Commandment
ἐντολή (entolē)
A divine directive — God's authoritative instruction for how His people should live.
Entolē is the Greek word for commandment, meaning an authoritative order or instruction. God's commandments reveal His will, protect His people, and define the boundaries of a life that flourishes.
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." — John 13:34 (KJV)
Key Verses
John 13:34
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”Read in context
1 John 5:3
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”Read in context
Deuteronomy 6:6
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G1785 — Commandment (ἐντολή (entolē))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἐντολή (entolē) appears.
Open Strong's G1785Etymology and Original Meaning
Entolē comes from entellō, meaning 'to charge' or 'to command.' The Hebrew equivalent mitzvah carries similar weight — an authoritative directive from God. Commandments are not suggestions or recommendations but divine imperatives that carry the full authority of the Creator. They express God's will and define the shape of a faithful life.
The Ten Commandments
The Decalogue (Exodus 20) forms the foundation of God's moral law: love for God (commandments 1-4) and love for neighbor (commandments 5-10). Jesus summarized them in two: love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). These commandments are not arbitrary rules but reflections of God's character — they describe what love looks like in practice.
The New Commandment
Jesus gave a 'new commandment' — to love one another as He loved (John 13:34). The newness is in the standard: not merely 'as yourself' (Leviticus 19:18) but 'as I have loved you' — sacrificial, serving, unconditional love. This commandment became the defining mark of Christian community: 'By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples' (John 13:35).
Commandments and Love
John resolves any tension between commandments and grace: 'This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous' (1 John 5:3). Obedience is not the means of earning love but the expression of receiving it. A heart transformed by grace delights in God's commandments as guides for flourishing, not chains of bondage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a commandment in the Bible?
A commandment (entolē) is an authoritative divine directive that reveals God's will and defines how His people should live. God's commandments are expressions of His character and love.
Are the Ten Commandments still relevant?
Yes. Jesus affirmed and deepened the moral law (Matthew 5-7). While the ceremonial aspects of the law are fulfilled in Christ, the moral commandments reflect God's unchanging character and remain the guide for Spirit-led living.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Commandment"?
John 13:34 — "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (KJV). It also appears in 1 John 5:3, Deuteronomy 6:6.
Why does the Greek word behind "Commandment" matter?
Entolē comes from entellō, meaning 'to charge' or 'to command.' The Hebrew equivalent mitzvah carries similar weight — an authoritative directive from God. English uses one word, "Commandment", where the Greek ἐντολή (entolē) carries the fuller sense: a divine directive — god's authoritative instruction for how his people should live.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Commandment (ἐντολή (entolē))
A divine directive — God's authoritative instruction for how His people should live.
Strong's G1785 — Commandment
ἐντολή (entolē) • A divine directive — God's authoritative instruction for how His people should live.
Bible Verses About the Ten Commandments
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About the Ten Commandments
10 curated KJV verses
What Are the Ten Commandments?
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Are the Ten Commandments Still Relevant Today?
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Where to go next
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