Which commandment forbids coveting a neighbor's spouse?

Which commandment forbids coveting a neighbor's spouse?

• A. Adultery
• B. Covet People
• C. Steal
• D. Lie

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is coveting—the right attitude of longing for what belongs to someone else. Not coveting a neighbor’s spouse focuses on the inward desire toward other people, including their husband or wife. That inner posture is what the commandment aims to shape, guarding relationships and community from envy and misuse of others. The best choice uses language that directly expresses desiring another person, which matches the idea of coveting a neighbor’s spouse. Adultery describes the act of having inappropriate sexual relations, which can flow from coveting but is a separate behavior the law also condemns. Stealing and lying are different kinds of violations entirely—taking what isn’t yours and false testimony—so they don’t capture the specific forbidden inner desire toward a neighbor’s spouse.

The concept being tested is coveting—the right attitude of longing for what belongs to someone else. Not coveting a neighbor’s spouse focuses on the inward desire toward other people, including their husband or wife. That inner posture is what the commandment aims to shape, guarding relationships and community from envy and misuse of others.

The best choice uses language that directly expresses desiring another person, which matches the idea of coveting a neighbor’s spouse. Adultery describes the act of having inappropriate sexual relations, which can flow from coveting but is a separate behavior the law also condemns. Stealing and lying are different kinds of violations entirely—taking what isn’t yours and false testimony—so they don’t capture the specific forbidden inner desire toward a neighbor’s spouse.