Exodus 20:16
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You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
All things being prepared for the solemn promulgation of the divine law, we have, in this chapter, I. The ten commandments, as God himself spoke them upon mount Sinai (v. 1-17), as remarkable a portion of scripture as any in the Old Testament. II. The impressions made upon the people thereby (Exo 20:18-21). III. Some particular instructions which God gave privately to Moses, to be by him communicated to the people, relating to his worship (Exo 20:22, etc.).
Open source ↗20:16 Not telling a lie can be a very individual act, and even a prideful one. But refusing to testify falsely against your neighbor is an unselfish act, in which your neighbor’s reputation and well-being is more important to you than your own.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.
“Which ones?” the man asked. Jesus answered, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness,
who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend,
“You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.
The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.
You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another.
unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good,
A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.