1 And God spake all these words, saying,…
16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
— Exodus 20:1,16 (KJV)
What is the meaning of “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
The Ninth Commandment, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor,” is a significant moral and ethical injunction found in the Bible. This commandment appears in both Exodus 20:16 and Deuteronomy 5:20 as part of the Decalogue or the Ten Commandments, which are foundational to the ethical and moral laws of Judaism and Christianity.
Meaning and Context
The primary meaning of this commandment is to prohibit lying or giving false testimony, especially in a legal context where it could lead to injustice or harm to others. The commandment underscores the importance of truthfulness and integrity in one’s interactions, particularly in matters of justice.
In a broader sense, “bearing false witness” can extend beyond the legal framework to include any form of lying or deceit towards others. The Bible emphasizes honesty and truth as essential virtues, reflecting God’s own nature as truthful and faithful.
Relevant Bible Verses
- Exodus 20:16 – “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
- Deuteronomy 5:20 – “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
These verses explicitly state the commandment as part of the larger legal and moral framework given to Moses on Mount Sinai.
Beyond the direct mentions, several other verses and passages in the Bible emphasize the importance of truthfulness:
- Proverbs 6:16-19 – Lists “a lying tongue” and “a false witness who pours out lies” as among the things the Lord hates.
- Proverbs 12:22 – “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”
- Ephesians 4:25 – “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”
Broader Biblical Context
The broader biblical narrative often shows the consequences of lying and deceit. For instance, the story of Ahab and Naboth (1 Kings 21) illustrates the misuse of false testimony leading to Naboth’s unjust execution, highlighting the societal and personal devastation that can result from violating this commandment.
Contemporary Relevance
In modern contexts, this commandment reminds individuals and societies about the foundational role of truth in establishing and maintaining justice and trust. It serves as a call to honesty in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to public duties.
In conclusion, the Ninth Commandment’s prohibition against bearing false witness is a cornerstone for promoting a just and truthful society. It calls for integrity in both words and actions, reflecting a divine mandate that values truth and justice.
Where does False Witness come from?
16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant.
Where did the Ninth Commandment come from?
After God (using Moses) liberated His people from slavery in Egypt, God instructed them on how to live as a society under His rule. God, in a thick cloud from the top of Mount Sinai, spoke as a loud trumpet His laws so that Israelite people would know how to not sin, how to love God, and love their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:37-40).
These laws are called the Ten Commandments or the Law of Liberty (liberty from sin). But did these commandments exist before then? Learn more about the Ten Commandments.
Related Questions:
- What are white lies?
- Are white lies a sin?
- Is “lying by omission” a sin?
- If you mislead someone is that lying?
- If you lie to save someone, is that a sin?
- If you lie to no one but yourself, is that a sin?
- Do lies always hurt someone else?
- Can God lie?
- Has God ever lied?
- Is exaggerating lying?
- Is joking or telling a joke lying?
- If you say you will do something but don’t is that lying?
- If you pass something off as fake is that lying?
Our Adventist Life is a dedicated online evangelist and mother of two, deeply rooted in her Seventh-day Adventist faith. With over 15 years of experience in creating and optimizing digital content, she brings a unique blend of professional expertise and spiritual insight to her work. Her passion lies in exploring Biblical truths and their practical applications in daily living, self-care, and family nurturing. Through her writing, she aims to inspire and guide her readers toward a more fulfilling Christian lifestyle, drawing from her own experiences as a parent and a follower of Christ. Her thoughtful and engaging content reflects her commitment to sharing the love and wisdom found in the Scriptures with a modern audience living in the end times.