Important notice: Always check out what you hear and see for yourself, as it is up to you as a Christian to do your own studying. Never take anyone's word alone, including this website here, without first always checking it out for yourself. As 2 Timothy 2:15 says "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Exodus 20
1 And God (= ʼĕlôhîym [pronounced el-o-heem') spake all these words, saying,
Keep in mind this occurred fifty days after Passover which is the same day as Pentecost, although Pentecost at this time did not yet exist. It's worth noting whereby you can compare the events and similarities. Below we will see the ten commandments but notice that "GOD" as used here, in the Hebrew is Elohim. Anytime you see Elohim used for our HEAVENLY FATHER, it refers to HIM as the Creator and shows HIS divine relation to mankind [as a whole] as HIS creation. The first occurrence of this is in the very first verse of the Bible (Genesis 1:1), which says "In the beginning God (= ʼĕlôhîym) created the heaven and the earth". You will also see this used again in verse 26 & 27 of that first chapter and book when describing the creation of mankind, "And God (= ʼĕlôhîym) said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God (= ʼĕlôhîym) created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them (Genesis 1:26-27)". So although these commandments that we are just about to read of were spoken to the Israelites, as we can see, they apply to everyone, and if you're truly a CHRISTian, then you'll strive in every aspect of your life to keep them.
2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 (1st commandment) Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
As we can see, this is the first Commandment and not just the first commandment, but the greatest one too as JESUS CHRIST (GOD in the flesh) HIMself even stated in Matthew 22:36-38. These first five commandments as you will see are spiritual and apply to loving GOD, while the next five that will follow apply to loving your neighbor. And remember those who truly love GOD will love their neighbor/s (i.e. brethren) too and will keep these commandments of GOD. See also: 1 John 4:20. Always put GOD first and everything else will fall into place at just the right timing.
4 (2nd commandment) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
Graven images are things worshiped as representations of GOD or things put in the place of GOD. Sadly many believers fall into this by worshiping objects such as money, jewelry, flags, statues, crosses, figures of Jesus, "pictures of Jesus", Mary, buildings or even their cell phone or T.V. Now regardless of what it may be, GOD wants you to focus only on HIM in worship and to worship HIM only. John 4:24 says "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth". And the best form of worship is always obedience. See also: John 14:15. Though there's nothing wrong with having certain things, depending on what it is, never treat any of those things in a form of worship to that object and never let any possession come before GOD.
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Some people think this verse means the punishment of a father's sins is passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, etc, but every person is responsible for their own actions. Notice the end of this verse says "of them that hate me". If a father of a child hates GOD and his child grows up to also hate GOD, then indeed that child will receive the same punishment as his father, as he followed in the same iniquity as his father. But if a child grows up to love GOD, then that child is not punished for the actions of his father. So again, the following generation is only punished if they follow in the same footsteps of iniquity as their fore-fathers. If they choose to love GOD, then they're free from punishment. Ezekiel 18:17-21 documents this.
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
If you love GOD, you have absolutely nothing to worry about as HE does not punish those who love and obey HIM.
7 (3rd commandment) Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
If you're not praying to our HEAVENLY FATHER or telling others about HIM in the sense of praising HIM, then you're using HIS name/title in vain. Other ways people do this is by using HIS name/title in cusswords which is something that should never come out of your mouth, as HE isn't a part of your profanity and wants absolutely nothing to do with it. Even if you're not including HIM in profanity, it still shouldn't come out of your mouth, as every aspect of your life should be to reflect JESUS and honor HIM in all of your actions. Taking GOD's name in vain not only just consists of using HIS name wrong when you speak but also based on a wrong way of living. When you claim to represent JESUS CHRIST and you call yourself a CHRISTian, but yet others can't tell you're a CHRISTian based on how you're living because you're too busy living like the rest of the world, okay with sinning whenever you want, then that also can be considered taking GOD's name in vain; don't call yourself a "CHRISTian" if you're not willing to fully commit yourself into following CHRIST and be a representative of HIM. Although we all have sinned and we all fall short at times regardless of what sins we commit (Romans 3:23), true CHRISTians strive to be free from sin, not strive to sin freely and think that GOD's just going to forgive them; after all, there is no forgiveness without repentance (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19, 2 Peter 3:9, Proverbs 28:13). See our study "Unwholesome Talk" for more information.
8 (4th commandment) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
12 (5th commandment) Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
When you know your parents/guardians are doing their best to raise you and help you, it should be your absolute desire to honor them. Although there are bad parents that exists in many households today, you should always have enough respect for the fact that they at least helped bring you into the world and gave birth to you. Even if they are in the wrong on whatever it may be, keep living your very best life, reflecting the ways of JESUS and hopefully as time moves on, they will be convicted, changed, and start living and showing Godly love and examples too. See also: 1 John 4:7-8 & 1 John 4:18-21.
13 (6th commandment) Thou shalt not kill.
This word "kill" in the Hebrew is râtsach and it means murder. So in other words, never commit criminal homicide.
14 (7th commandment) Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Most people know what adultery is but to those who don't, it means for a married person to have intercourse with someone who is not their spouse. In the figurative and spiritual sense, it means to apostatize or commit idolatry, as unfortunately some of the children of Israel did later on in Scripture. If you're someone reading this today and you think you can get away with this, just know that GOD sees everything and you will be judged by HIM one day. Don't play Russian roulette with your soul as you can never win against GOD. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."; that is if they don't repent and come to CHRIST, as again, there is no forgiveness without repentance (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19, 2 Peter 3:9, Proverbs 28:13). JESUS also said in Matthew 5:28 "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart". In other words, if you covet and lust after another person's spouse (in this example a woman), you've already committed adultery in your heart/mind. So always be careful what you fill your mind with. Watch your thoughts before they become your actions.
15 (8th commandment) Thou shalt not steal.
If you know something belongs to somebody else, then don't take it without their permission. Just as you wouldn't want someone stealing from you, neither should you steal from others, regardless of how small or worthless you think it might be in their eyes. If there's something you really want or need from somebody, even if it's food, piece of bubble gum, etc, just ask them and perhaps they'll give it to you or sell it to you.
16 (9th commandment) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
In other words, don't lie or spread rumors. One of the worst things a person can do is try to get somebody in trouble for something they didn't do. Proverbs 19:9 says "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish".
17 (10th commandment) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
This last commandment deals with the mind and is one that unfortunately many people struggle with who have their mind set on the things of the flesh and the things of this world. Once you realize that there is absolutely nothing this flesh and world has to offer that can truly bring satisfaction to you, then you will find this easier to overcome, as CHRIST should always be your first and main focus. Colossians 3:2 says "Set your affection (= mindset) on things above (i.e. CHRIST), not on things on the earth." and 1 John 2:15 says "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him". If your neighbor, friend, relative, or whoever it is has something nice, be happy for them. Don't try to compete or waste your life away desiring and coveting what's theirs. Be thankful for what you do have. 1 Timothy 6:7 says "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out". Set your mind on CHRIST and obeying HIS commandments, for when you do this, you make HIS day and when you make HIS day, HE most certainly is going to make yours and bless you.
18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
In other words, it frightened them. Again, the whole purpose for GOD allowing these people to hear HIS voice is so that they would know as long as they live that Moses wasn't making things up, when he claimed to speak with GOD and be a representative of HIM.
19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear (= reverence) may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
22 And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
23 Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.
24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
And the same application applies to us today, except we aren't to make sacrifices of animals, as EMMANUEL (= with us is GOD [CHRIST HIMself]) became our Passover and ultimate sacrifice for one and all times (Hebrews 10:12). Our sacrifice today is our time we give to HIM and our obedience to HIM. Again, HE is our rest (Sabbath) and when we put HIM first and reflect HIM in our everyday lives, pointing others to HIM, we make HIS day and certainly HE makes ours. What amazing love our FATHER has for us. Never forget all that HE has done for you and can do for you. Count your blessings, not your problems.
25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
Why? Because if it's hewed, it becomes prepared in the same way as a graven image. GOD is addressing that HE wants no human handiwork/architectural object to be used in approaching HIM in worship.
26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
At this time, men wore skirts and if they were to go up the steps, their nakedness might be revealed and that would not be a very holy thing to do right before delivering a message.
Keep in mind this occurred fifty days after Passover which is the same day as Pentecost, although Pentecost at this time did not yet exist. It's worth noting whereby you can compare the events and similarities. Below we will see the ten commandments but notice that "GOD" as used here, in the Hebrew is Elohim. Anytime you see Elohim used for our HEAVENLY FATHER, it refers to HIM as the Creator and shows HIS divine relation to mankind [as a whole] as HIS creation. The first occurrence of this is in the very first verse of the Bible (Genesis 1:1), which says "In the beginning God (= ʼĕlôhîym) created the heaven and the earth". You will also see this used again in verse 26 & 27 of that first chapter and book when describing the creation of mankind, "And God (= ʼĕlôhîym) said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God (= ʼĕlôhîym) created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them (Genesis 1:26-27)". So although these commandments that we are just about to read of were spoken to the Israelites, as we can see, they apply to everyone, and if you're truly a CHRISTian, then you'll strive in every aspect of your life to keep them.
2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 (1st commandment) Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
As we can see, this is the first Commandment and not just the first commandment, but the greatest one too as JESUS CHRIST (GOD in the flesh) HIMself even stated in Matthew 22:36-38. These first five commandments as you will see are spiritual and apply to loving GOD, while the next five that will follow apply to loving your neighbor. And remember those who truly love GOD will love their neighbor/s (i.e. brethren) too and will keep these commandments of GOD. See also: 1 John 4:20. Always put GOD first and everything else will fall into place at just the right timing.
4 (2nd commandment) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
Graven images are things worshiped as representations of GOD or things put in the place of GOD. Sadly many believers fall into this by worshiping objects such as money, jewelry, flags, statues, crosses, figures of Jesus, "pictures of Jesus", Mary, buildings or even their cell phone or T.V. Now regardless of what it may be, GOD wants you to focus only on HIM in worship and to worship HIM only. John 4:24 says "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth". And the best form of worship is always obedience. See also: John 14:15. Though there's nothing wrong with having certain things, depending on what it is, never treat any of those things in a form of worship to that object and never let any possession come before GOD.
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Some people think this verse means the punishment of a father's sins is passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, etc, but every person is responsible for their own actions. Notice the end of this verse says "of them that hate me". If a father of a child hates GOD and his child grows up to also hate GOD, then indeed that child will receive the same punishment as his father, as he followed in the same iniquity as his father. But if a child grows up to love GOD, then that child is not punished for the actions of his father. So again, the following generation is only punished if they follow in the same footsteps of iniquity as their fore-fathers. If they choose to love GOD, then they're free from punishment. Ezekiel 18:17-21 documents this.
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
If you love GOD, you have absolutely nothing to worry about as HE does not punish those who love and obey HIM.
7 (3rd commandment) Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
If you're not praying to our HEAVENLY FATHER or telling others about HIM in the sense of praising HIM, then you're using HIS name/title in vain. Other ways people do this is by using HIS name/title in cusswords which is something that should never come out of your mouth, as HE isn't a part of your profanity and wants absolutely nothing to do with it. Even if you're not including HIM in profanity, it still shouldn't come out of your mouth, as every aspect of your life should be to reflect JESUS and honor HIM in all of your actions. Taking GOD's name in vain not only just consists of using HIS name wrong when you speak but also based on a wrong way of living. When you claim to represent JESUS CHRIST and you call yourself a CHRISTian, but yet others can't tell you're a CHRISTian based on how you're living because you're too busy living like the rest of the world, okay with sinning whenever you want, then that also can be considered taking GOD's name in vain; don't call yourself a "CHRISTian" if you're not willing to fully commit yourself into following CHRIST and be a representative of HIM. Although we all have sinned and we all fall short at times regardless of what sins we commit (Romans 3:23), true CHRISTians strive to be free from sin, not strive to sin freely and think that GOD's just going to forgive them; after all, there is no forgiveness without repentance (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19, 2 Peter 3:9, Proverbs 28:13). See our study "Unwholesome Talk" for more information.
8 (4th commandment) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
12 (5th commandment) Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
When you know your parents/guardians are doing their best to raise you and help you, it should be your absolute desire to honor them. Although there are bad parents that exists in many households today, you should always have enough respect for the fact that they at least helped bring you into the world and gave birth to you. Even if they are in the wrong on whatever it may be, keep living your very best life, reflecting the ways of JESUS and hopefully as time moves on, they will be convicted, changed, and start living and showing Godly love and examples too. See also: 1 John 4:7-8 & 1 John 4:18-21.
13 (6th commandment) Thou shalt not kill.
This word "kill" in the Hebrew is râtsach and it means murder. So in other words, never commit criminal homicide.
14 (7th commandment) Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Most people know what adultery is but to those who don't, it means for a married person to have intercourse with someone who is not their spouse. In the figurative and spiritual sense, it means to apostatize or commit idolatry, as unfortunately some of the children of Israel did later on in Scripture. If you're someone reading this today and you think you can get away with this, just know that GOD sees everything and you will be judged by HIM one day. Don't play Russian roulette with your soul as you can never win against GOD. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."; that is if they don't repent and come to CHRIST, as again, there is no forgiveness without repentance (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19, 2 Peter 3:9, Proverbs 28:13). JESUS also said in Matthew 5:28 "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart". In other words, if you covet and lust after another person's spouse (in this example a woman), you've already committed adultery in your heart/mind. So always be careful what you fill your mind with. Watch your thoughts before they become your actions.
15 (8th commandment) Thou shalt not steal.
If you know something belongs to somebody else, then don't take it without their permission. Just as you wouldn't want someone stealing from you, neither should you steal from others, regardless of how small or worthless you think it might be in their eyes. If there's something you really want or need from somebody, even if it's food, piece of bubble gum, etc, just ask them and perhaps they'll give it to you or sell it to you.
16 (9th commandment) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
In other words, don't lie or spread rumors. One of the worst things a person can do is try to get somebody in trouble for something they didn't do. Proverbs 19:9 says "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish".
17 (10th commandment) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
This last commandment deals with the mind and is one that unfortunately many people struggle with who have their mind set on the things of the flesh and the things of this world. Once you realize that there is absolutely nothing this flesh and world has to offer that can truly bring satisfaction to you, then you will find this easier to overcome, as CHRIST should always be your first and main focus. Colossians 3:2 says "Set your affection (= mindset) on things above (i.e. CHRIST), not on things on the earth." and 1 John 2:15 says "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him". If your neighbor, friend, relative, or whoever it is has something nice, be happy for them. Don't try to compete or waste your life away desiring and coveting what's theirs. Be thankful for what you do have. 1 Timothy 6:7 says "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out". Set your mind on CHRIST and obeying HIS commandments, for when you do this, you make HIS day and when you make HIS day, HE most certainly is going to make yours and bless you.
18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
In other words, it frightened them. Again, the whole purpose for GOD allowing these people to hear HIS voice is so that they would know as long as they live that Moses wasn't making things up, when he claimed to speak with GOD and be a representative of HIM.
19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear (= reverence) may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
22 And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
23 Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.
24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
And the same application applies to us today, except we aren't to make sacrifices of animals, as EMMANUEL (= with us is GOD [CHRIST HIMself]) became our Passover and ultimate sacrifice for one and all times (Hebrews 10:12). Our sacrifice today is our time we give to HIM and our obedience to HIM. Again, HE is our rest (Sabbath) and when we put HIM first and reflect HIM in our everyday lives, pointing others to HIM, we make HIS day and certainly HE makes ours. What amazing love our FATHER has for us. Never forget all that HE has done for you and can do for you. Count your blessings, not your problems.
25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
Why? Because if it's hewed, it becomes prepared in the same way as a graven image. GOD is addressing that HE wants no human handiwork/architectural object to be used in approaching HIM in worship.
26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
At this time, men wore skirts and if they were to go up the steps, their nakedness might be revealed and that would not be a very holy thing to do right before delivering a message.