Notes on The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments: The Old Law

These notes summarize the Ten Commandments, providing their meaning and biblical references, as presented in Saint Mary's Press Essential Bible Dictionary.

Commandment 1: No Other Gods Before Me

  • Commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me."
  • Meaning: Love and obey God before all else. Do not allow anything to hold greater importance in your life than God.
  • Biblical Reference: Ex 20:2−620:2-6, Deut 5:6−105:6-10

Commandment 2: Do Not Misuse God's Name

  • Commandment: "You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the LORD your God."
  • Meaning: Honor God's name, maintaining reverence in all speech and actions concerning it.
  • Biblical Reference: Ex 20:720:7, Deut 5:115:11

Commandment 3: Observe the Sabbath Day

  • Commandment: "Observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy."
  • Meaning: Honor the Lord's Day through worship, prayer, and rest. The Sabbath serves as a day of remembrance.
  • Biblical Reference: Ex 20:8−1120:8-11, Deut 5:12−155:12-15

Commandment 4: Honor Your Parents

  • Commandment: "Honor your father and your mother."
  • Meaning: Show honor to your parents, listen to their guidance, and provide care for them, especially in their elderly years.
  • Biblical Reference: Ex 20:1220:12, Deut 5:165:16

Commandment 5: Do Not Murder

  • Commandment: "You shall not murder."
  • Meaning: Choose life and refrain from taking a human life unlawfully.
  • Biblical Reference: Ex 20:1320:13, Deut 5:175:17

Commandment 6: Do Not Commit Adultery

  • Commandment: "Neither shall you commit adultery."
  • Meaning: Choose chastity and loyalty. Honor your marriage vows to protect the integrity of the family unit.
  • Biblical Reference: Ex 20:1420:14, Deut 5:185:18

Commandment 7: Do Not Steal

  • Commandment: "Neither shall you steal."
  • Meaning: Choose justice. Do not take what belongs to another. This commandment encourages building security and mutual confidence within the community.
  • Biblical Reference: Ex 20:120:1, Deut 5:5: (Partial reference provided in source)

Commandment 8: Do Not Bear False Witness

  • Commandment: "Neither shall you bear false witness against your neighbor."
  • Meaning: Choose honesty. Do not lie, as this commandment aims to build trust and faith among people. Make your word and testimony honorable.
  • Biblical Reference: Ex 20:20:, Deut 5:5: (Partial reference provided in source)

Commandment 9: Do Not Covet Your Neighbor's Spouse or House

  • Commandment: "Neither shall you covet your neighbor's wife. Neither shall you desire your neighbor's house."
  • Meaning: Do not crave or entertain fantasies of being with another person's spouse. Choose purity of mind and reject jealousy regarding another's domestic life.
  • Biblical Reference: Ex 20:20:, Deut 55 (Partial reference provided in source)

Commandment 10: Do Not Covet Your Neighbor's Possessions

  • Commandment: "Neither shall you desire your neighbor's male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
  • Meaning: Choose freedom from greed. Do not envy another person's property or good fortune. This prevents sin by discouraging jealous thoughts that could lead to stealing another's property.
  • Biblical Reference: Ex 2020, Deut (Partial reference provided in source)

Source Information

  • This chart is derived from the Saint Mary's Press Essential Bible Dictionary by Sheila O'Connell-Roussell.
  • Published in Winona, MN by Saint Mary's Press, 20052005.
  • Referenced on page 166166.
  • Copyright © 20052005 by Saint Mary's Press. All rights reserved.