Exegesis of the Eighth Commandment in Exodus 20:15
Exodus 20:15, "You shall not steal," presents the eighth of the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai (in the Masoretic Text and most Protestant traditions) [4, 5]. In the Latin Vulgate, the command is rendered as "Non furtum facies" [2]. This commandment, along with the other nine, forms a foundational ethical and legal framework for the Israelite community.
The Ten Commandments are broadly divided into two sections: duties toward God and duties toward fellow humans [3]. The first four commandments address the relationship between humanity and God, covering topics such as idolatry, the misuse of God's name, and the observance of the Sabbath [3, 4]. The remaining six commandments, including "You shall not steal," focus on interpersonal relationships and societal order [3, 5]. Jesus himself, when questioned about the commandments, cited several from this second group, including the prohibition against stealing [5].
The Hebrew word for "steal" (גָּנַב, ganav) generally refers to the illicit taking of another's property. While the commandment is concise, its implications are broad, encompassing various forms of theft. Commentators have historically understood this to include not only overt robbery but also more subtle forms of dishonesty. For instance, the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge links various passages to the concept of theft, such as the fear of the Israelites in Numbers 13:31 and Deuteronomy 1:28, which could be interpreted as a fear of losing their possessions or security [1].
The literary context of Exodus 20 places this commandment within a direct divine address to the entire Israelite nation at Mount Sinai, emphasizing its universal and foundational importance for the covenant community. The broader narrative of Exodus details God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt and the establishment of their identity as a people set apart, governed by divine law [4]. The giving of the law at Sinai is a pivotal moment, establishing the terms of their relationship with God and with each other.
While the commandment explicitly forbids stealing, its interpretation has extended beyond mere material possessions. Some traditions understand it to include the theft of a person, or kidnapping, which was a capital offense in ancient Israel (Exodus 21:16) [5]. This broader understanding highlights the value placed on human life and liberty within the Mosaic Law. The commandment also implicitly promotes the right to private property and the importance of honest dealings within the community.
The function of this commandment in tradition has been significant. It underpins legal systems that protect property rights and condemn various forms of fraud and illicit gain. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary notes that Christ's interpretation of the commandments extends their reach to the "government of the heart as well as the lip" [3]. This suggests that the prohibition against stealing is not merely about outward actions but also about internal desires and intentions, discouraging covetousness and a disregard for others' well-being. The commandment serves as a moral baseline for ethical conduct, fostering trust and stability within society.
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Deuteronomy 20:8 cross-references: Exodus 15:15, Numbers 13:31, Numbers 32:9, Deuteronomy 1:28, Deuteronomy 23:9, Judges 7:3, Luke 9:62, Acts 15:37, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Revelation 3:16, Revelation 21:8”
- Exodus “Non furtum facies. -- Exodus 20:15”
- Exodus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Exodus 20:8: Remember the sabbath day--implying it was already known, and recognized as a season of sacred rest. The first four commandments [Exo 20:3-11] comprise our duties to God--the other six [Exo 20:12-17] our duties to our fellow men; and as interpreted by Christ, they reach to the government of the heart as well as the lip (Mat 5:17). "If a man do them he shall live in them" [Lev 18:5; Neh 9:29]. But, ah! what an if for frail and fallen man. Whoever rests his hope upon the law stands debtor to it all; and in this view every one would be without hope were no”
- Exodus (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Exodus 20 (introduction): The preface to the ten commandments, Exo 20:1, Exo 20:2. The First commandment, against mental or theoretic idolatry, Exo 20:3. The Second, against making and worshipping images, or practical idolatry, Exo 20:4-6. The Third, against false swearing, blasphemy, and irreverent use of the name of God, Exo 20:7. The Fourth, against profanation of the Sabbath, and idleness on the other days of the week, Exo 20:8-11. The Fifth, against disrespect and disobedience to parents, Exo 20:12. The Sixth, against murder and cruelty, Exo 20:13. The Seventh, against adul”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 18:20: 18:20 you know the commandments: Jesus cites the fifth through ninth of the Ten Commandments (Exod 20:12-16; Deut 5:16-20), which pertain to relationships between human beings.”