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Exodus 20:17
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house - wife, etc. - Covet signifies to desire or long after, in order to enjoy as a property the person or thing coveted. He breaks this command who by any means endeavors to deprive a man of his house or farm by taking them over his head, as it is expressed in some countries; who lusts after his neighbor's wife, and endeavors to ingratiate himself into her affections, and to lessen her husband in her esteem; and who endeavors to possess himself of the servants, cattle, etc., of another in any clandestine or unjustifiable manner. "This is a most excellent moral precept, the observance of which will prevent all public crimes; for he who feels the force of the law that prohibits the inordinate desire of any thing that is the property of another, can never make a breach in the peace of society by an act of wrong to any of even its feeblest members."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they said unto Moses,.... Who was now come down from the mountain, and to whom the heads of the tribes and elders of the people came from the camp, and out of their tents, by whom the people said to him, as follows, see Deu 5:23, speak thou with us, and we will hear; their request is, that whatsoever it was the will and pleasure of God to declare to them, that he would communicate it to Moses, and he deliver it to them, promising that they would hearken to it, and obey it, as if they had heard it from the mouth of God himself: but let not God speak with us, lest we die; pray to him, that he would not speak immediately, but by a mediator, which they now saw the need of; that there was no drawing nigh to God, nor hearing nor receiving anything from him without one; that his law, as it came from him to them sinful creatures, was a killing letter, and the ministration of condemnation and death, and injected such terror into their minds, that if it was continued they must die under it: thus, as the apostle observes, when "they heard the voice of words, entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more, for they could not endure that which was commanded", Heb 12:19.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:17 This final principle circles back to the first, for “a greedy person is an idolater” (Col 3:5). Covetousness is the worship of this world, the belief that possessions, especially those my neighbor possesses, will give me lasting happiness. To believe this is to break one’s covenant of absolute loyalty to God, who alone supplies our needs. See also Rom 7:7.
Exodus 20:17
The Ten Commandments
16You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 17You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, or his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Basics) 16. Keeping the Tenth Commandment
By Zac Poonen4.4K13:08EXO 20:17MAT 6:33ROM 7:7ROM 8:2PHP 3:6HEB 8:7In this sermon, the speaker explores the difference between being religious and being spiritual. They emphasize the importance of honesty as the first step towards true spirituality. The speaker highlights that God gave the Ten Commandments not because they could make people spiritual, but to expose sin and test humanity's response. They explain that external righteousness is not enough, and God desires inner purity of motive. The speaker encourages listeners to be honest about their sin and seek forgiveness and cleansing through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Judgment to Come Pt 1
By Martyn-Lloyd Jones4.4K29:33JudgmentEXO 20:17MAT 5:21MAT 6:33MRK 12:30ACT 24:24In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opportunity the apostle Paul had to address the Roman governor while being a prisoner. The preacher emphasizes that the presentation of the gospel is a rational and thought-provoking message, contrary to the misconception that Christians are simply emotional and simplistic. The preacher highlights the importance of understanding how the gospel is to be presented and listened to, using the apostle Paul as an example. The sermon also emphasizes the significance of understanding the context and characters involved in the biblical narrative, drawing parallels to studying Shakespearean plays.
God's Judgement & Mercy
By Alan Redpath3.9K35:12Mercy Of GodGEN 3:15EXO 20:17NUM 35:1ISA 16:5MAT 6:33REV 21:4REV 22:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and the target of that judgment. He emphasizes that listening to the law only makes people desire to break it, leading to the need for God's judgment. The preacher also highlights the trail of God's justice throughout the Bible, showing how God relentlessly pursues justice while also offering mercy. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to reflect on their own lives and acknowledge the need for God's judgment and sovereignty.
Kirk Cameron Testimony
By Kirk Cameron3.7K1:10:22TestimonyEXO 20:7EXO 20:12EXO 20:17PSA 19:7ROM 3:19The video begins with the speaker introducing a gospel track that serves as an icebreaker and a tool for sharing the gospel message. He explains how the track uses an optical illusion to engage people in conversation and then transitions to the topic of judgment day. He emphasizes that God will expose all hidden things and judge every work, whether good or evil. The speaker then poses the question of whether we would be found innocent or guilty if judged by the Ten Commandments, highlighting the fact that all people would be guilty. He concludes by urging listeners to read and obey the Bible, as it is perfect and has the power to convert souls.
Depression - It's Cause and Cure
By Richard Sipley3.6K53:11DepressionEXO 20:17LEV 18:22NUM 11:10MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of depression and the heavy burden it places on individuals. He describes the symptoms of depression, such as constant confusion, sorrow, and a lack of rest in one's inner spirit. The speaker emphasizes that this is not only a struggle for unbelievers, but also for many of God's people. He then shares the story of Elijah, a prophet who experienced a great revival but soon found himself running for his life due to the threats of Jezebel. The speaker highlights the irony of Elijah's reaction, running in fear despite his previous experiences with God's power.
(Exodus) Exodus 20:3-7
By J. Vernon McGee3.4K05:13ExpositionalEXO 20:2EXO 20:17MAT 6:33COL 3:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative impact of the liquor industry and how they downplay the harm they cause by emphasizing the taxes they pay. He highlights the various gods that people worship in today's society, including the bottle, sex, and money. The preacher emphasizes the importance of not having any other gods before the Lord and warns against taking the Lord's name in vain. He explains that the Ten Commandments are divided into two categories: man's relationship to God and man's relationship to others, and focuses on the first four commandments related to man's relationship with God. The preacher argues that idolatry is not limited to physical idols but also includes covetousness and anything that one gives themselves to in abandonment.
Winning, Winning, Winning
By Mark Cahill2.7K29:17EXO 20:17DEU 5:21MAT 28:19MRK 16:15ACT 1:8ROM 3:19ROM 7:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering a famous commercial director while speaking at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting. The director dismisses the speaker upon learning about his profession. The speaker then emphasizes the opposition and challenges that arise when one chooses to stand for the Lord. He also highlights the importance of leaving a legacy of faith and encourages the audience to be revolutionaries for God. The sermon concludes with a prayer for a specific individual and a story of witnessing to college students about the Ten Commandments and the concept of sin.
The Ultimate Statistic
By Ray Comfort2.6K36:04EvangelismEXO 20:13EXO 20:17MAT 5:21MRK 16:15ACT 17:281CO 1:261CO 3:19In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about running a club for kids and distributing candy. He notices the greed and unfairness in the line and decides to give the candy to the meek and sickly ones instead. The speaker then uses the analogy of a man trying to fly and suffering the consequences of transgressing the law of gravity to explain that God's law is the law of sin and death. He emphasizes that the soul that sins shall die because we have all transgressed God's law. The speaker also compares God's law to a mirror that reflects our true selves and asks the audience if they have ever lied or sinned. He encourages them to open their hearts to the Gospel and highlights that they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Divine Appointments
By Otto Koning1.6K39:46Christian LifeEXO 20:17MAT 6:33ACT 8:261TI 2:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of time and how people often prioritize worldly possessions over spiritual matters. He mentions how window shopping and constantly desiring new things can lead to discontentment. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of using time wisely for ministry and spiritual growth, rather than being consumed by material possessions. He shares personal examples of how he and others have been distracted by worldly things, and encourages listeners to focus on laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The speaker references Matthew 6 and the parable of the harvest to illustrate the concept of kairos, the specific moment in history when God sent his son to redeem humanity.
The Eternal Spirit Resisting/grieving/quenching
By Willie Mullan1.4K37:55Eternal SpiritEXO 20:17PRO 20:1JER 1:4MAT 22:37GAL 5:16GAL 5:19In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of walking in the Spirit and not fulfilling the desires of the flesh. He references the book of Jeremiah and emphasizes that the word of the Lord is speaking to the listeners. The preacher highlights the battle between the flesh and the Spirit, using examples from the story of David and Bathsheba. He emphasizes the need for the love of God in one's heart and encourages the listeners to ask the Holy Spirit to fill them with love. The sermon concludes with a mention of the upcoming topic of guidance and the importance of being controlled and guided by the Spirit in every step of life.
How to Fight Covetousness
By John Piper1.3K02:50EXO 20:17HEB 13:5This sermon delves into the temptation of covetousness or greed, emphasizing how desires can lead to a loss of contentment in Jesus and even threaten one's faith. It explores the struggle when desires become overpowering, causing a shift in focus from God to material possessions or other wants. The solution presented involves acknowledging the inability to overcome these desires alone, praying for God's intervention to conquer covetousness, and anchoring oneself in the promise of God's presence and provision as a remedy for the love of money.
The Command to Repent
By William MacDonald1.1K37:17RepentanceEXO 20:7EXO 20:17MAT 6:33ACT 17:30ROM 7:9In this sermon, the speaker shares a joyful incident that occurred in their assembly involving a marine from the Naval Air Station in Alameda. The marine had been attending the assembly with his believer wife and was becoming increasingly convicted of his sin. One night, he was invited to participate in the breaking of bread, where he witnessed the enactment of Calvary and was deeply moved. After the bread was passed, he stood up and expressed his gratitude for the prayers of the assembly and his wife, and he acknowledged God's mysterious ways. He then burst into tears and later shared his testimony after being saved. The speaker emphasizes the power of prayer and the work of God in bringing people to repentance and salvation.
Today's Gospel (Voice Only)
By Compilations87011:54CompilationEXO 20:17MAT 6:33ACT 20:26ROM 3:20ROM 3:281CO 2:42TI 4:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the decline of the church in the 20th century and the need to return to biblical preaching. He emphasizes the importance of preaching the holy character of God and the eternal law of God, which demands strict obedience from the soul. The preacher criticizes the modern evangelistic formula that focuses on making a profession of faith without true repentance and transformation. He highlights the role of the law of God in convicting sinners and leading them to seek salvation through Jesus Christ.
Is the Bible History or Myth?
By Ernest O'Neill58634:20GEN 6:13EXO 20:17ACT 5:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the Bible as a record of the actions and words of the creator of the universe. The speaker highlights the significance of studying the Bible to truly know and understand God. They provide examples from the Bible, such as the Israelites' time in Egypt and the laws given to Moses, to demonstrate the historical accuracy and relevance of the Bible. The speaker also mentions the evidence of a cataclysmic flood and sedimentary rocks as further confirmation of the events described in the Bible. Additionally, the speaker mentions Jesus' prediction of his execution, resurrection, and return as another example of the Bible's accuracy.
The Law and Secret Sins
By Ernest C. Reisinger511:02:26SinEXO 20:14EXO 20:17MRK 10:17JHN 3:16EPH 5:5EPH 6:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not placing value solely on material possessions. He highlights the fact that many people sacrifice their lives for material things, only to find that they do not bring true satisfaction. The preacher suggests that being poor can sometimes be better because there are certain things that money cannot buy, such as the love and guidance a father can give to his children. He then references the story of the rich young ruler who asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life, and Jesus uses the law to address the man's deep problem. The sermon concludes with a reminder that grace does not change what is right, and that the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life can choke the seed of God.
Tenth River -- Covetousness
By Martin Knapp0EXO 20:17JOS 7:21PRO 28:22ECC 5:10MAL 3:9EPH 5:5COL 3:51TI 6:9Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the sin of covetousness, emphasizing how it is an inordinate desire to possess what belongs to others, leading to various destructive behaviors and consequences. Through a conversation with a young boy named Willie, the sermon explores biblical examples of coveting, such as Achan, Judas, Ananias, and Sapphira, highlighting the severe punishments they faced. The sermon warns against the dangers of covetousness, describing it as a popular sin that robs God of His rights and leads to idolatry and selfishness. It stresses the importance of shunning covetousness and embracing God's salvation and liberality instead.
The Tenth Commandment
By A.W. Pink0Inner PurityCovetingEXO 20:17JAS 1:14A.W. Pink expounds on the Tenth Commandment, emphasizing that it forbids not only the outward act of coveting but also the internal desires and inclinations of the heart. He explains that concupiscence, or unlawful lusting, is the root of sin, and that God’s law extends to our thoughts and imaginations, holding us accountable for our inner life. Pink highlights the importance of recognizing these hidden sins, as they lead to overt actions, and stresses that true obedience to God involves purity of heart. He concludes that the Tenth Commandment serves as a guard for the other commandments, revealing our sinful nature and pointing us to the grace found in Christ. Ultimately, it calls believers to seek cleansing from secret faults and to rely on God's grace for true transformation.
A Common Yet Subtle Sin
By Samuel Logan Brengle0CovetousnessSpiritual VigilanceEXO 20:17PRO 28:22ECC 5:10MAT 6:24LUK 12:15COL 3:51TI 6:10HEB 13:5JAS 4:21JN 2:15Samuel Logan Brengle warns against the subtle yet deadly sin of covetousness, which has led to the downfall of many, including kings, apostles, and ordinary people. He illustrates how this sin is often overlooked, yet it has catastrophic consequences, as seen in biblical examples like Lot, Achan, and Judas. Brengle emphasizes that covetousness is not just a personal failing but a societal issue that can lead to the collapse of civilizations. He urges believers to combat this sin through self-denial, prayer, and a focus on Christ, reminding them that true contentment comes from godliness. The sermon serves as a call to vigilance against this pervasive sin that can ensnare anyone, regardless of their status or faith.
Day 5, Matthew 5
By David Servant0EXO 20:17EXO 23:5PRO 25:21MAT 5:31CO 9:19David Servant preaches on the importance of examining ourselves in light of the identifying characteristics of the blessed in the Beatitudes, to determine if we are on the road to heaven. Jesus emphasizes the need for holiness, declaring that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the kingdom of heaven. He exposes the unrighteous practices of the Pharisees, emphasizing the importance of love, purity of heart, truthfulness, mercy, and reconciliation among His followers.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house - wife, etc. - Covet signifies to desire or long after, in order to enjoy as a property the person or thing coveted. He breaks this command who by any means endeavors to deprive a man of his house or farm by taking them over his head, as it is expressed in some countries; who lusts after his neighbor's wife, and endeavors to ingratiate himself into her affections, and to lessen her husband in her esteem; and who endeavors to possess himself of the servants, cattle, etc., of another in any clandestine or unjustifiable manner. "This is a most excellent moral precept, the observance of which will prevent all public crimes; for he who feels the force of the law that prohibits the inordinate desire of any thing that is the property of another, can never make a breach in the peace of society by an act of wrong to any of even its feeblest members."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they said unto Moses,.... Who was now come down from the mountain, and to whom the heads of the tribes and elders of the people came from the camp, and out of their tents, by whom the people said to him, as follows, see Deu 5:23, speak thou with us, and we will hear; their request is, that whatsoever it was the will and pleasure of God to declare to them, that he would communicate it to Moses, and he deliver it to them, promising that they would hearken to it, and obey it, as if they had heard it from the mouth of God himself: but let not God speak with us, lest we die; pray to him, that he would not speak immediately, but by a mediator, which they now saw the need of; that there was no drawing nigh to God, nor hearing nor receiving anything from him without one; that his law, as it came from him to them sinful creatures, was a killing letter, and the ministration of condemnation and death, and injected such terror into their minds, that if it was continued they must die under it: thus, as the apostle observes, when "they heard the voice of words, entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more, for they could not endure that which was commanded", Heb 12:19.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:17 This final principle circles back to the first, for “a greedy person is an idolater” (Col 3:5). Covetousness is the worship of this world, the belief that possessions, especially those my neighbor possesses, will give me lasting happiness. To believe this is to break one’s covenant of absolute loyalty to God, who alone supplies our needs. See also Rom 7:7.