Exodus 20:14 - Desire corrupts the soul.

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Hebrew Text

לֹא תַחְמֹד בֵּית רֵעֶךָ לֹא־תַחְמֹד אֵשֶׁת רֵעֶךָ וְעַבְדּוֹ וַאֲמָתוֹ וְשׁוֹרוֹ וַחֲמֹרוֹ וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר לְרֵעֶךָ׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbour’s.

Transliteration

Lo tachmod beit re'echa, lo-tachmod eshet re'echa, ve'avdo va'amato ve'shoro va'chamoro ve'chol asher le're'echa.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹ֥א תַחְמֹ֖ד בֵּ֣ית רֵעֶ֑ךָ {ס} לֹֽא־תַחְמֹ֞ד אֵ֣שֶׁת רֵעֶ֗ךָ וְעַבְדּ֤וֹ וַאֲמָתוֹ֙ וְשׁוֹר֣וֹ וַחֲמֹר֔וֹ וְכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְרֵעֶֽךָ׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

The Prohibition of Coveting in the Ten Commandments

The verse (Shemot 20:14) prohibits coveting another person's possessions, including their spouse, servants, livestock, or any other belongings. This commandment is unique among the Aseret HaDibrot (Ten Commandments) as it addresses internal desires rather than outward actions.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "לא תחמוד" (lo tachmod) refers to actively scheming to acquire another's property through pressure or manipulation, even if one does not ultimately take it. He emphasizes that the prohibition extends beyond mere desire to include any attempt to obtain what belongs to another.

Rambam's Perspective in Mishneh Torah

In Hilchot Gezeilah (1:9-10), the Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that coveting leads to theft and other transgressions. He states that one violates this prohibition by persistently pressuring a neighbor to sell a desired item, even if offering a high price. The Rambam connects this mitzvah to the broader ethical principle of being content with one's portion.

Talmudic Insights

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 107a) discusses how coveting can lead to more severe sins. The Sages teach that improper desire for what belongs to others disrupts social harmony and can cause a person to transgress multiple commandments.

Ibn Ezra's Psychological Approach

Ibn Ezra offers a profound insight: one should train oneself to recognize that all possessions are ultimately from Hashem, and what one has is precisely what they are meant to have. He suggests that cultivating this mindset prevents covetous thoughts from taking root.

Practical Applications from Halacha

The prohibition applies equally to men and women regarding coveting another's spouse
Includes not only physical possessions but also professional opportunities or honors that belong to others
Extends to digital or intellectual property in modern applications
Requires developing gratitude for one's own blessings as an antidote to coveting

Chassidic Perspective

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov teaches that coveting stems from a lack of bitachon (trust in Hashem). When one truly believes that Hashem provides exactly what they need, the desire for others' possessions diminishes.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Makkot 23b-24a

The verse is discussed in the context of the 613 commandments, where the Talmud explores the significance and implications of the prohibition against coveting.

📖 Sanhedrin 86a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of coveting and its relation to other commandments.

📖 Avodah Zarah 20a

The verse is cited in a discussion about the boundaries of desire and the ethical implications of coveting another's possessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Thou shalt not covet' mean in Exodus 20:14?
A: The commandment 'Thou shalt not covet' (לֹא תַחְמֹד) prohibits desiring or longing for anything that belongs to another person, whether it's their possessions, spouse, or any other aspect of their life. Rashi explains that coveting leads to wrongful actions, as desire can drive a person to steal or harm others to obtain what isn't theirs.

Q: Why is the prohibition against coveting important in Judaism?
A: Coveting is considered a root cause of many sins, as it can lead to theft, adultery, and other violations of the Torah. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that contentment and gratitude are essential virtues, and coveting disrupts inner peace and societal harmony. The Talmud (Sotah 9a) also warns that envy can 'take a person out of the world,' meaning it destroys happiness and spiritual well-being.

Q: How can we avoid coveting what others have?
A: Jewish tradition emphasizes cultivating gratitude (hakarat hatov) and recognizing that everything comes from Hashem. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 34:1) teaches that a person who is satisfied with their portion in life is truly rich. Practically, focusing on one's own blessings and avoiding comparisons helps prevent covetous thoughts.

Q: Does 'Thou shalt not covet' apply to intangible things like someone's success or talents?
A: Yes, the prohibition extends beyond physical possessions to include intangible blessings like success, honor, or skills. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 416) explains that coveting any aspect of another person's life—whether material or spiritual—violates this commandment. Instead, one should strive for self-improvement without resentment toward others.

Q: How does this commandment apply in today's world with social media and materialism?
A: In modern times, social media often amplifies envy by showcasing others' curated lives. Jewish ethics (as discussed in Mesillat Yesharim) advise limiting exposure to such influences and focusing on personal growth. The Chofetz Chaim taught that true happiness comes from appreciating one's own unique path and avoiding the trap of comparing oneself to others.