What book of the Bible are the Ten Commandments in? The Ten Commandments, one of the most significant and widely recognized moral codes in the world, are found in the book of Exodus. This book is the second book of the Pentateuch, which is the first five books of the Old Testament. The Ten Commandments are inscribed on stone tablets and are considered to be the cornerstone of Jewish and Christian ethics.
The Ten Commandments are first mentioned in Exodus 20:1-17. They were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai, following the Exodus of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. This event is a pivotal moment in biblical history and is believed to have established the covenant between God and the Israelites. The commandments are as follows:
1. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
2. You shall have no other gods before me.
3. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
4. You shall not swear by my name in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.
5. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
6. Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
7. You shall not murder.
8. You shall not commit adultery.
9. You shall not steal.
10. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
The Ten Commandments have had a profound impact on Western civilization and continue to be a source of moral guidance for many. They are often seen as a summary of the moral law and are central to the beliefs of both Judaism and Christianity. While interpretations and applications of the commandments may vary among different faith traditions, their core principles remain unchanged.
In the New Testament, the Ten Commandments are also recognized as part of God’s law. Jesus Christ, in the Gospel of Matthew, affirms the importance of the commandments, saying, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). This statement highlights the enduring relevance of the Ten Commandments in Christian theology.
In conclusion, the Ten Commandments are found in the book of Exodus, a foundational text in both Jewish and Christian scriptures. These commandments have shaped the moral fabric of Western civilization and continue to be a source of guidance and inspiration for countless individuals around the world.
