📜 The 10 Commandments — With Commentary
📖 Click on the verse title to see the interpretation or open it in the Bible.
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I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
You shall have no other gods before Me.
Exodus 20:2–3
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You shall not make for yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God,
visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me,
but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments.
Exodus 20:4–6
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You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain,
for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
Exodus 20:7
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Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work,
but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.
On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant,
or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.
For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day.
Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
Exodus 20:8–11
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Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Exodus 20:12
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You shall not murder.
Exodus 20:13
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You shall not commit adultery.
Exodus 20:14
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You shall not steal.
Exodus 20:15
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You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Exodus 20:16
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You shall not covet your neighbor’s house;
you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant,
or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.
Exodus 20:17
Commandment 1 — Interpretation
“I am the Lord your God…” — This is a reminder of God’s personal relationship with His people. He is not a distant deity, but the one who rescued them from slavery and established a covenant with them.
“Who brought you out of the land of Egypt…” — This refers to the historical deliverance of Israel from physical bondage, which also symbolizes God’s power to free people from sin and spiritual slavery.
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” — This is a call to absolute loyalty. God demands exclusive worship. No person, object, ideology, or desire should take His place in one’s heart.
This commandment is foundational — it sets the tone for all the others. True worship begins with recognizing and honoring the one true God above all else.
Commandment 2 — Interpretation
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image…” — This warns against creating any physical representation of God. No image can truly capture His glory.
“You shall not bow down to them or serve them…” — God desires worship in spirit and truth, not through man-made idols or icons.
“I the Lord your God am a jealous God…” — God’s jealousy is rooted in love. He seeks undivided devotion.
“Visiting the iniquity…” — This warns that sin affects generations, but God’s mercy extends to thousands who love Him.
Commandment 3 — Interpretation
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” — God’s name represents His character, authority, and holiness. Using it casually, disrespectfully, or deceitfully dishonors Him.
This command reminds us to speak of God with reverence and to live in a way that honors His name in our words, promises, and behavior.
Commandment 4 — Interpretation
“Remember the Sabbath day…” — The Sabbath is a gift of rest and spiritual renewal. God calls His people to pause from work and focus on Him.
It reflects God’s own rhythm of creation and rest. Honoring the Sabbath is an act of trust, showing that life does not depend on endless labor but on God's provision.
Commandment 5 — Interpretation
“Honor your father and your mother…” — Respect for parents is foundational to a healthy society. It reflects a heart that values authority, wisdom, and heritage.
This commandment includes not only obedience in youth but also care and honor throughout life.
Commandment 6 — Interpretation
“You shall not murder.” — Life is sacred because every person is made in the image of God. This command protects the dignity and value of human life.
It calls us to reject hatred, violence, and anything that destroys the peace and well-being of others.
Commandment 7 — Interpretation
“You shall not commit adultery.” — This command protects the sacred covenant of marriage. Faithfulness reflects God’s own loyalty to His people.
It calls for purity, trust, and love within relationships, and warns against betrayal and broken commitments.
Commandment 8 — Interpretation
“You shall not steal.” — This command defends the right to personal property and promotes honesty, trust, and fairness.
It reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God and that we are called to live with integrity in all our dealings.
Commandment 9 — Interpretation
“You shall not bear false witness…” — Truth is essential to justice and community. This commandment protects against slander, lies, and deceit.
It calls us to speak with honesty, build trust, and protect the reputation of others.
Commandment 10 — Interpretation
“You shall not covet…” — This command speaks to the desires of the heart. Coveting leads to jealousy, resentment, and often to other sins.
God invites us to live with contentment and gratitude, trusting Him for our needs rather than longing for what belongs to others.