Leviticus 19:11 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 19:11 mean?

Leviticus 19:11 commands the people not to steal, not to act dishonestly, and not to lie to each other. This verse sets out clear expectations for honest and trustworthy behavior within the community.

In Leviticus 19:11, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving them practical laws for living as His people. The verse is part of a larger section where God lays out ethical guidelines that shape daily life, focusing here on respect for others’ property and truthfulness in relationships.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 19:11

• The word for "steal" is גָּנַב (ganav, H1589), which means to take something that does not belong to you. This covers all forms of theft, not just obvious stealing but also more subtle ways of taking what is not yours.
• The word translated "falsely" is כָּחַשׁ (kachash, H3584), which often means to deceive or act untruthfully. It highlights that dishonesty can go beyond just spoken lies and can include misleading actions or false dealings.
• The word for "lie" is שָׁקַר (shakar, H8266), which specifically refers to speaking what is not true. This word focuses on direct falsehoods told to another person.
• The phrase "one to another" uses two different words: אִישׁ (ish, H376) for "one" and עָמִית (amit, H5997) for "another," emphasizing that these commands are about how people treat each other within the community, not just in a general sense.

Why Leviticus 19:11 matters

• Leviticus 19:11 makes clear that honesty is not just about avoiding outright theft, but also about avoiding any kind of deception or falsehood in dealings with others.
• This verse fits into a larger section where God calls His people to be holy by treating each other with fairness and respect, showing that ethical behavior is central to community life.
• The use of specific Hebrew words for both actions and relationships highlights that these commands are practical and relational, shaping not just legal matters but everyday interactions among neighbors.