Exodus 20:16

Amharic Tigrinya 2011

ኣብ ብጻይካ ብሓሶት ኣይትመስክር።

What Does This Mean?

Exodus 20:16 says, 'Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.' This commandment comes from God, speaking to the Israelites through Moses. It tells us not to lie about others, which means we should always tell the truth and not hurt others with lies.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend named Alex. If someone tells a fib about Alex that isn't true, that's like breaking this rule. This verse teaches us to be honest and not spread lies about our friends or neighbors, just like you wouldn't want someone to lie about you.

Historical Background

The Book of Exodus was written by Moses around 1440-1400 BC. This verse is part of the Ten Commandments given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. It was intended to foster honesty and trust among the community, reflecting the value of integrity in ancient Israelite society.

Living It Out Today

Imagine you're at work and a colleague is accused of a mistake they didn't make. This verse reminds you to speak up and defend the truth, ensuring that you don't let lies harm your coworker’s reputation.

Topics

• honesty
• integrity
• neighborhood
• truth
• commandments
• morality

Related Verses

• Leviticus 19:11
• Proverbs 12:17
• Matthew 19:18
• Ephesians 4:25
• James 3:13-18

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'false witness' mean in Exodus 20:16?

A 'false witness' means giving untrue testimony about someone, which can lead to wrongful accusations or damage to a person’s reputation. This verse emphasizes the importance of truth and honesty.

How does this commandment affect our interactions with others?

This commandment encourages us to maintain trust and integrity in our relationships by ensuring that we do not lie about others. It promotes a community based on honesty and fairness.

Can you give an example of breaking this commandment in everyday life?

An example would be telling a coworker that another colleague was late when they were not, or spreading a rumor about a friend that isn't true. These actions break the commandment by bearing false witness.

What are the consequences of bearing false witness?

The consequences can include damaging relationships, loss of trust, and harm to the reputation of the person you lie about. It also goes against God’s commandment, which can have spiritual consequences as well.