The Ten Commandments in Abbreviated Form
The Ten Commandments in Abbreviated Form
The Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue, are a foundational element of biblical law and ethics. They are first given in Exodus 20:1-17 and repeated in Deuteronomy 5:4-21. The commandments were written by God on two stone tablets, which were later placed in the Ark of the Covenant [1, 2].
The biblical text refers to these commandments as "the ten words" (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 4:13; 10:4), emphasizing their concise and authoritative nature. The term "Decalogue" is derived from the Greek translation of this phrase [2].
Biblical Context and Significance
The Ten Commandments were given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, following their liberation from Egypt. This event is described as a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marked by divine revelation and covenant-making [1]. The commandments are presented as a direct expression of God's will, with the first four focusing on the relationship between God and humanity, and the remaining six addressing interpersonal relationships.
The commandments are enumerated in Exodus 20:3-17, covering topics such as the exclusive worship of God, the prohibition of idolatry, the sanctity of the divine name, observance of the Sabbath, respect for parents, and prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, false testimony, and coveting [3].
Interpretation and Tradition
Different traditions have interpreted the Ten Commandments in various ways. The Jewish tradition, as represented by Abraham Ibn Ezra, categorizes the commandments into rational laws that are universally applicable and specific commandments like the Sabbath, which are considered divine decrees [6]. In contrast, Christian interpreters like John Gill see the commandments as part of a broader moral and spiritual framework, emphasizing their continued relevance for believers [5, 8].
one commentary tradition by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown highlights the significance of the Ten Commandments as a permanent expression of God's law, inscribed on stone by God Himself [7]. This underscores the commandments' enduring importance and authority.
Abbreviated Forms and References in the New Testament
The New Testament references the Ten Commandments on several occasions, often in abbreviated forms. For example, Jesus is quoted in Mark 10:19, listing several of the commandments as essential for inheriting eternal life. Similarly, in Luke 18:20, Jesus mentions a subset of the commandments [4, 8].
The apostle Paul also references the commandments, noting that they are summed up in the love command (Romans 13:9). Jesus Himself condenses the commandments into two great commandments: loving God and loving one's neighbor (Matthew 22:35-40) [3].
Historical and Theological Development
The Ten Commandments have been a cornerstone of Judeo-Christian ethics throughout history. Their interpretation has evolved over time, with different traditions emphasizing various aspects of the commandments. The commandments' abbreviated forms in the New Testament reflect their integration into the broader teachings of Christianity.
The historical development of the Ten Commandments' interpretation is marked by the contributions of various theologians and commentators. For instance, the Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as represented by Matthew Henry, emphasizes the importance of reiterating the commandments to maintain their relevance and impact [9].
The commandments continue to be seen as a fundamental expression of God's will, with their abbreviated forms in the New Testament serving as a reminder of their enduring significance.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Commandments, the Ten — (Ex. 34:28; Deut. 10:4, marg. "ten words") i.e., the Decalogue (q.v.), is a summary of the immutable moral law. These commandments were first given in their written form to the people of Israel when they were encamped at Sinai, about fifty days after they came out of Egypt (Ex. 19:10-25). They were written by the finger of God on two tables of stone. The first tables were broken by Moses when he brought them down from the mount (32:19), being thrown by him on the ground. At the command of God he took up into the mount two other tables, and God”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Ten Commandments — The popular name in this, as in so many instances, is not that of Scripture. There we have the "TEN WORDS," (Exodus 34:28; 4:13; 10:4) the "[1215]Covenant," Ex., Deut. 11. cc.; (1 Kings 8:21; 2 Chronicles 6:11) etc., or, very often as the solemn attestation of the divine will, the "TESTIMONY." (Exodus 25:16,21; 31:18) etc. The circumstances in which the Ten great Words were first given to the people surrounded them with an awe which attached to no other precept. In the midst of the cloud and the darkness and the flashing lightning and the fiery smok”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Commandments, the Ten — Spoken by God -- Ex 20:1; De 5:4,22. Written by God -- Ex 32:16; 34:1,28; De 4:13; 10:4. Enumerated -- Ex 20:3-17. Summed up Christ -- Mt 22:35-40. Law of, is spiritual -- See "Law of God". Mt 5:28; Ro 7:14.”
- Mark “You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not give false testimony,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and mother.’” -- Mark 10:19”
- Deuteronomy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Deuteronomy 10:13: To keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes,.... Both the ten commands and all others: which I command thee this day for thy good; promises of temporal good things, introduction into the land of Canaan, possession of it, and continuance in it, being made to obedience to them.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Exodus 20:2: THE FIRST STATEMENT: I AM THE LORD. Note that all of the commandments fall into one of the following two categories. One category consists of rational laws which God implanted into the minds of all intelligent human beings. There are many such commandments. The only one of the Ten Statements which does not fall into this category is the command to observe the Sabbath. Hence every intelligent human being of every nation and of every tongue assents to them, for they are implanted in the human mind by reason. There is nothing to add to them or to subtract from the”
- Exodus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Exodus 24:12: I will give thee tables of stone--The ten commandments, which had already been spoken, were to be given in a permanent form. Inscribed on stone, for greater durability, by the hand of God Himself, they were thus authenticated and honored above the judicial or ceremonial parts of the law.”
- Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 18:20: Thou knowest the commandments,.... The ten commandments given to Moses, and delivered to people; and which they were careful to teach their children; though five are only here mentioned, and not in the order in which they stand: suggesting hereby that these must be kept, or the law must he fulfilled, and satisfaction made for the violation of it, or there can be no inheriting eternal life. The five commandments mentioned are, the seventh, sixth, eighth, ninth, and fifth: do not commit adultery; do not kill; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honour father and t”
- Deuteronomy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 5:6: Here is the repetition of the ten commandments, in which observe, 1. Though they had been spoken before, and written, yet they are again rehearsed; for precept must be upon precept, and line upon line, and all little enough to keep the word of God in our minds and to preserve and renew the impressions of it. We have need to have the same things often inculcated upon us. See Phi 3:1. 2. There is some variation here from that record (Ex. 20), as there is between the Lord's prayer as it is in Mt. 6 and as it is Lu. 11. In both it is more necessary that we tie our”