Ten Commandments

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The Giving of the Law

Rembrandt - Moses with the Ten Commandments - Google Art Project

10Commandments

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5493 - Venezia - Ghetto Nuovo - Negozio ebraico - Foto Giovanni Dall'Orto, 1-Aug-2008

The Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue, are a set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship, which play a fundamental role in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These laws are believed to have been given by God to the people of Israel through Moses on Mount Sinai and are found in the Bible in the books of Exodus (Exodus 20:1–17) and Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 5:4–21).

Overview

The Ten Commandments are a series of religious and moral imperatives that are recognized as a moral foundation in several of the world's religions. They are divided into duties towards God and towards humanity. The first four commandments concern the relationship of individuals with God, including the worship of God alone, the prohibition of idolatry, the prohibition of taking God's name in vain, and the observance of the Sabbath day. The remaining six commandments focus on the individual's behavior towards others, encompassing honor to parents, the prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, false testimony, and covetousness.

Text of the Ten Commandments

The exact wording of the Ten Commandments can vary between religious traditions. The following is a common Christian enumeration:

1. I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honour thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
10. Thou shalt not covet.

Significance in Religion

Judaism

In Judaism, the Ten Commandments are considered a summary of the 613 commandments given in the Torah. They are a central part of Jewish liturgy and are traditionally recited daily in Jewish prayer services.

Christianity

In Christianity, the Ten Commandments are seen as a moral foundation given by God. Different Christian denominations may number them differently, but they all recognize their importance in Christian ethics.

Islam

Although not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, the principles found in the Ten Commandments are echoed in Islamic teachings. Islam shares similar moral guidelines, emphasizing monotheism, respect for parents, and prohibitions against murder, theft, and false testimony.

Cultural Impact

The Ten Commandments have had a significant impact on legal and cultural practices around the world. They have influenced both religious and secular laws, serving as a foundation for ethical conduct in various societies. Their moral principles have been incorporated into legal systems, educational curricula, and cultural norms, reflecting their universal relevance and importance.

Controversies

The public display of the Ten Commandments, particularly in government and public school settings, has been a subject of legal and political debate in some countries. These debates often revolve around issues of religious freedom, the separation of church and state, and the interpretation of religious symbols in public spaces.