Catholic Public Domain Version
Deuteronomy 5:21
“You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his house, nor his field, nor his man servant, nor his woman servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything out of all that is his.'”
Verse Explanation
A saved explanation for Deuteronomy 5:21.
Plain-language explanation
Deuteronomy 5:21 teaches that God wants our hearts to be clean. It forbids coveting—craving what belongs to someone else—and lists many things (a neighbor’s wife, home, land, servants, animals, and everything else). In short: don’t let envy or selfish desire grow into wanting what is not yours.
Catholic context
Many Catholics understand this command as guarding both relationships and inner freedom. Coveting harms charity and distorts love—because it trains the heart to see other people’s blessings as “owed” to us. This command fits with the moral life the Church calls us to: we are to be grateful, practice justice, and desire good for others, not just avoid obvious wrongs.
Historical background
In Israel’s covenant life, these commandments protected the community. Property and family life were central to stability, and the household was more than just a home—it included responsibilities, work, and relationships. By listing both family and livelihood (wife, house, field, servants, animals), the verse shows that God’s law reaches beyond outward actions to the desires behind them.
Reflection
A helpful way to read this verse is to ask: “What do I secretly envy?” Sometimes coveting begins quietly—thinking, “Why not me?” or “If I had that, I’d be happier.” God’s command invites us to replace envy with gratitude and to seek our needs in a way that respects others’ rights and dignity.
Practical takeaway
When you notice envy:
- Name it honestly (“I’m wanting what isn’t mine”).
- Redirect your desire: pray for the neighbor and thank God for what others have.
- Choose a concrete good step (work with integrity, save responsibly, or set goals that are truly yours).
Prayer
Lord, keep my heart from envy and coveting. Teach me to be grateful for Your gifts and to respect what belongs to others. Let my desires become honest, generous, and peaceful, so that I may love You with my whole heart and love my neighbor as myself. Amen.