What connections exist between Leviticus 19:11 and the Ten Commandments? Verse Under Study “‘You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.’” (Leviticus 19:11) Direct Links to the Decalogue • “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15; Deuteronomy 5:19) — the 8th commandment, repeated verbatim. • “You shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie” — expansions of the 9th commandment, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20). • Both commands fall in the “love your neighbor” half of the Ten Commandments (commands 5–10), underscoring practical righteousness in human relationships. Deeper Layers of Connection • Integrity in Commerce: “You shall not deal falsely” points to honest transactions (see Leviticus 19:35–36; Proverbs 11:1). • Truthfulness in Speech: “You shall not lie” echoes God’s hatred of “a lying tongue” (Proverbs 6:17; Colossians 3:9). • Covenant Faithfulness: Stealing and lying violate covenant community trust, contradicting the character of the God who is truth (Numbers 23:19; John 14:6). Implications for Daily Life • Protect Property: Respect what belongs to others in every sphere—workplace, online, taxes, time. • Practice Transparency: Refuse half-truths or deceptive tactics; speak plainly (Ephesians 4:25). • Cultivate Trust: Honesty builds the unity envisioned in Leviticus 19:18, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Leviticus 19:11 thus re-voices and applies the 8th and 9th commandments, showing that the Ten Commandments were never abstract ideals but concrete guidelines for everyday community life. |