The term "don't" is a contraction of "do not," and while it does not appear in the original biblical languages, the concept of prohibitions and commandments is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. The Bible is replete with divine instructions that guide believers in their conduct, often framed in the form of prohibitions or negative commands. These instructions are integral to understanding God's will and living a life that is pleasing to Him.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments serve as a foundational set of prohibitions given by God to the Israelites. These commandments include several "do not" statements, such as "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), and "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15). These prohibitions are not merely legalistic rules but are intended to foster a community that reflects God's holiness and justice.

The Mosaic Law contains numerous other prohibitions that address various aspects of life, including dietary laws, ceremonial practices, and social justice. For example, Leviticus 19:11 states, "You must not steal. You must not lie. You must not deceive one another" . These commands emphasize integrity and righteousness in personal and communal relationships.

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly the Book of Proverbs, also contains many prohibitions that offer practical guidance for daily living. Proverbs 3:31 advises, "Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways" , highlighting the importance of choosing righteousness over wickedness. Such teachings are designed to cultivate wisdom and discernment in the believer's life.

Prophetic Writings

The prophets frequently issued prohibitions as part of their calls to repentance and faithfulness. For instance, Isaiah 1:16-17 exhorts, "Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor" . These commands underscore the necessity of turning away from sin and pursuing justice and righteousness.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ reiterates and expands upon the moral teachings of the Old Testament. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the heart attitudes behind the prohibitions, teaching that righteousness exceeds mere external compliance. For example, in Matthew 5:21-22, He says, "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not murder,' and 'Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment" . Here, Jesus emphasizes the internalization of God's commands.

The apostolic writings also contain numerous prohibitions that guide the early Christian communities. In Romans 12:2, Paul instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" . This command calls believers to a life of holiness and transformation, distinct from worldly values.

Ethical and Theological Implications

The prohibitions in Scripture are not arbitrary but are rooted in the character of God and His desire for His people to reflect His holiness. They serve as boundaries that protect believers from sin and its consequences, guiding them toward a life that honors God. The "don't" commands in the Bible are thus integral to the moral and ethical framework that governs the life of faith.

In summary, while the word "don't" itself is not found in the biblical text, the concept of divine prohibitions is central to the biblical narrative. These commands are essential for understanding God's expectations and living a life that is aligned with His will.993. Boanerges -- Boanerges, an epithet applied to the two sons of ...
... We don't know why Jesus named these brothers (James, John), "sons of tumult,"
but their passion and boldness in the past no doubt ! ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/993.htm - 8k

2396. ide -- see! behold!
... Look!. 2396 (the aorist of 1492 , "to know, see") -- properly, a Greek imperative
meaning "!" -- literally, "Be sure . . ie "Don't miss this! ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2396.htm - 6k

How we Don't Get In, and How we Do.
... II The Wooing Lover (John i. 1-18.) How We Don't Get In, and How We Do.
It ... family. First of all, he tells us how we don't get in. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/how we dont get in.htm

"I Don't Know. "
... "I Don't Know.". There is no doubt about assurance in the Word of God. A person
said to me some time ago: "I think it is great presumption ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/i dont know.htm

Don'ts for Public Speakers
... DON'TS FOR PUBLIC SPEAKERS. Don't rant. Don't prate. Don't fidget. Don't flatter.
Don't declaim. Don't be glib. Don't hesitate. Don't be nasal. Don't apologize. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/donts for public speakers.htm

A Little Child Converts an Infidel.
... She went up to him and said, "Why don't you love Jesus?" If it had been a man who
had said that to him probably he would have knocked him down. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/a little child converts an.htm

The Hand Felt Its Way up his Arm, And...
... "I don't mind that a bit, so long as I feel your arms through it," answered Diamond,
nestling closer to her grand bosom. ... "No," said Diamond, "I don't see that. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 6 the hand felt.htm

"I'll Never Steal Again --If Father Kills Me for It"
... "Hush! don't tell anybody"please, sir.". "What are you doing here?". "Don't
tell anybody, sir; I'm hiding.". "What are you hiding from?". ...
/.../ill never steal againif father.htm

Moody's Declaration.
... If the Bible don't teach assurance it don't teach justification by faith;
if it don't teach assurance it don't teach redemption. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/moodys declaration.htm

A Human Picture of God.
... "No; why?". "He was not at school to-day.". "You don't mean it!". "Nor yesterday.". ...
You let us think you were. And you don't know how bad I feel about this. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/a human picture of god.htm

The Children were Delighted with the Story, and Made Many Amusing ...
... "I'm glad of that, sir.". "Why? Don't you think it's a nice place?". "Yes, very. ...
"No, sir. She looks too like an angel. Angels don't fight"-do they, sir?". ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 29 the children were.htm

"That is Your Fault. "
... "I have an only boy who is a wanderer on the face of the earth. I don't know
where he is. If ... him. You don't know how I love that boy. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/that is your fault.htm

Don't (1512 Occurrences)
Don't. Do-nothing, Don't. Doom . Multi-Version Concordance Don't (1512
Occurrences). Don't appears 1512 times in 12 translations. ...
/d/don't.htm - 6k

Anxious (40 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:25 Therefore, I tell you, don't be anxious for your life: what you will
eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. ...
/a/anxious.htm - 18k

Can't (180 Occurrences)
...Don't you perceive that whatever goes into the man from outside can't defile him,
(WEB). ... Luke 11:7 and he from within will answer and say,'Don't bother me. ...
/c/can't.htm - 34k

Steal (29 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:19 "Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and
rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY ...
/s/steal.htm - 16k

Shouldn't (20 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Romans 2:21 You therefore who teach another, don't you teach yourself? ... 1
Corinthians 9:12 If others partake of this right over you, don't we yet more? ...
/s/shouldn't.htm - 12k

Aren't (102 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Aren't (102 Occurrences). Matthew 6:26 See the birds of
the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. ...
/a/aren't.htm - 35k

Associate (20 Occurrences)
... Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high
things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits. ...
/a/associate.htm - 14k

Quarrel (22 Occurrences)
... James 4:2 You lust, and don't have. You kill, covet, and can't obtain. You fight
and make war. You don't have, because you don't ask. (See NAS NIV). ...
/q/quarrel.htm - 15k

Arrogant (60 Occurrences)
... NAS NIV). Romans 11:18 don't boast over the branches. But if you ... by your faith.
Don't be conceited, but fear; (See NIV). 1 Corinthians ...
/a/arrogant.htm - 22k

Covet (14 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). James 4:2 You lust, and don't have. You kill, covet, and can't obtain.
You fight and make war. You don't have, because you don't ask. ...
/c/covet.htm - 12k

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