Exodus 20:15

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What Does This Mean?

Exodus 20:15 says, 'Thou shalt not steal.' This command comes from God to Moses, and it means we should not take what belongs to others without permission. The key message is about respecting others' property and integrity.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you borrowed your friend's toy and didn't give it back. That's kind of like stealing. This verse is like a rule from God that reminds us to always return what we borrow and not take things that don't belong to us.

Historical Background

Exodus 20:15 was written by Moses around 1200 BCE. It is part of the Ten Commandments given by God to the Israelites, who were recently freed from slavery in Egypt. This commandment reflects the broader cultural value of respecting others' possessions and rights.

Living It Out Today

In modern life, not stealing can mean respecting intellectual property rights, like not downloading music or movies illegally. It also means not taking office supplies for personal use at work or not cheating on a test by copying answers.

Topics

• morality
• commandments
• respect
• property
• integrity
• theft

Related Verses

• Leviticus 19:11
• Proverbs 21:6
• Matthew 6:19-21
• Ephesians 4:28
• 1 Corinthians 6:10

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'thou shalt not steal' mean?

It means you should not take anything that belongs to someone else without their permission. This includes physical items, money, and even intellectual property.

Why is not stealing important?

Not stealing is important because it promotes trust, respect, and fairness in society. It helps protect individuals and communities from harm and ensures that people can feel secure in their possessions.

How does this commandment relate to modern life?

In today's world, this commandment applies to a wide range of situations, including not copying copyrighted material, not taking office supplies for personal use, and not cheating in exams.

What are the consequences of stealing?

Stealing can lead to legal consequences like fines or imprisonment. It can also damage relationships and a person's reputation, and from a spiritual perspective, it goes against biblical teachings and can hurt one's relationship with God.