Glossary Definition:

The Ten Commandments

« Return to Main Glossary

The Ten Commandments are God’s moral law, given to Israel at Sinai, revealing His holy standard and guiding His people in love for Him and others.

The Ten Commandments, also called the Decalogue, are found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. They were spoken by God Himself and written on tablets of stone, showing their permanence and authority. Far more than ancient rules, these commands reveal God’s will and character. They teach us how to live in relationship with Him and with one another.

1. The First Table Of The Law

The first four commandments focus on loving God:

  • No other gods (Exodus 20:3)
  • No idols (Exodus 20:4–6)
  • Do not misuse God’s name (Exodus 20:7)
  • Keep the Sabbath day holy (Exodus 20:8–11)

These commands call us to worship God alone, honor Him rightly, and set apart time for His glory. They show that devotion to God is the foundation of all obedience.

2. The Second Table Of The Law

The last six commandments focus on loving others:

  • Honor your father and mother (Exodus 20:12)
  • Do not murder (Exodus 20:13)
  • Do not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14)
  • Do not steal (Exodus 20:15)
  • Do not bear false witness (Exodus 20:16)
  • Do not covet (Exodus 20:17)

These commands shape society by protecting life, family, property, truth, and contentment. They show that love for neighbor flows out of love for God.

3. The Law’s Purpose

The Ten Commandments reveal sin and point us to Christ. Paul writes, “If it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin” (Romans 7:7). The law shows us our failure and our need for a Savior. Jesus, the true Law-keeper, fulfilled the law perfectly (Matthew 5:17).

4. The Law And The Gospel

The Ten Commandments do not save us but direct us. They drive us to Christ for forgiveness and then guide us in gratitude. Saved by grace, believers delight in the law and walk in obedience by the Spirit’s power (Romans 8:3–4).

Why This Matters

The Ten Commandments remain relevant today. They are not outdated or optional but timeless reflections of God’s holiness. They remind us that God cares about how we worship Him and how we treat others. Jesus summed them up in two great commands: love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–40). The Ten Commandments are a mirror to reveal sin, a map to guide life, and a mentor to point us to Christ.

Faith Lesson

Treasure God’s law. Read the Ten Commandments with humility, confessing where you fall short, and with gratitude, rejoicing that Christ has fulfilled them for you. Then, by the Spirit’s help, live in obedience as an expression of love for God and neighbor.

« Return to Main Glossary