◄ Exodus 20 ►
Berean Standard Bible Par ▾ 

The Ten Commandments
(Deuteronomy 5:6–21)

1And God spoke all these words:

2“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

3You shall have no other gods before Me.a

4You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. 5You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6but showing loving devotion to a thousand generationsb of those who love Me and keep My commandments.

7You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.

8Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant or livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates. 11For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, but on the seventh day He rested. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.

12Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.c

13You shall not murder.d

14You shall not commit adultery.e

15You shall not steal.f

16You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.g

17You shall not coveth your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, or his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Moses Comforts the People
(Deuteronomy 5:22–33; Hebrews 12:18–29)

18When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sounding of the ram’s horn, and the mountain enveloped in smoke, they trembled and stood at a distance. 19“Speak to us yourself and we will listen,” they said to Moses. “But do not let God speak to us, or we will die.”

20“Do not be afraid,” Moses replied. “For God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be before you, to keep you from sinning.” 21And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

Idolatry Forbidden
(1 Corinthians 10:14–22)

22Then the LORD said to Moses, “This is what you are to tell the Israelites: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven. 23You are not to make any gods alongside Me; you are not to make for yourselves gods of silver or gold.

24You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.

25Now if you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with stones shaped by tools; for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it. 26And you must not go up to My altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it.’

Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible.

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Exodus 20 Summary
The Ten Commandments

Verses 1–2 – The Speaker and Preamble
God Himself speaks from the mountain, grounding the coming commands in His identity as the LORD who rescued Israel from Egyptian slavery.

Verse 3 – No Other Gods
Exclusive loyalty: Israel must have no rival deities before—or in competition with—the LORD.

Verses 4–6 – No Idols
No carved images of anything in heaven, earth, or waters; worship is directed to the invisible God, who shows covenant love to thousands yet judges persistent hatred.

Verse 7 – Name Not Misused
God’s name is never to be taken in vain: no empty oaths, flippant speech, or misrepresentation of His character.

Verses 8–11 – Remember the Sabbath
Six-day work cycle, seventh-day rest, patterned after creation. The day is set apart for everyone, including servants and animals.

Verse 12 – Honor Parents
Reverence for father and mother brings long life in the land God is giving; family order guards national stability.

Verse 13 – Do Not Murder
Life is sacred; unlawful taking of human life is forbidden.

Verse 14 – Do Not Commit Adultery
Marriage fidelity is protected; covenant love mirrors God’s own faithfulness.

Verse 15 – Do Not Steal
Property rights are respected; theft fractures community trust.

Verse 16 – Do Not Bear False Witness
Truth in speech and testimony is essential for justice.

Verse 17 – Do Not Covet
Inner desires are addressed: no craving of neighbor’s house, spouse, servants, livestock, or anything that belongs to another.

Verses 18–21 – The Terrifying Glory at Sinai
Thunder, lightning, trumpet blast, and smoking mountain overwhelm the people. Moses alone draws near while the Israelites stand at a distance.

Verses 22–26 – The Altar and Worship Safeguards
Worship the LORD with simple earthen or uncut-stone altars, no steps exposing nakedness; purity and humility protect sacred space.

This chapter narrates God's delivery of the Ten Commandments to the Israelites through Moses. It exemplifies God's expectations for human behavior and conduct, emphasizing His jealousy, mercy, and the sanctity of His laws.

Historical Setting

Israel has reached Mount Sinai three months after the Exodus (Exodus 19:1). The nation is camped at the foot of a volcanic-looking mountain wrapped in dense cloud. Ancient Near Eastern treaties began with a heroic prologue and stipulations; here, the divine King proclaims His rescue before giving expectations.

The Ten Words: Moral Core

The Hebrew text calls them “the Ten Words” (Exodus 34:28). They form a succinct covenant summary that later case laws apply. Jesus compresses them into the twin commands to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40).

God’s Identity and Relationship

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt” (v 2). Deliverance precedes duty; law is a response to grace. Throughout Scripture the commands are anchored to God’s character (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16).

Commandments 1–4: Loving God

• No other gods and no images guard God’s uniqueness (Isaiah 42:8).

• Respect for His name maintains reverence (Matthew 6:9).

• Sabbath recalls creation (Genesis 2:2–3) and liberation (Deuteronomy 5:15). Weekly rest declares trust in God’s provision and asserts human dignity—slaves and strangers rest too.

Commandments 5–10: Loving Neighbor

• Honor parents is the first command with a promise (Ephesians 6:2–3).

• Murder, adultery, theft, false witness, and coveting cover actions, words, and inner motives, broadening morality from courts of law to the heart (Romans 7:7).

• Jesus intensifies these commands, forbidding anger that breeds murder and lust that fuels adultery (Matthew 5:21-28).

Sabbath Rhythm

Archaeology shows surrounding nations rarely granted common laborers rest days. Israel’s weekly pause marked them as a liberated people. Sabbath regulations later guarded fires, travel, and commerce (Exodus 35:3; Nehemiah 13:15-22). In the New Testament, Jesus declares Himself “Lord of the Sabbath” (Luke 6:5), restoring the day’s life-giving purpose.

Honor of Parents and its Promise

Ancient law codes (e.g., Code of Hammurabi) threatened penalties for dishonoring parents. Scripture adds a positive incentive: “so that your days may be long” (v 12). Family respect cultivates wisdom (Proverbs 1:8-9) and national longevity.

Sanctity of Life and Marriage

The sixth commandment upholds God’s image in humanity (Genesis 9:6). The seventh protects the covenant picture of husband and wife (Malachi 2:14). Both find fulfillment in Jesus, who heals rather than harms (Acts 10:38) and calls Himself the Bridegroom (Mark 2:19).

The Heart Behind the Law

The tenth commandment moves from deeds to desires, revealing sin’s root. Paul writes, “I would not have known what coveting was if the law had not said, ‘Do not covet’” (Romans 7:7). God aims for transformed hearts, not mere outward compliance (Jeremiah 31:33).

Altars and Worship After Sinai

Stone or earth altars avoid pagan artistry that could distract from God. Tools could introduce prideful human embellishment. Avoiding steps prevented ritual indecency common in Canaanite shrines. Later, Solomon’s temple would rise on the same principle of holiness without idolatry (1 Kings 6).

Archaeological Insights

• Sinai inscriptions include proto-alphabetic letters; the concept of a written covenant was culturally plausible.

• Archaeologists have uncovered simple horned altars in Israel that fit the unhewn-stone description.

• Egyptian records speak of Semitic slaves, corroborating a context of divine liberation.

New Testament Echoes

• Hebrews 12:18-24 contrasts Sinai’s terror with Zion’s joyful assembly.

• James 2:10 warns that breaking one commandment violates the whole law.

• Revelation 15:3 calls the song of Moses and the Lamb one anthem, uniting law and gospel.

Practical Application Today

1. Worship God alone in a pluralistic world; resist subtle idols of career, technology, and pleasure.

2. Carry God’s name with integrity—wherever you go, you represent Him.

3. Embrace regular rest; Sabbath reminds us we are more than what we produce.

4. Nurture family honor—speak blessing to parents and model it to children.

5. Protect life from womb to old age; promote reconciliation over retaliation.

6. Guard marriage vows and foster purity both online and offline.

7. Practice generosity; secure others’ property rights by respecting boundaries.

8. Speak truth even when costly; refuse half-truths and gossip.

9. Cultivate gratitude to silence covetous thoughts—contentment is learned (Philippians 4:11-13).

10. Approach God’s presence with humility, remembering that Jesus, our mediator like Moses, brings us near with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).

Connections to Additional Scriptures
Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus summarizes the law with the greatest commandments: love God and love your neighbor, which encapsulate the essence of the Ten Commandments.

Romans 13:8-10
Paul reiterates that love fulfills the law, emphasizing the relational aspect of the commandments.

James 2:10-11
James reminds us that breaking one commandment is akin to breaking the whole law, highlighting the importance of holistic obedience.
Teaching Points
Divine Authority
Exodus 20 begins with God Himself speaking to the Israelites, establishing His authority as the one true God. And God spoke all these words, saying, (Exodus 20:1). This reminds us that the commandments are not mere suggestions but divine mandates.

The First Commandment
You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exodus 20:3). This commandment emphasizes the exclusivity of our worship and devotion to God alone.

The Second Commandment
You shall not make for yourself an idol... (Exodus 20:4). This warns against idolatry in any form, urging us to worship God in spirit and truth.

The Third Commandment
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain... (Exodus 20:7). This highlights the importance of reverence for God's name in our speech and actions.

The Fourth Commandment
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. (Exodus 20:8). This commandment calls us to rest and reflect on God's goodness, setting aside time for worship and renewal.

The Fifth Commandment
Honor your father and mother... (Exodus 20:12). This underscores the significance of family and respect for parental authority.

The Sixth to Tenth Commandments
These commandments address our relationships with others, prohibiting murder, adultery, theft, false testimony, and coveting (Exodus 20:13-17). They guide us in living justly and lovingly with our neighbors.
Practical Applications
Evaluate Priorities
Reflect on whether there are gods or idols in your life that compete with your devotion to God.

Guard Your Speech
Be mindful of how you use God's name, ensuring it is always with reverence and respect.

Honor the Sabbath
Make a conscious effort to set aside time each week for rest and spiritual renewal.

Strengthen Family Bonds
Seek ways to honor and respect your parents and family members, fostering love and unity.

Cultivate Integrity
Strive to live honestly and justly in all your interactions, avoiding actions that harm others.
People
1. God
The primary speaker in Exodus 20, God delivers the Ten Commandments to the Israelites. The Hebrew word used here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), which is a plural form often used to denote the singular God in a majestic sense.

2. Your father
Mentioned in the commandment to "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12). The Hebrew word for father is "אָב" (av).

3. Your mother
Also mentioned in the same commandment as above. The Hebrew word for mother is "אֵם" (em).

4. Your neighbor
Referenced in the commandments against coveting and bearing false witness. The Hebrew word for neighbor is "רֵעַ" (rea).
Places
1. Mount Sinai
Although not explicitly named in Exodus 20, the events of this chapter occur at Mount Sinai, where God delivers the Ten Commandments to Moses. The mountain is a significant location in the narrative of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their covenant with God. In Hebrew, Sinai is "סִינַי" (Sinai), and it is traditionally understood as the mountain where God revealed Himself to Moses and the Israelites.
Events
1. God Speaks to Moses
God begins to speak directly to Moses, delivering the commandments to the Israelites. This sets the stage for the giving of the Law. The Hebrew word for "God" here is אֱלֹהִים (Elohim), emphasizing His power and authority.

2. The First Commandment
"You shall have no other gods before Me." (Exodus 20:3)
This commandment establishes the exclusivity of worship to Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God, יְהוָה (YHWH).

3. The Second Commandment
"You shall not make for yourself an idol..." (Exodus 20:4)
This commandment prohibits the creation of graven images or idols, emphasizing the spiritual nature of God.

4. The Third Commandment
"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain..." (Exodus 20:7)
This commandment underscores the sanctity of God's name, יְהוָה (YHWH), and the importance of reverence.

5. The Fourth Commandment
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." (Exodus 20:8)
This commandment calls for a day of rest and worship, rooted in the Hebrew word שַׁבָּת (Shabbat), meaning "rest."

6. The Fifth Commandment
"Honor your father and your mother..." (Exodus 20:12)
This commandment emphasizes respect for parental authority, which is foundational for societal stability.

7. The Sixth Commandment
"You shall not murder." (Exodus 20:13)
This commandment prohibits unlawful killing, with the Hebrew word רָצַח (ratsach) indicating premeditated murder.

8. The Seventh Commandment
"You shall not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14)
This commandment upholds the sanctity of marriage and fidelity.

9. The Eighth Commandment
"You shall not steal." (Exodus 20:15)
This commandment protects personal property rights.

10. The Ninth Commandment
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." (Exodus 20:16)
This commandment prohibits lying or giving false testimony, which is crucial for justice.

11. The Tenth Commandment
"You shall not covet..." (Exodus 20:17)
This commandment addresses the inner desires and thoughts, prohibiting covetousness, which can lead to other sins.

12. The People's Fear and Moses' Assurance
The people witness the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain in smoke, causing them to tremble with fear. Moses reassures them, saying, "Do not be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be before you, to keep you from sinning." (Exodus 20:20)

13. Instructions for Altars
God instructs Moses on how to build altars for worship, emphasizing simplicity and reverence. The altars are to be made of earth or uncut stones, avoiding the use of tools that would profane them.
Topics
1. The Preface to the Ten Commandments
"And God spoke all these words, saying:" (Exodus 20:1).
This introduction emphasizes the divine origin of the commandments, highlighting that they are spoken directly by God. The Hebrew word for "spoke" is דִּבֵּר (dibber), indicating a formal and authoritative communication.

2. The First Commandment: No Other Gods
"You shall have no other gods before Me." (Exodus 20:3).
This commandment establishes monotheism, requiring exclusive worship of Yahweh. The Hebrew word for "gods" is אֱלֹהִים (elohim), which can refer to deities or powerful beings, but here it underscores the singularity of the true God.

3. The Second Commandment: No Idols
"You shall not make for yourself an idol..." (Exodus 20:4).
This commandment prohibits the creation and worship of physical representations of deities. The Hebrew word פֶּסֶל (pesel) means "idol" or "graven image," emphasizing the prohibition against tangible representations of the divine.

4. The Third Commandment: The Name of the Lord
"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain..." (Exodus 20:7).
This commandment forbids the misuse of God's name, emphasizing reverence. The Hebrew word שָׁוְא (shav) means "vain" or "empty," indicating the prohibition against using God's name frivolously or deceitfully.

5. The Fourth Commandment: The Sabbath Day
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." (Exodus 20:8).
This commandment institutes a day of rest and worship. The Hebrew word שַׁבָּת (shabbat) means "rest" or "cessation," reflecting the divine pattern of rest on the seventh day of creation.

6. The Fifth Commandment: Honor Your Parents
"Honor your father and your mother..." (Exodus 20:12).
This commandment emphasizes respect and obedience to one's parents. The Hebrew word כַּבֵּד (kabbed) means "honor" or "give weight to," indicating the importance of valuing parental authority.

7. The Sixth Commandment: You Shall Not Murder
"You shall not murder." (Exodus 20:13).
This commandment prohibits unlawful killing. The Hebrew word רָצַח (ratsach) specifically refers to murder, distinguishing it from killing in war or self-defense.

8. The Seventh Commandment: You Shall Not Commit Adultery
"You shall not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14).
This commandment upholds the sanctity of marriage. The Hebrew word נָאַף (na'aph) refers to infidelity, emphasizing the importance of marital fidelity.

9. The Eighth Commandment: You Shall Not Steal
"You shall not steal." (Exodus 20:15).
This commandment prohibits taking what does not belong to you. The Hebrew word גָּנַב (ganab) means "to steal," underscoring the respect for others' property.

10. The Ninth Commandment: False Testimony
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." (Exodus 20:16).
This commandment forbids lying, especially in legal contexts. The Hebrew word שָׁקֶר (sheqer) means "falsehood," highlighting the importance of truthfulness.

11. The Tenth Commandment: Coveting
"You shall not covet..." (Exodus 20:17).
This commandment addresses the internal desire for what belongs to others. The Hebrew word חָמַד (chamad) means "to covet" or "to desire," focusing on the attitude of the heart.
Themes
1. Divine Authority and Revelation
The chapter begins with God speaking directly to the Israelites, establishing His authority as the one true God. The phrase "I am the LORD your God" (Exodus 20:2) emphasizes His covenant relationship with Israel. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "YHWH," signifying God's eternal and self-existent nature.

2. Monotheism and Exclusive Worship
The first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3), underscores the theme of monotheism. The Hebrew word "elohim" (gods) is used here, emphasizing the exclusivity of worship due to Yahweh alone.

3. Prohibition of Idolatry
The second commandment forbids the making of idols: "You shall not make for yourself an idol" (Exodus 20:4). This theme highlights the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, without physical representations, which can lead to false worship.

4. Reverence for God's Name
The third commandment, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7), stresses the sanctity of God's name. The Hebrew word "shav" (vain) implies using God's name in a worthless or deceitful manner.

5. Sabbath Observance
The fourth commandment calls for keeping the Sabbath holy: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8). This theme emphasizes rest and worship, reflecting God's creation pattern and covenant with Israel.

6. Family Honor and Authority
The fifth commandment, "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12), highlights the importance of family structure and respect for parental authority, which is foundational for societal stability.

7. Sanctity of Life
The sixth commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), underscores the value of human life, created in the image of God. The Hebrew word "ratsach" (murder) refers to unlawful killing, distinguishing it from other forms of killing.

8. Marital Fidelity
The seventh commandment, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the importance of faithfulness within the marital covenant.

9. Respect for Property
The eighth commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), highlights the respect for others' property and the ethical implications of ownership and trust.

10. Truthfulness and Integrity
The ninth commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16), stresses the importance of honesty and integrity in relationships and legal proceedings.

11. Contentment and Covetousness
The tenth commandment, "You shall not covet" (Exodus 20:17), addresses the inner desires and attitudes, promoting contentment and warning against the destructive nature of covetousness. The Hebrew word "chamad" (covet) implies an intense desire for what belongs to another.
Answering Tough Questions
1. How can we reconcile Exodus 20:1-17, declaring divine authorship of the Ten Commandments, with the lack of archaeological or historical evidence supporting a miraculous event on Mount Sinai?

2. If Exodus 20:4 forbids making graven images, why does Exodus 25:18 command crafting cherubim, appearing to contradict the earlier prohibition?

3. How do we explain the absence of archaeological traces of the Israelites’ forty-year wilderness journey before receiving the law in Exodus 20?

4. Why does Exodus 20:8-11 mandate strict Sabbath observance, yet elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Numbers 15:32-36) the penalty for Sabbath-breaking appears more severe?

5. If the law in Exodus 20 represents a divine moral standard, how do we reconcile it with passages (like Exodus 21) that regulate slavery and allow seemingly oppressive practices?

Bible Study Discussion Questions

1. What does the commandment "You shall have no other gods before Me" mean to you personally?

2. How can you apply the principle of not taking God's name in vain in your daily life?

3. How does the commandment about the Sabbath reflect God's care for His creation?

4. Why do you think God included a commandment about honoring parents?

5. What does the prohibition against murder, adultery, theft, false testimony, and covetousness tell you about God's views on personal integrity and respect for others?

6. How did the Israelites react to God's display of power and what does this reveal about their understanding of God?

7. How can we balance a healthy fear of God with the knowledge of His love for us, based on Moses' words?

8. Why do you think God insisted on not having an altar built with stones shaped by tools?

9. How does God's command about not ascending His altar on steps relate to the principles of humility and respect in worship?

10. In a modern context, what might "making gods of silver or gold" look like, and how can we avoid this?

11. How does God's promise to come and bless the Israelites wherever His name is remembered encourage you in your faith?

12. Why might God have chosen to communicate these commandments at this particular point in the Israelites' journey?

13. How does understanding the Ten Commandments affect your view of God's character?

14. How can we practically honor the Sabbath day in our modern society?

15. Why do you think God associated keeping His commandments with loving Him?

16. How can we ensure that we do not "covet" in today's materialistic society?

17. What lessons can we draw from the Israelites' fear of God speaking directly to them?

18. How does the concept of the Sabbath day promote physical and mental well-being?

19. What does the instruction for building an altar tell us about God's desire for sincerity in worship?

20. How does the warning against exposing nakedness on the altar metaphorically relate to our attitude and behavior in worship?



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