Ten Commandments with Christian Context
Explore each of the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 with parallel Bible and New Testament references, doctrinal principles, and modern application for Christians.
What Are the Ten Commandments?
The Ten Commandments -- called 'Aseret HaDibrot' in Hebrew, meaning 'Ten Statements' or 'Ten Words' -- are the foundational moral law given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. Most English speakers know them as commandments, but the Hebrew term 'dibrot' (from the root d-b-r, meaning 'to speak') frames them as divine declarations rather than mere prohibitions. This distinction matters: several of the statements read more like covenant promises about what God's people will naturally become than legalistic rules they must grudgingly follow.
For Christians, the Ten Commandments hold a distinctive place in the biblical narrative. They appear not only in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 but are echoed throughout the Bible, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Christian tradition has consistently taught that these ancient laws remain fully binding and deeply relevant. Understanding them in their original Hebrew context reveals layers of meaning that a surface reading of the English translation can miss.
Gospel Daily's Ten Commandments tool presents each commandment alongside its Exodus and Deuteronomy renderings and New Testament references. Each commandment includes a doctrinal principle explaining its deeper spiritual significance and a modern application section that connects the ancient law to daily life. You can compare how the Exodus and Deuteronomy versions differ, which itself reveals important insights about how God's people understood covenant law over time.
Whether you are preparing a Sunday School lesson, studying for personal devotion, or teaching your family about these foundational laws, this tool gives you a comprehensive view of each commandment that goes far beyond what a simple list can offer. The Hebrew meanings reveal that 'thou shalt not kill' uses the word 'ratsach' (murder), not the broader term for taking life, and that 'thou shalt not covet' uses 'chamad,' a word that implies actively scheming to possess what belongs to another.
How It Works
Browse all ten commandments
See each commandment displayed with its number, title, and the underlying principle. Expand any commandment to study it in depth.
Compare scripture sources
View the Exodus 20 text alongside Deuteronomy 5, Bible parallels, and New Testament references for each commandment.
Apply to modern life
Read the doctrinal principle and modern application for each commandment, connecting ancient covenant law to your daily discipleship.
Key Features
Hebrew Word Analysis
Understand the original Hebrew meanings and key words that English translations cannot fully capture.
Cross-Volume References
Every commandment includes parallel passages from the Bible and New Testament, showing how these laws echo across all scripture.
Exodus and Deuteronomy Comparison
Compare the two biblical renderings of the Ten Commandments side by side and discover meaningful differences between them.
Modern Application
Each commandment includes a doctrinal principle and practical modern application grounded in Christian teaching.
A real sample from the Fifth Commandment:
Honour thy father and thy mother
Exodus 20:12 — Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
New Testament Reference
Matthew 19:19 — Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Doctrinal Principle
Respect and care for your parents -- the first commandment with a promise.
Modern Application
Honoring parents extends to caring for aging family members, maintaining family relationships, and passing gospel teachings to the next generation. The family is central to God's plan, and this commandment underpins that eternal structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Ten Commandments in order?
The Ten Commandments from Exodus 20 are: (1) Thou shalt have no other gods before me, (2) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, (3) Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, (4) Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy, (5) Honour thy father and thy mother, (6) Thou shalt not kill, (7) Thou shalt not commit adultery, (8) Thou shalt not steal, (9) Thou shalt not bear false witness, (10) Thou shalt not covet.
What is the significance of the Hebrew meaning?
In Hebrew, the Ten Commandments are called 'Aseret HaDibrot,' meaning 'Ten Statements' or 'Ten Words,' not commandments. This distinction is significant because several are framed as covenant declarations rather than prohibitions. The Hebrew meanings reveal nuances lost in English -- for example, 'kill' translates 'ratsach,' which specifically means murder, and 'covet' translates 'chamad,' which implies actively scheming to acquire.
Are the Ten Commandments in the Bible?
Yes. The Ten Commandments are referenced and taught throughout the Bible. Jesus restates and deepens their principles in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), and the apostle Paul references them in his epistles (Romans 13:9). Gospel Daily's tool links each commandment to its New Testament parallels.
How do Christians view the Ten Commandments?
Christians believe the Ten Commandments are the revealed word of God and remain foundational to the moral law. Christian tradition has consistently taught that these laws are not merely ancient prohibitions but eternal principles rooted in God's nature. Jesus affirmed and deepened their application in the Sermon on the Mount, and they remain central to Christian ethics.
Why are the Ten Commandments different in Exodus and Deuteronomy?
Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 both contain the Ten Commandments, but with notable differences. For example, Exodus says to 'remember' the Sabbath while Deuteronomy says to 'keep' it, and Deuteronomy adds humanitarian reasons for the Sabbath rest. These variations reflect Moses restating the law to a new generation before entering the promised land, and studying both versions together enriches understanding of each commandment.
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