Deuteronomy 5:19 Meaning and Explanation
“Neither shalt thou steal.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The eighth commandment forbids taking what belongs to another.
The Context of Deuteronomy 5:19
The eighth commandment forbids theft and protects property.
What Does Deuteronomy 5:19 Mean?
Theft violates both property rights and the trust necessary for community life. This commandment protects the security of what people have justly acquired and earned. It rests on the principle that what God provides to each person through honest work is theirs to keep, and that society depends on respecting these boundaries. Without protection against theft, fear and suspicion would poison all relationships.
The law recognized that people had legitimate property rights and that justice requires respecting them. This protected not only the wealthy but also the poor—if theft were permitted against anyone, the vulnerable would suffer most.
Deuteronomy 5:19 in the Original Language
ganav (גָּנַב), 'steal' — to take secretly what belongs to another person.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 5:19
What does Deuteronomy 5:19 mean?
The eighth commandment forbids taking what belongs to another.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 5:19?
The eighth commandment forbids theft and protects property.