Meaning of Deuteronomy 5:21

This commandment, the tenth in the Decalogue, addresses the internal disposition of the heart, moving beyond outward actions to prohibit the illicit desire for what belongs to another. Unlike the preceding commandments which forbid specific acts like murder, adultery, or theft, this one targets the root sin of covetousness, the insatiable longing for possessions and persons that are not one's own. It is a prohibition against envy and discontent, recognizing that such internal states can inevitably lead to external transgressions. The comprehensive list—wife, house, land, servants, livestock—underscores the breadth of covetousness, encompassing not only material goods but also valued relationships and even persons within the household, highlighting its invasive nature.

Context and Background

Deuteronomy 5 records Moses reiterating the Law to the second generation of Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. This covenant renewal occurred at the plains of Moab, signifying a fresh commitment to God's statutes after the wilderness generation's disobedience. The Ten Commandments, originally given at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20), are presented here as foundational principles for a holy nation living in covenant relationship with God. The prohibition against coveting is placed last, implying it is the ultimate internal check that underpins the observance of all the other commands; if one truly does not covet, they are less likely to steal, commit adultery, or bear false witness.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary theme is the internal nature of sin. God is concerned not only with what people do but also with what they desire and think. Covetousness is a sin of the heart, a discontentment with one's own lot and a greedy desire for another's. This commandment also speaks to the importance of contentment and gratitude. It calls for an appreciation of what God has provided and a respect for the boundaries and possessions of others. Furthermore, it emphasizes the sanctity of relationships, particularly the marital bond, by singling out the neighbor's wife as an object not to be desired illicitly.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this commandment calls for a radical transformation of the inner self. It requires a constant vigilance over one's thoughts and desires, aligning them with God's will rather than succumbing to worldly temptations. For believers, this means cultivating a heart that is satisfied in Christ, recognizing that true wealth and fulfillment are found in Him, not in material possessions or the perceived advantages of others. It encourages a mindset of generosity and a willingness to celebrate the blessings God has bestowed upon fellow believers, rather than envying them. This internal discipline is crucial for spiritual growth and for living a life pleasing to God.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The prohibition against coveting is a consistent thread throughout Scripture. It is seen as a fundamental flaw that led to humanity's fall in Genesis (Genesis 3:6, the fruit was "desirable to make one wise"), and it is identified as the root of many other sins. Jesus himself highlighted the danger of covetousness, warning his disciples in Luke 12:15, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." The Apostle Paul also identifies covetousness as idolatry (Colossians 3:5) and a pervasive sin among the unregenerate (Ephesians 5:3). Ultimately, the New Testament offers the solution to covetousness: a renewed heart through faith in Christ, leading to contentment and a focus on heavenly treasures.

Analogies

One analogy for covetousness is a thirst that can never be quenched. The more one drinks from the well of worldly desire, the thirstier they become. Another is a garden where weeds of envy and discontent are allowed to grow unchecked. These weeds choke out the good plants of gratitude and contentment, making the entire garden unfruitful. Alternatively, it can be likened to constantly looking over the fence at your neighbor's property, always feeling that their grass is greener, rather than tending to and appreciating your own.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 20:17: This is the original pronouncement of the commandment, found in the initial giving of the Law at Sinai.
• Colossians 3:5: Paul directly links covetousness with idolatry, stating, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."
• 1 Timothy 6:10: This verse highlights the root of much evil: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." While not identical, the greedy desire for possessions that covetousness entails is closely related.
• Hebrews 13:5: This verse offers the antidote to covetousness: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"