The Ten Commandments
God's moral law given to Moses on Mount Sinai.
Key Takeaways
- The Ten Commandments were given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai
- The first four commandments address our relationship with God
- The last six commandments address our relationships with others
- Jesus summarized the commandments as loving God and loving neighbor
- Bible Way's study tools help you understand and apply these timeless truths
Understanding The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments, also called the Decalogue (Greek for "ten words"), are the foundational moral laws God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. Written by God's own finger on two stone tablets, these commandments establish the terms of Israel's covenant relationship with God and provide a timeless moral framework that has shaped civilization.
The commandments are traditionally divided into two sections: duties toward God (commandments 1-4) and duties toward neighbor (commandments 5-10). Jesus summarized them as loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law for salvation, the Ten Commandments reveal God's moral character and remain relevant for Christian ethics.
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Books in The Ten Commandments
Exodus 20
The first giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai shortly after the Exodus.
Key Events:
- God Descends on Sinai
- Commands Given
- People Fear
- Covenant Established
Deuteronomy 5
Moses restates the Ten Commandments to the new generation before entering Canaan.
Key Events:
- Moses Reviews Covenant
- Commands Repeated
- Heart Obedience Urged
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Ten Commandments?
1. No other gods before Me. 2. No idols. 3. Don't misuse God's name. 4. Remember the Sabbath. 5. Honor your parents. 6. Don't murder. 7. Don't commit adultery. 8. Don't steal. 9. Don't bear false witness. 10. Don't covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)
Are Christians still under the Ten Commandments?
Christians are not under the Mosaic Law for salvation—we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, nine of the ten commandments are repeated in the New Testament as moral principles (Sabbath observance is the exception, as it was a sign specifically for Israel). The commandments reveal God's moral character and guide Christian living.
How did Jesus relate to the Ten Commandments?
Jesus said He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). In the Sermon on the Mount, He deepened the commandments by addressing heart attitudes, not just external actions. He also summarized the commandments as loving God wholeheartedly and loving neighbor as self (Matthew 22:37-40).
Key Information
Key Themes
God's Holiness
Covenant Relationship
Love for God
Love for Neighbor
Moral Foundation
Heart Obedience
External Resources
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