Amelia Wilson 
Read the Bible Verse of the Day – Deuteronomy 5:19 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Deuteronomy 5:19 KJV
The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible. It is part of the Old Testament and one of the five books of Moses. The word “Deuteronomy” means “second law.” It is called this because Moses repeats and explains the law that God gave to Israel earlier at Mount Sinai. This happens before the people of Israel enter the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy 5 is part of a speech Moses gives to the people. He reminds them of the Ten Commandments. These commandments were first given in Exodus 20. Moses reminds the people that God spoke these words to them directly from Mount Horeb (another name for Sinai). He tells the new generation of Israelites what God had told their parents, so they would also know and obey.
Deuteronomy 5:19 is part of the Ten Commandments. It is the eighth commandment. This commandment is very short but very important. It says, “Neither shalt thou steal.” These words are simple, but they carry deep meaning.
Deuteronomy 5:19 (KJV)
“Neither shalt thou steal.”
Word by Word Breakdown
“Neither” – This word connects the commandment to the previous ones. It shows that it is part of a list of things God commands His people not to do.
“Shalt thou” – This is old-style English. It means “you shall” in modern language.
“Steal” – To steal means to take something that does not belong to you. It means to take it without permission and without the intention of giving it back.
Deuteronomy 5:19 Meaning
This verse clearly teaches that stealing is wrong. It is a sin against God and also a sin against other people. God gave this commandment because He wants His people to live in a just and fair society. When people steal, they hurt others. They break trust and bring disorder into the community.
In the time of the Israelites, stealing could include many things. It could mean taking someone’s livestock, food, property, or even people. In fact, stealing a person (what we would call kidnapping today) was a very serious crime. It was punishable by death.
This commandment also teaches us about the character of God. God is holy, and He wants His people to live holy lives. God respects personal ownership and teaches us to respect what belongs to others. When we steal, we act in a way that is opposite to God’s nature.
Jesus also spoke about stealing in the New Testament. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” This shows that stealing is connected to destruction and evil. But Jesus came to bring life. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be honest and to respect others.
The Apostle Paul also spoke about stealing. In Ephesians 4:28, he said, “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” This shows that the opposite of stealing is working hard and giving to others.
Deuteronomy 5:19 Application in Life
1. Personal Integrity
As Christians, we are called to live with honesty. That means we should not take what is not ours, whether big or small. This includes physical items, but also ideas, money, and time. For example, copying someone else’s schoolwork or taking extra time at work without permission can be forms of stealing.
Living with integrity means we honor God by being truthful and fair. People will trust us more when we are honest. We will also feel peace in our hearts when we do what is right.
2. Respecting Others’ Property
The commandment “Thou shalt not steal” reminds us to respect what belongs to others. This applies at home, at work, and in public. If we borrow something, we should return it. If we damage someone’s property, we should make it right.
Respecting others’ property also means not being jealous or greedy. It means being thankful for what we have and not trying to take what belongs to others.
3. Trust in God’s Provision
Sometimes people steal because they feel they do not have enough. But this commandment teaches us to trust in God’s provision. God knows our needs, and He is able to provide. When we are tempted to take something that is not ours, we should stop and pray. We can ask God to help us be content and to provide what we need in His way and His time.
Philippians 4:19 says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” When we believe this, we will not feel the need to steal.
4. Teaching Others
Parents and teachers have a special role in teaching children the importance of honesty. When children are taught not to steal, they grow up to be responsible adults. We can teach through words and also by example. When we live honestly, others will see and learn.
5. Supporting Justice
As Christians, we are called to support justice in our communities. This means we should not support or stay silent when we see others stealing or being dishonest. We should speak up for what is right and help those who are victims of theft or injustice.
Supporting justice also includes forgiving others. Sometimes we may be the ones who were stolen from. While it is right to seek justice, it is also good to forgive and trust God to deal with the wrong.
6. Living Generously
Instead of taking from others, we should give. Giving is the opposite of stealing. When we give to others, especially those in need, we show the love of God. We also break the power of greed and selfishness.
Proverbs 11:25 says, “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” When we give, God blesses us in return.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 5:19 is a short verse, but it has a powerful message. “Neither shalt thou steal” is a commandment from God that teaches us to live honestly and to respect others. It is a foundation for a healthy and just society.
This commandment is not just about taking objects. It is about the heart. God wants us to be people of truth, fairness, and kindness. When we live this way, we reflect His image to the world.
Let us choose to follow God’s command. Let us live with honesty, work hard, be content, and give generously. In doing so, we honor God and bless others.
If you have stolen in the past, know that God is willing to forgive. You can confess your sin and ask for His help to change. Through Jesus Christ, we can be made new and live a life that pleases God.
May we all take this command to heart and walk in God’s ways, knowing that He blesses those who follow His word.
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