Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments, or the Decalogue, is a set of laws which, according to the Bible, Moses said were given to him by God.

There are two versions, generally similar but somewhat different in wording: Exodus 20:3-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. The version in Deuteronomy adds the detail of Moses saying that God "wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me."

The Bible itself does not use the phrase "ten commandments," although the count of ten is traditional and reasonable.

New International Version (NIV)

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

2. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.

3. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet.

Differences Between Translations

King James Version (KJV)

The famous King James translation uses the old-fashioned wording "Thou shalt" instead of "You shall," and this wording is often used when quoting or referring to the Ten Commandments.

Some translations, such as the King James Version and the Jerusalem Bible, translate the sixth commandment as "You shall not kill." Other translations, such as the New International Version and the New English Bible, translate the sixth commandment as "You shall not murder." This is an important point to make because some Christians will say that all war is wrong because the Bible says not to "kill." This issue is mainly a matter of conscience among Christians. The original meaning of the Greek word used in this verse is shown below:

           Ratsach
  1.  to murder, slay, kill
        a. (Qal) to murder, slay
              1. premeditated
              2. accidental
              3. as avenger
              4. slayer (intentional) (participle) 
        b. (Niphal) to be slain
        c. (Piel)
              1. to murder, assassinate
              2. murderer, assassin (participle)(subst) 
        d. (Pual) to be killed