The 10 Commandments are God’s laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai. These rules were written by the finger of God on stone tablets (Exodus 31:18). They help us know how to love God and how to treat others.
These commandments appear in two main places in the Bible:
- Exodus 20:1–17
- Deuteronomy 5:6–21
Below are the 10 Commandments in the order given in Exodus 20.
1. You Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” — Exodus 20:3
God wants to be our first and only God. He does not want us to worship idols, money, fame, or anything else above Him.
2. You Shall Not Make Idols
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image... you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.” — Exodus 20:4-5
We must not worship statues, images, or anything man-made. God is Spirit (John 4:24), and He wants us to worship Him in truth.
3. You Shall Not Take the Name of the Lord in Vain
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.” — Exodus 20:7
God’s name is holy. Using it carelessly or as a curse word shows disrespect. We should speak His name with reverence.
4. Remember the Sabbath Day, to Keep It Holy
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” — Exodus 20:8
God rested on the seventh day after creation (Genesis 2:2-3). He wants us to rest and honor Him one day each week.
5. Honor Your Father and Your Mother
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long...” — Exodus 20:12
Respecting parents is important. This is the first commandment with a promise—long life and well-being.
6. You Shall Not Murder
“You shall not murder.” — Exodus 20:13
Human life is sacred. God tells us not to harm or kill others. Jesus even said anger in the heart can be like murder (Matthew 5:21-22).
7. You Shall Not Commit Adultery
“You shall not commit adultery.” — Exodus 20:14
God created marriage to be a holy union. Being unfaithful breaks trust and causes harm. Jesus also said that lust is a form of adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:27-28).
8. You Shall Not Steal
“You shall not steal.” — Exodus 20:15
Taking what isn’t ours shows selfishness. God wants us to respect others’ belongings and be content with what we have.
9. You Shall Not Bear False Witness
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” — Exodus 20:16
Lying or spreading false stories hurts people. God values truth and wants us to speak honestly about others.
10. You Shall Not Covet
“You shall not covet... anything that is your neighbor’s.” — Exodus 20:17
Wanting what others have leads to jealousy and discontent. God wants us to be thankful for what He gives us.
Summary Table
| Commandment | Bible Reference | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| No other gods | Exodus 20:3 | Worship God alone |
| No idols | Exodus 20:4-5 | Don’t worship images |
| Don’t misuse God’s name | Exodus 20:7 | Honor God's name |
| Keep the Sabbath holy | Exodus 20:8 | Rest and remember God |
| Honor your parents | Exodus 20:12 | Respect authority |
| Do not murder | Exodus 20:13 | Value life |
| Do not commit adultery | Exodus 20:14 | Be faithful in marriage |
| Do not steal | Exodus 20:15 | Respect others’ property |
| Do not lie | Exodus 20:16 | Be truthful |
| Do not covet | Exodus 20:17 | Be content |
Jesus summed up these commandments in two laws:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart... and love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 22:37–39
