What Are the Ten Commandments of God?

The Ten Commandments are laws that God gave to the ancient nation of Israel.  These laws are also known as the Ten Words, which is a literal translation of the Hebrew expression  'ase'reth'had-deva-rim', This expression occurs three times in the Pentateuch (Tora), the first five books of the Bible.  (Exodus 34:28'; Deuteronomy 10:4) The equivalent expression in Greek, de'ka (Ten) lo'gous (words), gave rise to the term "Decalogue." 

God inscribed  the Ten Commandments on two stone tablets and gave them to his prophet Moses on Mount Sinai.  (Exodus 24:12-18)  The Ten Commandments are listed at Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21) 

List of the Ten Commandments 

1. Worship the Lord thy God only -Exodus 20:3.

2. Do not practice Idolatry. -Exodus 20:4-6.

3. Do not take up God's name in vain/worthless way. - Exodus 20:7.

4. Keep the Sabbath. -Exodus 20:8-11.

5. Honor your parents. -Exodus 20:12.

6. Do not murder. - Exodus  20:13.

7. Do not commit adultery. -Exodus 20:14.

8. Do not steal. - Exodus 20:15.

9. Do not testify falsely. - Exodus 20:16.

10. Do not covet your neighbor's wife. -Exodus 20:17. 

Why do lists of the Ten Commandments differ?

The Bible does not assign a number to each commandment.  Consequently, opinions differ on how the commandments should be arranged.  The list above is a common arrangement  of these laws. However, some list the Ten Commandments differently.  The differences in grouping involve the first, second, and last commandments.   

Note: However, the Bible says that the 1st commandment should be to love Jehovah God with all your heart, soul, and mind, Then the next, he says,you  should  love your neighbor as you love yourself.  I can't remember which book it is in offhand, but I have read the Bible enough to know  and remember that much. Jehovah says that we all need to go by this every day of our lives. 

Next time: What Are the Ten Commandments of God? - What Was the Purpose of the Ten Commandments?

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