Exodus 20:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God forbids lying under oath, especially in legal proceedings against others.
The Context of Exodus 20:16
God forbids lying in testimony, especially against a neighbor.
What Does Exodus 20:16 Mean?
False witness is a specific kind of lie: testimony given against another in a legal or public setting, typically under oath. The commandment protects the innocent from being condemned through dishonesty and upholds the integrity of justice. In ancient society, testimony was crucial for determining guilt or innocence. False witness corrupts the entire system of justice, allowing the guilty to escape and the innocent to be punished.
The protection extends to one's neighbor's reputation and safety. A false witness attack can destroy livelihood, family standing, and even life itself. The commandment assumes that truthfulness in witness is sacred—when someone swears to tell the truth, that oath carries the weight of covenant faithfulness.
Exodus 20:16 in the Original Language
Eid (עד), 'witness' — one who testifies under oath; the commandment emphasizes false testimony in formal, legal, or covenant settings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 20:16
What does Exodus 20:16 mean?
God forbids lying under oath, especially in legal proceedings against others.
What is the context of Exodus 20:16?
God forbids lying in testimony, especially against a neighbor.