This mitzvah commands that a Jew must not desire another’s property to the point of actively pursuing acquisition — persuading, pressuring, or scheming until the owner agrees to sell or give it (Rambam, Sefer HaMitzvos Lo Ta’aseh 266; Hilchos Gezeilah 1:9–10).

The Torah here addresses machshavah ha’ra’ah — desire that becomes strategic pursuit. Even if payment is offered and full financial exchange occurs, the act remains prohibited because the origin is a corrupt desire (Tanchuma Va’eschanan 10).

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 38) explains: Hashem grants each Jew a unique lot. When a person covets, he silently declares:

“Hashem, You misallocated blessing.”
This erodes both emunah and shalom — the foundations of Jewish society.

Chazal describe ta'avah as planting seeds of robbery (Avos d’Rebbi Nosson 2:10). The Torah therefore uproots covetous scheming before it becomes theft.

Commentary & Classical Explanation

• Rambam — Hilchos Gezeilah 1:9–10
  Defines lo sachmod as pressuring to sell or give until success occurs — even with money exchanged.
• Sefer HaMitzvos (Lo Ta’aseh 266)
  Prohibits not only desire but arrangements made to acquire the desired item.
• Talmud — Sanhedrin 25a
  Coveting leads to gezailah; therefore Torah cuts off the sin at its root.
• Talmud — Makos 23b–24a
  Lists this among the Ten Commandments foundational laws — guarding the purity of heart.
• Sefer HaChinuch 38
  The purpose is cultivating bitachon that one’s portion is Divinely designated.
• Rashi — Shemos 20:14
  Explains lo sachmod applies when action is taken based on desire.
• Ramban ad loc.
  Root corruption here is inner craving weaponized into manipulation.

Contrast with Mitzvah 477 (Not to desire another’s possession)

• Mitzvah 476 (Lo Sachmod) — desire + action + pursuit
  → Leads to pressuring or scheming to obtain it
• Mitzvah 477 (Lo Sisaveh) — desire alone
  → Purely internal craving (Hilchos Gezeilah 1:10)

Like illness vs. symptom:
Lo Sisaveh is the spark; Lo Sachmod is the fire.

Parallel with Mitzvah 475 (Not to withhold wages or fail to repay a debt)

• Both protect property rights and prevent economic coercion.
  Both affirm that ownership is a halachic boundary not subject to manipulation.