Mark 10:19

KJV

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou knowest {G1492} the commandments {G1785}, Do {G3431} not {G3361} commit adultery {G3431}, Do {G5407} not {G3361} kill {G5407}, Do {G2813} not {G3361} steal {G2813}, Do {G5576} not {G3361} bear false witness {G5576}, Defraud {G650} not {G3361}, Honour {G5091} thy {G4675} father {G3962} and {G2532} mother {G3384}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You know the mitzvot -- `Don't murder, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't give false testimony, don't defraud, honor your father and mother, . .'"

Berean Standard Bible

You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat others, honor your father and mother.’”

American Standard Version

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor thy father and mother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:19 presents a pivotal moment in Jesus's encounter with a wealthy young man seeking eternal life, where Jesus directs him to a selection of the Ten Commandments. This response serves not as an affirmation that salvation is earned through legalistic adherence, but rather as a diagnostic tool to expose the young man's true spiritual condition and the ultimate object of his devotion, particularly highlighting the ethical demands of God's Law concerning human relationships.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the broader narrative of Jesus's journey towards Jerusalem, a period marked by significant teaching moments regarding discipleship, the nature of the Kingdom of God, and the cost of following Him. Immediately preceding this encounter, Jesus has just affirmed the sanctity of marriage and welcomed children, emphasizing humility and a childlike faith as prerequisites for entering the Kingdom ([Mark 10:13-16](/mark/10-13-16 "Mark 10:13-16 - Jesus Blesses the Children")). The rich young man's question about inheriting eternal life in [Mark 10:17](/mark/10-17 "Mark 10:17 - The Rich Young Ruler's Question") sets the stage for Jesus's response in [Mark 10:19](/mark/10-19 "Mark 10:19 - Jesus Lists the Commandments"), which then leads to the challenging command to sell all possessions, revealing the young man's attachment to wealth ([Mark 10:21-22](/mark/10-21-22 "Mark 10:21-22 - The Cost of Discipleship")). This entire pericope, therefore, serves as a profound commentary on the true nature of discipleship and the obstacles to entering God's Kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish society of Jesus's time deeply revered the Torah, or Law, as the revealed will of God. Observance of the commandments was central to Jewish identity and piety, with many believing that meticulous adherence to the Law was the path to righteousness and eternal life. The Ten Commandments, or Decalogue ([Exodus 20:1-17](/exodus/20-1-17 "Exodus 20:1-17 - The Ten Commandments")), were foundational to this understanding. The young man's question reflects a common rabbinic inquiry of the day: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" This question typically sought a specific action or set of actions that would guarantee divine favor. Jesus's selective recitation of commandments, particularly those concerning human relationships (the "second table" of the Law), would have been immediately recognizable to any devout Jew, emphasizing the societal and ethical dimensions of faith.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Law as a revealer of sin and human inadequacy**, rather than a means of salvation. Jesus uses the commandments to expose the young man's self-righteousness and his ultimate idolatry of wealth, demonstrating that outward obedience alone is insufficient for true spiritual transformation. Secondly, it underscores the importance of **holistic obedience and the spirit of the Law**. The commandments listed, particularly the unique inclusion of "Defraud not," emphasize ethical conduct in all human interactions, extending beyond mere avoidance of overt sin to active righteousness and justice in community. This resonates with the broader biblical principle that love for God is inextricably linked to love for neighbor, as taught in [Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandment"). Finally, the passage sets up the theme of **the radical demands of discipleship**, showing that true following of Christ requires complete surrender and a reordering of priorities, which often involves sacrificing what is most cherished in the world for the sake of the Kingdom ([Mark 10:23-27](/mark/10-23-27 "Mark 10:23-27 - The Difficulty of Riches")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowest (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb signifies more than mere intellectual awareness; it implies a deep, experiential knowledge or understanding. When Jesus says, "Thou knowest the commandments," He is not merely asking if the young man has heard of them, but if he truly understands and lives by them in a comprehensive sense. It implies a recognition of their authority and a claim to their observance.
* **Commandments (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to enjoin" or "to command," _entolḗ_ refers to an authoritative precept or injunction. In this context, it specifically refers to the divine decrees given by God through Moses, emphasizing their origin and binding nature. These are not suggestions but divine requirements for righteous living.
* **Defraud not (Greek, _aposteréō'_):** This is a crucial and unique inclusion in Mark's account, distinguishing it from Matthew's and Luke's parallels which list "Do not covet." _Aposteréō_ means "to deprive," "to withhold what is due," or "to cheat." Its inclusion broadens the scope of the commandment against stealing and coveting, moving beyond passive non-taking to active non-withholding. It implies a positive duty to ensure others receive what is justly theirs, whether in financial dealings, labor, or general fairness, highlighting economic justice and integrity in social interactions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou knowest the commandments":** This opening phrase establishes a common ground. Jesus acknowledges the young man's familiarity with the Mosaic Law, setting the stage for a deeper examination of his understanding and adherence. It's an invitation to self-assessment based on established divine standards.
* **"Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness":** These are direct quotations from the latter half of the Decalogue (Exodus 20:13-16; Deuteronomy 5:17-20). They represent fundamental prohibitions against actions that harm one's neighbor in terms of relationships, life, property, and reputation. Jesus selects these specific commands, focusing on the horizontal dimension of the Law, which governs human-to-human interactions.
* **"Defraud not":** This command, unique to Mark's account among the Synoptics, is a significant addition. While related to "Do not steal" and "Do not covet," it carries a more active connotation of withholding what is due or cheating. It broadens the scope of ethical conduct to include honesty in business and financial dealings, implying a positive obligation to ensure fair and just transactions.
* **"Honour thy father and mother":** This command (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16) is the first of the "second table" of the Law and serves as a foundational command for family and societal order. It emphasizes respect for authority, care for elders, and the maintenance of the family unit, which is the bedrock of community. Its inclusion underscores the comprehensive nature of ethical living, extending to familial duties.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's presentation of [Mark 10:19](/mark/10-19 "Mark 10:19 - Jesus Lists the Commandments") employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as Jesus lists a series of commandments. This direct listing serves to remind the young man, and the reader, of the specific moral standards of the Law. There is also clear **Allusion** to the Decalogue, as Jesus directly quotes from the Ten Commandments, immediately connecting His teaching to the foundational covenantal requirements of Israel. The selection of specific commandments, particularly the inclusion of "Defraud not," can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (a few selected commandments) represents the whole (the entire Law's demand for righteousness in human relationships). Furthermore, the passage sets up a dramatic **Irony**: the young man, who claims to have kept all these from his youth, is about to have his self-perception shattered by a deeper command that reveals his true heart's allegiance to wealth, demonstrating that outward obedience can mask inward deficiency.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:19 serves as a crucial theological bridge, connecting the Old Testament Law with New Testament principles of discipleship. It highlights that while the Law reveals God's righteous standards and exposes human sinfulness, it cannot, by itself, grant eternal life. The commandments listed are not a checklist for earning salvation, but rather a mirror reflecting the depth of God's expectations for human conduct and revealing where one falls short. This passage subtly underscores the New Testament emphasis on the spirit of the Law over mere letter-of-the-law observance, pointing to the need for an internal transformation that only God can provide. The focus on human relationships within the commandments reiterates the inseparable link between loving God and loving one's neighbor, a core tenet of biblical ethics.

* [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin") - "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."
* [Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian") - "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."
* [James 2:10](/james/2-10 "James 2:10 - Breaking One Commandment") - "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The exchange in Mark 10:19 challenges us to move beyond a superficial understanding of righteousness. It forces us to confront whether our obedience is merely external, a performance designed to earn favor, or if it flows from a heart truly devoted to God and His ways. The specific commandments listed remind us that our faith is not abstract but profoundly practical, impacting how we interact with every person in our lives—from family members to strangers, in our personal relationships and our financial dealings. The inclusion of "Defraud not" is particularly convicting, urging us to consider not just what we *don't* do wrong, but what we *fail* to do right, especially in areas of justice, fairness, and generosity. True discipleship calls for an honest self-assessment, acknowledging our inability to perfectly keep God's Law, and recognizing our desperate need for grace and a transformed heart. This passage invites us to examine our own "idols" – those things we cling to more tightly than to God – and to consider the radical call of Christ to surrender all for the sake of the Kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to view God's commandments as a checklist for earning salvation, rather than a reflection of His character and a guide for loving Him and others?**
* **How does the command "Defraud not" challenge my understanding of ethical behavior, especially in my financial dealings or professional life? Am I actively ensuring fairness and justice, or merely avoiding overt dishonesty?**
* **What "possessions" or attachments, whether material or otherwise, might be hindering my complete surrender to Christ's call, similar to the rich young ruler?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus only list some of the Ten Commandments, and specifically the ones about human relationships?**

Answer: Jesus's selection of commandments in [Mark 10:19](/mark/10-19 "Mark 10:19 - Jesus Lists the Commandments") is highly intentional. He focuses on the "second table" of the Decalogue, which deals with one's duties to fellow human beings, rather than the "first table" concerning one's duty to God. This choice serves several purposes. Firstly, it directly addresses the young man's perceived area of strength; he likely considered himself righteous in his dealings with others. Secondly, it prepares the ground for Jesus's subsequent command to sell his possessions, which reveals the young man's failure in the *first* commandment (having no other gods before God) by exposing his idolatry of wealth. By focusing on human relationships, Jesus subtly leads the young man to confront the deeper implications of his love for God, which, as Jesus taught elsewhere, is inextricably linked to loving one's neighbor ([Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandment")). The Law, in this context, functions as a mirror to expose the heart's true allegiance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:19, while seemingly a straightforward recitation of the Law, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Jesus, as the perfect embodiment of God's righteousness, is the only one who truly fulfilled the Law in its entirety, not just outwardly but in spirit and truth ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He perfectly loved God and perfectly loved His neighbor, demonstrating the true intent behind every commandment. For the rich young ruler, the Law served as an impossible standard, exposing his sin and inability to earn eternal life. In Christ, however, the Law's demands are met, and its curse is borne on the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law")). Through faith in Jesus, believers are not merely given a new set of rules, but are given a new heart and the Holy Spirit, enabling them to genuinely desire and increasingly live out the righteous requirements of the Law, not for salvation, but as an overflow of a transformed life ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Us")). Thus, Jesus fulfills the Law by perfectly obeying it, by bearing its penalty for us, and by empowering us to live in a way that truly honors God and loves our neighbor, something the Law alone could never accomplish ([Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1-10 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")).

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 20:12

¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

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.

Romans 13:9

For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

James 2:11

For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

Matthew 19:17

And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

Matthew 19:19

Honour thy father and [thy] mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Luke 18:20

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.