What does Exodus 20:16 mean?

This is the ninth of the famous Ten Commandments (Exodus 19:5–6; 20:1). These rules formed the foundation of God's covenant with ancient Israel (2 Chronicles 5:10). Basic laws defined relationships with the Lord (Exodus 20:2–11). The rest covered living with other people (Exodus 20:12–15, 17). Modern culture often paraphrases this commandment as "do not lie." In one sense, the instruction is much narrower. In another sense, it prohibits much more than it seems.

In Hebrew, the law is phrased as lō' taaneh' b rē'a kā' ēd' sāqer. The root word 'anah refers to answering or testifying. "Witness" comes from the root word ēd. Sāqer refers to lies of falsehood. This is why modern translations render the verse as "You shall not bear false witness," or "do not give false testimony." As written, this commandment is specifically about perjury: lying during a legal investigation. Eyewitness testimony was even more crucial (Deuteronomy 19:15, 18) in a world without videos, photographs, fingerprints, or other modern types of evidence.

God routinely condemns other forms of deceit (Leviticus 19:11; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 5:6; 101:7). However, this raises the question of deception in general. Israelite midwives famously lied to protect newborn children (Exodus 1:16–19) and were blessed by God (Exodus 1:20–21). Rahab lied to protect Hebrew spies (Joshua 2:4–7). David pretended to be insane so Philistine enemies would leave him alone (1 Samuel 21:13). Scripture never overtly praises such instances, but the acts result in positive outcomes and are not condemned.

This question even extends to murkier forms of deception. Soldiers use camouflage, which "lies" to the enemy by falsely appearing as background colors. Armies use feints—false attacks used to confuse or distract—as do warriors (Psalm 144:1). Athletes also use deceptive movements, trick plays, and so forth. Clothes and makeup often conceal the perceived flaws in our appearance, pretending they are not there. Valuables are sometimes hidden in false books or walls. Are these outlawed by the ninth commandment?

A commonly posed dilemma touches on this issue. If you're hiding innocent refugees in your home, and soldiers of a murderous regime arrive, and those soldiers ask you if there are refugees there, what do you do? Is the right response to lie, saying they are not there? Or to tell the truth? Or to simply say nothing? Christians debate the most appropriate choice. Should we treat deception like homicide: sinful in most situations (Exodus 20:13) but moral in others (Exodus 21:12, 15; Leviticus 24:21; Joshua 10:10; 1 Samuel 15:3)? These debates indicate that forbidding "bear[ing] false witness" is not simplistic.

God's Word delivers a clear mandate to favor honesty over deception (Proverbs 6:16–17; 30:8; Colossians 3:9) and truth over falsehood (Psalm 15:2; 51:6; Proverbs 13:5). Lies and deceit cannot be common tools in the life of a godly person (Exodus 23:7; Ephesians 4:25; Revelation 21:8). Setting aside things like camouflage and sports, the vast majority of "lies" are obviously illicit. Almost every lie is an attempt to escape consequences or take advantage of others. Even those who think extreme situations may justify lying should recognize the Lord's intense emphasis on honesty.