Leviticus 19:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall not steal {H1589}, neither deal falsely {H3584}, neither lie {H8266} one {H376} to another {H5997}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Do not steal from, defraud or lie to each other.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another.

American Standard Version

Ye shall not steal; neither shall ye deal falsely, nor lie one to another.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:11 serves as a foundational ethical command within the Holiness Code, succinctly prohibiting three distinct but interrelated forms of dishonesty: theft, deceit, and direct falsehood. This verse underscores God's unwavering demand for integrity and truthfulness among His covenant people, reflecting His own righteous character and establishing the moral bedrock for a community built on trust, justice, and mutual respect. It reveals that true holiness extends beyond ritual purity to encompass every aspect of interpersonal conduct, demanding an internal disposition of truth that manifests in outward actions and words.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19:11 is strategically placed within the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), a comprehensive collection of divine instructions detailing how Israel was to live as a people consecrated to Yahweh. The entire chapter 19 begins with the pivotal declaration, "Ye shall be holy: for the Lord your God am holy" [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - The Call to Holiness"). This foundational principle informs every subsequent command, which range from proper worship and Sabbath observance to social justice, sexual purity, and ethical conduct in daily life. Specifically, verse 11 falls within a section (Leviticus 19:9-18) that addresses various aspects of social and economic justice, including commands concerning gleaning for the poor, timely payment of wages, and impartial judgment. The placement of this command immediately after directives on economic fairness emphasizes that all transactions and interpersonal interactions must be characterized by honesty and fairness, not exploitation or deception, thereby establishing a just and trustworthy society.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was called to be a distinct nation, a "kingdom of priests, and an holy nation" [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests"). Unlike the surrounding pagan cultures, which often tolerated or even institutionalized various forms of deceit and exploitation, Israel's national identity was to be rooted in the character of their holy God. The prohibitions in [Leviticus 19:11](/leviticus/19-11 "Leviticus 19:11 - Do Not Steal, Deal Falsely, or Lie") were crucial for maintaining social cohesion and trust within a communal society where economic and social interactions were often face-to-face. Theft undermined property rights and economic stability, while dealing falsely and lying eroded the very fabric of interpersonal relationships, making honest transactions and reliable communication impossible. These commands were not merely abstract moral ideals but practical necessities for the functioning of a just and stable covenant community, where disputes were often settled locally and reliance on one's neighbor's word was paramount. They served to distinguish Israel's ethical framework from those of nations that did not acknowledge the one true God, reinforcing their unique identity as God's chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme underpinning Leviticus 19:11 is the pervasive call to **Holiness**, echoing the divine nature of Yahweh Himself. This verse demonstrates that holiness is not confined to ritualistic purity or temple worship but extends into the mundane, daily interactions of life, particularly in matters of **Justice and Integrity**. The prohibitions against stealing, dealing falsely, and lying directly contribute to the establishment of a **Trustworthy Community**, where individuals can rely on one another's words and actions. These commands are also deeply connected to the theme of **Love for Neighbor**, as dishonesty in any form is inherently a violation of the well-being and rights of others, contrasting sharply with the overarching command to "love thy neighbour as thyself" found later in [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself"). Ultimately, the verse reinforces the concept of **Covenant Faithfulness**, where adherence to these ethical standards signifies Israel's commitment to their unique relationship with God, distinguishing them from the surrounding nations who did not share such a high moral standard.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Steal (Hebrew, _gânab'_):** The Hebrew verb גָּנַב (_gânab_) is a primitive root meaning "to thieve," encompassing the illicit taking of another's property, typically by stealth or secrecy. It includes a wide range of actions, from petty theft to grand larceny, and implicitly refers to any form of unlawful acquisition. This prohibition is a direct echo of the Eighth Commandment in the Decalogue, "Thou shalt not steal" [Exodus 20:15](/exodus/20-15 "Exodus 20:15 - The Eighth Commandment"). Its placement here emphasizes the sanctity of property rights and the importance of respecting what belongs to others within the communal life of Israel, fostering economic stability and justice.
* **Deal falsely (Hebrew, _shâqar'_):** The verb שָׁקַר (_shâqar_) is a primitive root meaning "to cheat," or "to be untrue (usually in words)." It denotes acting deceitfully, breaking faith, or dealing treacherously. This term is broader than simply telling a lie and points to a more pervasive pattern of dishonest behavior, often in commercial or legal contexts. It could involve misrepresentation, fraud, or any action designed to mislead or defraud another person for personal gain. It speaks to the integrity of one's actions and intentions, ensuring that dealings are transparent and trustworthy.
* **Lie (Hebrew, _kâchash'_):** The verb כָּחַשׁ (_kâchash_) is a primitive root meaning "to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)." While _shâqar_ can refer to general deceit, _kâchash_ focuses more directly on verbal falsehood—the act of uttering words that are contrary to the truth, often with the intent to deceive or to avoid responsibility. This prohibition targets the integrity of speech itself, demanding that communication within the community be characterized by sincerity and truthfulness, building a foundation of reliable interaction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall not steal":** This initial clause establishes a fundamental boundary against the unlawful appropriation of another's possessions. It secures individual property rights and promotes economic justice within the community. The command is absolute, leaving no room for justification of theft, regardless of circumstance, thereby fostering a society where individuals can feel secure in their ownership and the fruits of their labor. This prohibition forms the bedrock of a just economic system, preventing exploitation and ensuring fairness.
* **"neither deal falsely":** This expands the prohibition beyond overt theft to encompass more subtle forms of dishonesty. "Dealing falsely" refers to any deceptive or fraudulent conduct, particularly in transactions or interactions where trust is expected. It includes misrepresentation, breach of contract, or any act that misleads another for personal advantage. This clause addresses the integrity of one's actions and intentions in all dealings, highlighting that God's demand for truth extends beyond mere legality to encompass genuine honesty and transparency, thereby reinforcing the foundational trust necessary for a functioning society.
* **"neither lie one to another":** This final clause directly addresses verbal deception between individuals. It prohibits the intentional utterance of untruths, emphasizing the importance of honesty in direct communication. This command is crucial for maintaining genuine relationships and ensuring that words spoken within the community are reliable and trustworthy. It speaks to the very fabric of social interaction, demanding that communication be characterized by sincerity and truthfulness, reflecting God's own character as the ultimate truth-teller and fostering an environment of mutual respect and confidence.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its comprehensive ethical mandate. The most prominent is **Tricolon**, presenting three distinct yet related prohibitions in a concise, parallel structure: "Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another." This tripartite structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the command, covering overt acts (stealing), deceptive actions (dealing falsely), and direct verbal untruths (lying). The repeated **Negative Imperative** ("shall not," "neither") underscores the absolute and non-negotiable nature of these prohibitions, highlighting God's clear boundaries for His people's conduct. Furthermore, there is an implied **Ethical Progression** from the external act of theft to the more internal disposition of deceit (dealing falsely), culminating in the direct verbal manifestation of untruth (lying). This progression suggests that God's concern for holiness extends from outward behavior to the very integrity of one's character and communication, demanding truthfulness at every level of human interaction. The succinctness of the verse also lends itself to **Memorization**, making these fundamental ethical principles easily recallable for the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:11 is deeply rooted in the theological conviction that Israel's ethical conduct must reflect the holy character of God. As the Lord is truth and justice, so His people are called to embody these attributes in their daily lives. This command is not merely a set of rules but an invitation to participate in God's nature, establishing a society where integrity and trust are paramount. It underscores the covenantal relationship, where obedience to these moral laws demonstrates faithfulness to God and fosters a community distinct from the surrounding nations. The prohibitions against stealing, dealing falsely, and lying are foundational for communal flourishing, ensuring that economic interactions are just, relationships are built on sincerity, and the vulnerable are protected from exploitation. Ultimately, this verse reveals that true worship of a holy God necessitates a life of ethical purity and honesty in all human dealings, for God Himself is characterized by truth and cannot tolerate falsehood.

* [Exodus 20:15](/exodus/20-15 "Exodus 20:15 - The Eighth Commandment")
* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination")
* [Zechariah 8:16](/zechariah/8-16 "Zechariah 8:16 - Speak Truth to One Another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless principles embedded in Leviticus 19:11 resonate profoundly in contemporary society, challenging believers to embody radical integrity in an increasingly complex and often deceptive world. In an age of digital transactions, information overload, and blurred ethical lines, the call to "not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another" remains a beacon for personal and corporate conduct. This command compels us to scrutinize our financial dealings, ensuring honesty in taxes, business practices, and intellectual property. It demands transparency in our communication, whether in professional settings, online interactions, or personal relationships, urging us to speak truth even when it is difficult or inconvenient. Living by these principles builds trust, fosters genuine community, and serves as a powerful witness to the character of God in a world desperately needing authentic examples of righteousness. For the Christian, integrity is not merely an ethical choice but an act of worship, reflecting the very nature of Christ, who is the Truth, and demonstrating the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life (e.g., work, finances, relationships, online presence) might you be tempted to compromise on truth or integrity, even in subtle ways?**
* **How does a consistent commitment to honesty in seemingly small matters contribute to building greater trust and stronger relationships in your community, family, and workplace?**
* **Considering the pervasive nature of information and digital interactions today, what practical steps can you take to ensure your words and actions consistently reflect God's truthfulness and avoid any form of deceit?**

### FAQ

**Why does Leviticus 19:11 group stealing, dealing falsely, and lying together?**

Answer: Leviticus 19:11 groups these three prohibitions because they represent a comprehensive spectrum of dishonesty, all of which fundamentally undermine trust and justice within a community. "Stealing" (גָּנַב, _gânab_) is the overt act of unlawfully taking another's property. "Dealing falsely" (שָׁקַר, _shâqar_) extends this to broader deceptive practices, often involving fraud or misrepresentation in transactions or agreements, which are less overt than direct theft but equally damaging to trust. "Lying one to another" (כָּחַשׁ, _kâchash_) specifically targets verbal falsehood, the deliberate utterance of untruths in direct communication. Together, they cover actions, intentions, and words, demonstrating God's demand for complete integrity in all aspects of life. This grouping emphasizes that any form of dishonesty, whether through action or speech, violates the covenant relationship and God's holy character, which is inherently truthful and just. It highlights that a truly holy people must be trustworthy in every interaction, reflecting the God who "cannot lie" [Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God Cannot Lie").

**How does this command relate to modern business practices?**

Answer: Leviticus 19:11 provides a foundational ethical framework directly applicable to modern business practices. "Ye shall not steal" prohibits all forms of illicit taking, including embezzlement, intellectual property theft, and dishonest accounting. "Neither deal falsely" condemns fraud, misrepresentation in advertising, deceptive contracts, insider trading, and any business practice that misleads or exploits customers, employees, or partners. This extends to transparency in pricing, quality of goods, and service delivery. "Neither lie one to another" demands honesty in all verbal and written communications, from sales pitches to financial reports, ensuring that promises made are kept and information shared is accurate. For businesses operating under biblical principles, this verse calls for a culture of integrity, fair dealing, and ethical conduct that builds long-term trust with stakeholders, reflecting God's demand for justice and truth in the marketplace, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales are an Abomination"). Adherence to these principles fosters a reputation for trustworthiness and contributes to a more just and stable economic environment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:11, with its profound call to integrity and truthfulness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a truth-teller but the very personification of truth, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Unlike humanity, who often struggles with deceit and falsehood, Jesus perfectly lived out every aspect of God's law, never stealing, dealing falsely, or lying. His life was characterized by absolute transparency and unwavering honesty, even in the face of immense pressure and injustice, as seen in His trials where He refused to bear false witness or engage in deceptive speech [Matthew 26:59-63](/matthew/26-59-63 "Matthew 26:59-63 - False Witnesses Against Jesus"). Furthermore, Christ's work on the cross not only atones for our past failures in truth but also empowers believers, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to live lives marked by integrity. The New Covenant writes God's law on our hearts [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant"), enabling us to "put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor" [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Put Off Falsehood"), and to "not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices" [Colossians 3:9](/colossians/3-9 "Colossians 3:9 - Do Not Lie to Each Other"). Thus, in Christ, the ancient command of Leviticus 19:11 transforms from an external obligation into an internal reality, empowering a new creation to live in the truth, reflecting the character of their truthful Savior and demonstrating the righteousness of God in their daily lives.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 20:15

Thou shalt not steal.

Colossians 3:9

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Ephesians 4:25

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Psalms 101:7

He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

Zechariah 5:3

Then said he unto me, This [is] the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off [as] on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off [as] on that side according to it.

Zechariah 5:4

I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.

Romans 3:4

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.