What Are the Ten Commandments?
What Are the Ten Commandments? The Ten Commandments are God's moral law given to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing fundamental principles for humanity's relationship with God and others.
Key verse: Exodus 20:1-3 (KJV)
The Ten Commandments are God's moral law given to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing fundamental principles for humanity's relationship with God and others.
The Ten Commandments are God's moral law given to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing fundamental principles for humanity's relationship with God and others.
"And God spake all these words, saying, 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." — Exodus 20:1-3 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17, Deuteronomy 5:6-21) were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai amidst thunder, lightning, and smoke. They are divided into two categories: the first four govern our relationship with God, and the last six govern our relationships with others. 1) 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. 10) Thou shalt not covet. Jesus summarized these in two great commandments: love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). The commandments reveal God's holy standard, expose our inability to keep them perfectly, and drive us to Christ for salvation. They remain the moral foundation of Western civilization and a guide for righteous living.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
God's design for marriage, the roles of husband and wife, and building a Christ-centered relationship.
Key Scripture References
"And God spake all these words, saying, 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."
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Was Moses?
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
What Is Sin According to the Bible?
Sin is any thought, word, or action that falls short of God's perfect standard — essentially, missing the mark of His holiness.
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Are the Ten Commandments Still Relevant Today?
Theology & Doctrine
What Are the Ten Commandments?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is the Doctrine of Election?
Theology & Doctrine
Bible Verses About the Ten Commandments
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About the Ten Commandments
10 curated KJV verses
Matthew 22:37-39 Commentary
In-depth study • Love & Commandments
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Exodus. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Exodus on day 24 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Are the Ten Commandments?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.