Exodus 20:16 kjv

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

Exodus 20:16 nkjv

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Exodus 20:16 niv

"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

Exodus 20:16 esv

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Exodus 20:16 nlt

"You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.

Exodus 20 verses

Exodus 20 16 Meaning

Exodus 20:16 is the ninth of the Ten Commandments, instructing, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." This command fundamentally prohibits untruthfulness, especially in public or judicial contexts, when it could harm another person. It underscores the importance of truth, integrity, and justice within the community, safeguarding the reputation and legal standing of an individual from malicious or deceitful statements. While often associated with courtrooms, its principle extends to all forms of communication, requiring honesty in all dealings and preventing slander, gossip, or any testimony that misrepresents or injures others.

Exodus 20 16 Context

Exodus 20:16 is an integral part of the Ten Commandments, delivered directly by God to the Israelite nation at Mount Sinai. These commandments form the foundational moral and ethical framework of the Mosaic Covenant, defining the proper relationship between the people of Israel and God, and also among themselves. Preceded by commands regarding honoring parents (Exod 20:12) and prohibitions against murder, adultery, and theft (Exod 20:13-15), the ninth commandment transitions from physical harms and material possessions to the realm of truth, reputation, and justice within the community. Its placement highlights the profound importance of honesty and integrity for a just and cohesive society. In a world where legal disputes were common and testimony was often the primary evidence, preventing perjury was critical for maintaining a righteous judicial system and communal trust.

Exodus 20 16 Word analysis

• You (לֹא - lo often implied, refers to the individual recipient of the command): This is a direct, personal injunction. It addresses every member of the Israelite community, emphasizing individual responsibility in upholding truth. The commandment is not directed at the state or a group, but at each person.
• shall not (לֹא - lo): A strong, absolute prohibition. It signifies an imperative that no exceptions are allowed, underscoring the severity of the offense. This is a common Hebrew negating particle used throughout the Decalogue.
• bear (תַעֲנֶה - ta`aneh): From the root עָנָה (`anah), meaning "to answer," "to testify," "to give evidence." While often translated "bear," it implies speaking, responding, or making a formal declaration. The word signifies that one's words, particularly when given as testimony or evidence, have power and consequences.
• false (שָׁוְא - shav): Refers to something "empty," "vain," "worthless," "futile," and by extension, "false" or "deceptive." This term implies that the testimony lacks substance or truth, leading to an empty outcome—a miscarriage of justice or baseless harm. The parallel in Deut 5:20 uses שֶׁקֶר (sheqer), which more directly means "lie" or "falsehood." The combined nuance emphasizes both the futility and the deceptive nature of the false statement.
• witness (עֵד - ed): Refers to a person who observes or attests to facts; a witness in a legal or communal setting. This highlights the primary context of the command, pertaining to sworn testimony and judicial proceedings where accurate evidence is paramount for justice. However, its broader application encompasses any public or private assertion about another person.
• against (בְּרֵעֶךָ - bere`akha, implied "against"): The preposition attached to "neighbor" (bere`akha) functions here to denote opposition or detriment. It signifies that the false witness is not a neutral act but is specifically intended to harm or prejudice the "neighbor."
• your neighbor (רֵעֶךָ - re`akha): From the root רֵעַ (rea`), meaning "friend," "fellow citizen," "companion," or "associate." While literally meaning a fellow Israelite, in broader biblical wisdom and New Testament interpretation, "neighbor" extends to anyone with whom one interacts, especially those vulnerable to one's words. It emphasizes the communal nature of the law, where each member has a responsibility for the welfare and reputation of others.

Exodus 20 16 Bonus section

The Hebrew phrasing for "bear false witness" (לֹא תַעֲנֶה עֵד שָׁוְא) is quite vivid, literally "you shall not answer/testify a witness of emptiness/falsehood." This implies that one's spoken response or testimony should not be devoid of truth, and thus without substance. It highlights that verbal utterances, particularly under oath or when stating facts about another, are to carry weighty reality and not be baseless or deceptive. This is connected to God's own nature as being faithful and true (Deut 32:4, Psa 31:5), which means His people are likewise called to embody truthfulness in their dealings. The penalties for bearing false witness in the Mosaic Law were severe, often mirroring the punishment the accused would have received if found guilty, emphasizing the seriousness of perverting justice (Deut 19:19-21).

Exodus 20 16 Commentary

The ninth commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor," stands as a pillar for justice, truth, and the sanctity of reputation within God's community. At its core, it is a safeguard against the subversion of truth, especially in legal and judicial proceedings where one person's words can dictate the fate or public standing of another. The command specifically targets perjury, recognizing its devastating impact on innocent individuals and the integrity of justice itself. False testimony undermines trust, destroys reputations, and can lead to wrongful conviction, social ostracization, or material ruin.

However, the application of this commandment extends far beyond the courtroom. It speaks to the broader ethic of truthfulness in all our communications. It prohibits slander, malicious gossip, exaggeration, or any form of deception that damages another person's character, reputation, or relationships. When one spreads untrue rumors, gives biased accounts, or fails to speak truth when it is needed, they effectively bear false witness.

The phrase "against your neighbor" highlights the relational aspect. This commandment underscores the importance of valuing and protecting the other members of the community. God's people are called to a standard of truthfulness that reflects His own character of faithfulness and truth. Dishonesty, particularly that which harms another, is antithetical to the love for neighbor commanded elsewhere in Scripture (Lev 19:18).

In essence, this command protects two crucial elements: the pursuit of justice and the integrity of individual and communal relationships. A community built on deceit cannot stand, whereas a society founded on truth-telling reflects the righteous character of God and fosters genuine trust and well-being among its members.

Examples of violating this command:

• Giving a false statement to a court that results in someone's wrongful punishment.
• Spreading unsubstantiated rumors about a person's character or actions.
• Misrepresenting someone's words or intentions to create conflict or suspicion.
• Fabricating a story to cover up one's own wrongdoing, shifting blame to an innocent party.