steal," serves as a foundational divine directive establishing the sanctity of property rights, promoting justice, and fostering communal well-being within God's covenant people. More than a simple prohibition against physical theft, this command underpins principles of honest labor, integrity in all dealings, and trust in divine provision, thereby securing social order and individual dignity.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 5 presents Moses' powerful recounting of the Ten Commandments to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land. This chapter serves as a solemn renewal of the covenant first established at Mount Horeb (Sinai), emphasizing the enduring relevance and binding nature of God's law. The Decalogue itself is structured to move from vertical commands concerning humanity's relationship with God (the first four) to horizontal commands governing human relationships (the latter six). Deuteronomy 5:19, prohibiting theft, falls squarely within this latter category, immediately following commands against murder and adultery, underscoring its vital role in maintaining social stability and ethical conduct among God's people. It is a direct parallel to the original giving of the law in Exodus 20:15.
Historical & Cultural Context
The giving of this commandment occurred as Israel transitioned from a nomadic existence to a settled agricultural society in Canaan. In such a society, land and possessions were critical for family stability, economic security, and tribal identity. Theft, therefore, was not merely an economic crime but an act that could destabilize families, erode trust, and unravel the very fabric of the community. Ancient Near Eastern law codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi, also contained severe penalties for theft, reflecting a universal understanding of its disruptive potential. For Israel, however, the prohibition was rooted not just in social utility but in their covenant relationship with a holy God who values justice, order, and the dignity of every individual, ensuring that all could live securely under His provision in the land He had promised.
Key Themes
The prohibition against stealing contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions Respect for Property Rights, affirming that possessions are legitimate and should be secured, reflecting God's design for order and individual flourishing within society. Secondly, it implicitly encourages Trust in God's Provision, urging individuals to rely on honest labor and legitimate means for sustenance, rather than resorting to illicit gains, as seen in passages like Proverbs 13:11. Thirdly, the command underscores the importance of Upholding Justice and Integrity. Stealing is an act of injustice that violates another's rights and disrupts the social fabric, promoting a commitment to fairness and honest dealings in all aspects of life, a principle echoed throughout the wisdom literature, such as in Proverbs 11:1. Finally, it contributes to the theme of Communal Well-being, as a society where property is respected and theft is condemned fosters trust, cooperation, and stability, allowing the community to thrive under God's blessing. This emphasis on community and ethical living is central to the entire book of Deuteronomy.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The Hebrew verb גָּנַב (gânab), Strong's H1589, is a primitive root meaning "to thieve" (literally or figuratively). It implies taking something belonging to another by stealth, secretly, or clandestinely, often involving deception. This term encompasses a broad range of illicit acquisitions, from petty theft to more severe forms like kidnapping (as seen in Exodus 21:16), and can even refer to figurative deception. The emphasis is on the clandestine nature of the act, highlighting a violation of trust and rightful ownership.
Verse Breakdown
"Neither shalt thou"
This phrase, employing the negative imperative, conveys an absolute and unconditional prohibition. It is not a suggestion or a recommendation, but a direct, binding command from God. The structure "לא תגנב" (lo' tignov) is a strong, definitive negation, leaving no room for ambiguity or exceptions based on circumstance. It establishes a fundamental boundary for ethical conduct within the covenant community, reflecting the holy character of God Himself, who is just and righteous.
"steal"
This single word encapsulates the act of taking what rightfully belongs to another without permission or legitimate claim. As discussed in the key word analysis, it primarily refers to clandestine or deceptive appropriation. The command thus protects not only physical possessions but also the principle of rightful ownership and the labor invested in acquiring those possessions. It calls for respect for the boundaries God has established for individual and communal life, fostering an environment of trust and security.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 5:19, "Neither shalt thou steal," primarily functions as an Apodictic Law. This literary device refers to an absolute, unconditional command, typically expressed as a direct prohibition ("You shall not...") or an affirmation ("You shall..."). Unlike casuistic law, which is conditional ("If... then..."), apodictic law presents universal principles of behavior that apply to all members of the covenant community at all times. The Conciseness of the command (just two words in Hebrew) amplifies its authority and memorability, making it easily understood and remembered. While not a direct chiasm, this command is part of the broader Decalogue's Structure, which often exhibits chiastic or parallel patterns, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the laws. The command also serves as a powerful Ethical Imperative, shaping the moral conscience of the nation and guiding their interactions, promoting a society founded on justice, honesty, and mutual respect rather than exploitation or illicit gain.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The prohibition against stealing is deeply rooted in God's character and His design for humanity. It reflects His justice, order, and generosity, calling His people to emulate these attributes. To steal is to deny God's sovereignty as the ultimate provider, to disrespect the dignity of one's neighbor who bears God's image, and to violate the covenant of love and trust that God seeks to establish within His community. It is a manifestation of covetousness, a heart condition that prioritizes self-gain over righteous living and love for others. Ultimately, this command points to the need for a transformed heart, one that trusts in God's provision and delights in honest labor and generosity, rather than illicit acquisition.
Reflection and Application
The command "Neither shalt thou steal" extends far beyond the simplistic notion of physically taking another's property. In a complex, modern society, its principles permeate every aspect of our lives, challenging us to live with unwavering integrity and honesty. This includes respecting intellectual property through avoiding plagiarism or illegal downloads, upholding financial integrity by eschewing tax evasion, fraud, or embezzlement, and demonstrating professional ethics by not "stealing" time or resources from employers. It also speaks to systemic injustices, urging us to consider whether our economic systems or personal practices inadvertently exploit others through unjust wages or unfair market practices. Ultimately, this commandment calls believers to cultivate a heart of contentment, trusting in God's provision, and to live generously, recognizing that all we possess is a gift from God to be stewarded responsibly and shared charitably, reflecting the character of our giving God to a watching world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does 'stealing' only refer to physical objects, or does it have a broader meaning?
While the immediate context of Deuteronomy 5:19 primarily refers to the physical appropriation of property, the biblical principle of "stealing" extends far beyond mere physical objects. The command encompasses any act that unjustly deprives another person or entity of what rightfully belongs to them. This includes intellectual property (plagiarism, copyright infringement), financial fraud (tax evasion, embezzlement, deceptive advertising), time theft (being unproductive or dishonest with time for which one is paid), and even the exploitation of others through unjust wages or unfair business practices. The underlying principle is respect for the dignity and labor of others, and a commitment to honesty and integrity in all transactions, reflecting the broader call to love one's neighbor as oneself, as articulated in Matthew 22:39.
How does this commandment relate to social justice issues, suchs as poverty or economic inequality?
The prohibition against stealing has profound implications for social justice. While it forbids individual acts of theft, it also implicitly condemns systemic forms of exploitation and injustice that deprive people of their rightful share or opportunities. When powerful individuals or institutions unjustly accumulate wealth or resources at the expense of the vulnerable, it is a form of "stealing" in a broader sense. The Old Testament law, including the Decalogue, often includes provisions for the poor, the sojourner, and the vulnerable, such as gleaning laws (Deuteronomy 24:19-22) and the year of Jubilee, which sought to prevent permanent economic disenfranchisement. Therefore, upholding this commandment not only means refraining from personal theft but also advocating for economic systems and practices that ensure fairness, promote equitable access to resources, and protect the vulnerable from exploitation, aligning with God's heart for justice for all, as seen in Amos 5:24.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The command "Neither shalt thou steal" finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He perfectly embodied this commandment, not only by never engaging in theft but by living a life of radical self-giving, never taking but always giving. Jesus taught that the law's essence is love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39), and stealing is fundamentally an act against one's neighbor, driven by covetousness, a heart sin that Jesus warned against (Luke 12:15). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ frees us from the power of sin, including the greed and self-centeredness that lead to theft. The Holy Spirit, dwelling in believers, empowers us to live lives of integrity, honest labor, and generosity, transforming our hearts from a desire to take to a desire to give, reflecting the very character of Christ, who, though rich, for our sake became poor, so that in His poverty we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Ultimately, in Christ, we are called not just to refrain from stealing, but to actively work with our hands so that we may have something to share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28), demonstrating the abundance of God's grace and the transforming power of the Gospel.