The Ten Commandments
These aren’t just laws—they’re a blueprint for how we’re supposed to live in connection with God and with each other. So, let’s take a closer look at each of these commandments and see how they speak to us today, because they’ve got a lot to say, if we’re willing to listen.
1. "I AM the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage" (Exodus 20:2)
This might seem like it would be the intro, right? Like, “Here’s who I am, now let’s get to the rules.” But when you actually sit with it, this opening line is huge. God says, “I AM the Lord your God” (אָנֹכִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ), and that “I AM” in Hebrew is "Anochi" (אֲנֹכִי)—and it’s powerful. This isn’t just God casually saying, “Hey, I exist.” It’s personal. It’s almost like God is saying, “I am the One who’s been walking with you. I am the One who’s been involved in your life from the very start.”
Anochi isn’t just a "I am"—it’s like God is saying, “I’ve been right here beside you, helping, rescuing, guiding. And I’m still here now." This is a call to remember that God isn’t some far-off force. He’s actively with us, deeply involved in our lives.
And then, God doesn’t just stop there. He says, "who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage" (בֵּית עֲבָדִים, beit avadim). God is reminding the Israelites, and really, reminding us too, that He’s the God who frees people. For the Israelites, it was freedom from physical slavery in Egypt. But for us? God still frees us. Whether it’s from a toxic relationship, a bad habit, fear, doubt, or something else that has us bound up, God is the one who brings freedom. He doesn’t just say, “I freed you once”—He’s saying, “I am still the One who frees you today.”
That’s the foundation of this first commandment. It’s not about some abstract deity telling us what to do—it’s about a God who is right here with us. God is saying, “I’ve been with you, I’ve been saving you, and now, I’m asking you to walk with me in this life.” Before God gives us any rules, He’s reminding us: “I’m the God who freed you. I’ve been there, and I’m still here.”
It’s easy to forget this in the hustle of daily life. We get caught up in work, in stress, in the dulldrums. But this is God’s invitation to pause and remember: He’s the One who’s been rescuing us from all sorts of things—past and present, and even in ways we might not notice. He’s not some distant ruler—He’s right here, walking with us, helping us break free.
So, this first statement isn’t just an introduction. It’s the foundation of everything that comes after. God isn’t just giving us commandments—He’s inviting us into a partnership. He’s saying, “I’m with you. I’ve been with you, and I will be with you as we walk through life together.”
2. "You shall not have other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3)
Alright, so here we go—the first real commandment in the list. And it’s a big one. God says, "You shall not have other gods before Me" (לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה-לְךָ פֶסֶל וְכָל-תְּמוּנָה). We’ve all heard this one, right? "No other gods." Simple enough. But let’s break it down and see what’s going on here, because there’s more to it than meets the eye.
The Hebrew word for “before Me” is "al-panai" (עַל-פָּנַי), which doesn’t just mean “don’t have other gods in front of Me,” as in a visual sense. It’s deeper than that. It’s not just about physical placement—it’s about priority. God is saying, "Nothing should come before Me in your life, in your heart, in your mind." It’s not just about bowing to idols or worshiping false gods—it’s about where your heart is.
Here’s the catch: we often think of idolatry as something only people back then struggled with, like literally worshiping statues made out of gold or wood. But in our world today? We don’t tend to carve idols out of stone, but we definitely still elevate other things in our lives above God. Our careers, our wealth, our image, our desires—all these things can become “gods” if they get the most attention, time, and energy in our lives.
Think about it—what do we spend most of our time and energy on? What do we place our trust in? The things we prioritize, the things we put in the “first place” in our lives, can become our modern-day idols. Even something as harmless as a hobby or a personal goal can slip into the place where only God should be if we’re not careful.
And here's where the word "al-panai" comes back to hit us: before Me. God is saying, "I am the one who should always be first in your life—not anything else." It’s about alignment. Is God the center of your world, or have other things taken His place, even in subtle ways?
Now, let’s think about what happens when something else takes that top spot. When we place our trust in something other than God—whether it’s a job, a person, or our own abilities—we’re putting ourselves in a position where we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment. Why? Because all these things, no matter how good they are, can’t ultimately satisfy the way God does. We’re placing our security, our identity, and our purpose in things that aren’t capable of holding them forever.
This commandment isn’t just a rule about not worshiping idols—it’s a reminder about where our hearts need to be. Are we letting God be the center of our lives, or have other things slowly crept into that place without us noticing? It’s an invitation to check ourselves. What or who is really on the throne of our hearts?
The thing is, the world doesn’t make this easy. Everywhere we look, we're encouraged to idolize something. Success, beauty, money, power, the perfect family, the perfect Instagram or TicToc or YouTube life—it’s all screaming for our attention. But this commandment calls us to re-align. It asks, “Where does your heart go when life gets tough? To your bank account? Your reputation? Or to God?”
It’s not just a simple “don’t have other gods” commandment—it’s an invitation to make sure that God is truly at the center of our lives, in every single part of who we are.
3. "You shall not make for yourselves a graven image" (Exodus 20:4)
Now we’re diving into the third commandment. God says, “You shall not make for yourselves any graven images” (לֹא-תַעֲשֶׂה-לְךָ פֶסֶל וְכָל-תְּמוּנָה). Now, this one can feel pretty straightforward at first glance—God’s saying, "Don’t make idols." We’ve all heard it, right? But here’s the thing: just like the other commandments, this one goes deeper than the surface.
The Hebrew word for “graven image” is "pesel" (פֶּסֶל), and it refers to an image that’s carved or formed—something that’s made with human hands, something created. And the commandment isn’t just about avoiding golden statues or carved figures. It’s about not limiting God to anything created. It’s a warning against trying to box God into something finite, something that fits within the limitations of our own understanding.
Think about it for a second—how often do we, in subtle ways, try to create a version of God that’s comfortable for us? Maybe we reduce God to a set of beliefs or a picture in our minds. We make God fit into what we can control or what makes sense to us, but the reality is, God is infinite. He’s bigger than any image, any idea, or any concept we can hold in our minds.
The commandment reminds us that we can’t reduce the Creator to something we’ve formed or shaped. God isn’t a statue or an object we can point to. He’s not bound by our understanding or our limitations. And yet, how many times do we limit God, even unknowingly? We sometimes act like we can predict how He will show up in our lives or fit Him into a box that feels comfortable to us.
But the truth is, God isn’t limited by our preferences or our ideas of what He should be. He’s beyond that. When we try to define God in a way that fits neatly into our lives, we’re doing exactly what this commandment warns against: we’re making a "pesel", a graven image, out of Him. We’re reducing the infinite to something that’s limited.
This also speaks to something deeper, especially today. In our culture, we’re constantly being encouraged to create our own truth, our own version of reality, and our own vision of who God is. But God is saying: “You don’t get to make Me. I made you.” Trying to create an image of God that fits our preferences only leads to distortion. God is the One who reveals Himself to us.
So, this isn’t just a commandment about not making physical idols—it’s about being careful not to try to make God into something manageable. We can’t contain Him. We can’t reduce Him to something that fits neatly in our minds or in our world. It just won’t work!
And here’s the kicker: when we’re trying to create God in our own image, we miss out on the full, wild, and mysterious nature of who God really is. We close ourselves off to the full experience of God, and we create a version of Him that might be easier to deal with, but also one that’s far less powerful and life-changing.
So, this commandment challenges us to think beyond our limited ideas of God. It reminds us that God is greater than any image we could ever create, and He’s calling us into a deeper, more expansive relationship with Him—one where we don’t try to make Him fit into our small ideas, but where we open ourselves up to the mystery and wonder of who He truly is.
4. "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7)
Alright, this one is a classic, and most of us know it: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (לֹא-תִשָּׂא אֶת-שֵּׁם-יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לַשָּׁוְא). But like many of these commandments, it’s not just about the surface-level meaning. This one hits a little deeper than just not using God’s name in a curse word or some kind of swearing.
The Hebrew phrase “take in vain” (תִּשָּׂא לַשָּׁוְא) literally means to carry or bear God's name “for nothing” or in a "empty" way. It’s not just about saying His name carelessly, it’s about how we carry the weight of His name in the world. It’s about integrity—about not just speaking God's name, but living in a way that reflects His holiness and truth.
Think about it: if you’re representing someone, you carry their name with weight. If you’re representing God—if you’re living as someone who is called by His name—then the way you live, the way you speak, should reflect that. Our lives are supposed to reflect the sanctity of God’s name. It's not just about the words we use but about the way we show up in the world.
This commandment challenges us to ask: Do our actions, our words, and our lives match up with the holiness of God's name? Are we carrying God’s name in a way that makes people think, "Wow, that person knows God"? Or are we carrying it in a way that misrepresents who God really is?
It’s not about being perfect (we all mess up), but it’s about striving to live in a way that honors the relationship we have with God. This is especially true today, where we’ve gotten so used to hearing God’s name used flippantly or as a kind of filler word in everyday conversation. It’s easy to slip into thinking that the name of God is just another word we can throw around. But this commandment says, “No, God’s name is sacred.”
And then, take it a step further—how often do we live in a way that actually misrepresents God? We say we’re His followers, but then our actions don’t line up. Maybe we’re harsh with people, or we cut corners in business, or we’re dishonest in our relationships. The truth is, when we act in ways that are contrary to God's nature, we’re taking His name in vain—not because we’re saying it out loud, but because we’re living it in a way that’s empty, hollow, or false.
This commandment isn’t just about avoiding a few bad words or phrases. It’s about the weight of God’s name in our lives. It’s about living in a way that makes God proud to call us His own, not because we’re perfect, but because we’re striving to live with integrity and honor.
5. "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8)
Okay, let’s dive into Shabbat. This commandment is huge, but it’s also one that can get kind of lost in translation in the modern world. We hear “take a day off” or “rest,” but Shabbat is so much more than that. It’s not just about taking a nap or lounging around. It’s about actively setting aside a day to make it holy. The Hebrew word for "remember" here is "zachor" (זָכוֹר), and it’s not just like “oh yeah, don’t forget.” It’s saying, “Don’t let this day pass without giving it the respect and focus it deserves.” This isn’t just a day where you do less. It’s a day where you make space for something bigger—for God, for rest, for peace, and for reconnecting with the deeper part of who we are.
The word “holy” here, “kadosh” (קָדוֹש), isn’t about being perfect or doing everything right. It means to dedicate something, to make it special and set apart. It’s saying, “This day is different, this day is sacred, this day is about focusing on what’s truly important.” So when we remember Shabbat, it’s not just about pausing from our work, it’s about dedicating time to connect with God and honor that relationship.
Think about our world today, always moving, always demanding more from us. We’ve got work to do, messages to check, things to buy, and places to go. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind. But Shabbat is like a giant “pause” button on all of that. It’s a chance to take a break, but not just any break—it’s a holy break. We’re being asked to stop, and not just stop what we’re doing, but step away from all the distractions that pull us in different directions. It’s about creating space for peace, for stillness, for reflection, for prayer.
Now, here’s where it gets really interesting. This isn’t a break where you just sleep all day or binge-watch Netflix. There are specific things we’re actually commanded not to do on Shabbat—and it’s all for a reason. These aren’t arbitrary rules. God gave us these commands to help us focus and reconnect with what’s truly important.
One of the main things we’re not supposed to do on Shabbat is work. And when we say “work,” we’re talking about more than just your 9-to-5 job. It’s anything that would pull your attention away from what’s really important. You’re not supposed to cook, clean, or do any kind of labor that feels like work. It’s all about stepping away from the daily grind. There’s a deeper truth here, too. Work tends to drain us. It pulls us into our headspace, it makes us stressed, it takes us out of the moment. Shabbat calls us to step back from all that and just breathe. For a day, we’re told to stop trying to control everything. Stop “fixing” things. Just rest.
Another thing we’re told not to do is light a fire. And while this was once about not building a fire for cooking or heating, the deeper meaning here is still relevant. Think about how much we rely on electricity, heat, and our devices today. What God is really saying here is, “For one day, don’t get caught up in creating energy or focusing on how much power you have to use to run the world.” You’re not supposed to turn on the lights, start your car, or run the stove. This is about setting aside the tools of our everyday life, taking a break from our need to create energy or consume resources. It’s a chance to be present with what’s around you and not always reach for the next thing.
And then, of course, there’s writing. This one can seem a little odd, but it goes beyond just writing notes or emails. The commandment to refrain from writing is really about stopping all forms of creation. This is a big part of Shabbat—when we stop making things or writing things down, we stop the act of creation, the act of “doing” that’s constantly pushing us forward. It’s about letting go of control for a day and simply existing. It’s a day to connect more deeply with the things that are already created, rather than trying to create more. And when you think about it, how much of our time is spent creating something—whether it’s content, emails, or even just mental lists? Shabbat tells us to step away from that for one day.
Now, there’s also traveling. This one’s a bit more specific. Traditional observance says you can’t travel beyond a certain distance from your home—like, no road trips or long drives. The idea is that Shabbat is a day of rest and focus, and traveling, in any way, just distracts from that. Even though we’re not all walking miles like people did in ancient times, this is still about not getting caught up in the rush of moving around. It’s about staying in one place, being present with where you are, and not running all over the place trying to accomplish things. Technically, a Sabbath day's journey is only about 2,000 cubits—roughly 0.6 kilometers or 0.37 miles. It’s not a long distance at all. But the deeper message here is that Shabbat isn’t about traveling or escaping from the present moment. It’s about being present with where you are, without the constant need to move, change, or rush.
And, of course, there’s shopping and doing business. This is a big one. It’s not just about spending money—it’s about the whole mindset of buying and selling. Shabbat tells us to step away from the cycle of commerce. No buying, no selling, no work transactions. Why? Because Shabbat is about resting and disconnecting from all the things that drive us in our regular routines. It’s about saying, “For one day, I don’t need to worry about money, I don’t need to worry about work. I’m choosing to let that go.”
So, the whole idea behind Shabbat is about more than just “taking a break” from work. It’s a day that helps us remember our connection to God and to each other. We’re called to focus on what really matters—family, rest, prayer, peace. When we take a step back and stop working, stop consuming, stop creating, we give ourselves the chance to reconnect to the things that matter most. We don’t have to be busy all the time to be worthy. Shabbat is a gift to remind us that we can rest and still be whole.
6. "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12)
This commandment can feel a little tricky sometimes, right? We all have different relationships with our parents, and honoring them isn't always easy—especially if there’s hurt or distance between you. But that doesn’t make this commandment any less powerful or necessary. In fact, the word used for "honor" here is “kaved” (כָּבֵד), which literally means to make something heavy or weighty. It’s not just about respect in the surface-level sense. It’s about treating your parents as if their role and their place in your life are significant and serious. It’s about recognizing the weight of their presence and what they represent in your life, whether or not you agree with everything they’ve done or how they’ve raised you.
This doesn’t mean blindly obeying them or ignoring your feelings if you’ve had a difficult relationship. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything they say or do. But it does mean acknowledging the role they’ve played in bringing you into the world, in shaping who you are, and in providing the foundation for your life. Whether it's your biological parents, adoptive parents, or any figures in your life who have played a similar role, this commandment tells us we are supposed to honor the authority and wisdom that comes with their experience and position – yes, whether we want to or not- we must show them the respect due their “office”1.
Now, let’s dig into the deeper meaning of the commandment. In Hebrew, the phrase “honor your father and mother” doesn’t just stop at treating them kindly. It’s also about understanding their role as the foundation of society. Think about it. The family unit is really the first “society” we ever know. It’s where we learn the basics of life: how to walk, how to talk, the difference between right and wrong, of how to relate to others, and how to respect authority. Some parents go even further by teaching their children to read, count and more. By honoring our parents, we’re also honoring God’s design for order in the world. Family is the first place where we are taught to navigate life, and honoring that dynamic ensures that the whole structure of society remains intact.
There’s also a unique promise attached to this commandment. In Exodus 20:12, it says, “that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Now, this doesn’t mean you get a free pass to live forever or anything like that. But it does suggest that there’s a deeper blessing tied to this respect—a blessing that goes beyond just the immediate benefit of peace in the family. When we honor our parents, we’re also opening ourselves up to a deeper sense of security, stability, and blessing in our own lives. In a world where so much feels uncertain, honoring your parents—even if it's hard—can bring a level of grounding and peace that can’t always be found in other areas.
But what if your parents weren’t the greatest? What if they hurt you? Well, it doesn’t mean you have to be a doormat or subject yourself to toxic behavior. But there’s still power in honoring their role in your life—even if that means setting boundaries. Sometimes honoring your parents means forgiving them, sometimes it means taking a step back to protect your own well-being, and sometimes it means finding healing so that you can move forward in peace. But in all of this, there’s still something to be gained by seeing their role as important and acknowledging that they helped shape the person you’ve become.
And then there’s the flip side: for parents. This commandment is also a reminder that as parents, we have a responsibility to model respect, honor, and love to our children. We can’t expect them to honor us if we’re not also showing them the respect, care, and understanding they need to thrive. If we want our children to honor us, we need to lead by example. It’s a two-way street—honoring parents and teaching children to honor is part of maintaining the integrity of the family, and ultimately, society itself.
What does this look like in our everyday lives? It’s showing up, being present, speaking with kindness, forgiving, listening, and understanding. It’s about setting aside judgment and embracing the role parents play, regardless of how imperfectly they may have fulfilled it. It’s about finding the balance between honoring them as part of God’s creation and also setting boundaries where needed. The commandment isn’t a call to perfection; it’s a call to dignify and respect.
And, just like all the commandments, it’s not just about following the letter of the law—it’s about following the spirit of it. Honor isn’t a one-time act; it’s a way of living. It’s about the way we speak, the way we treat our parents, and the way we navigate the complexities of family relationships. When we honor them, we honor the very order and structure God has put into place for us to grow and thrive in community.
7. "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13)
Alright, here we go—this one seems pretty straightforward, right? "You shall not murder." But the Hebrew here is a bit more nuanced. The word used is "lo tirtzach" (לֹא תִּרְצָּח), and while we usually translate it as "murder," it can also refer to unlawful killing, intentional killing, and even kidnapping. Yes, kidnapping. This is because kidnapping is viewed as a form of unlawfully taking someone's life—not necessarily in a physical sense, but in the sense of taking away their freedom and security. It’s as though you're stealing a person's right to live their life freely as God intended for them.
The key difference here is that it's not just about the action itself; it's about the intent behind the action. It’s not about accidents or self-defense, but about taking a life or violating someone’s freedom with evil intent, for selfish reasons, or out of malice.
So, let’s break it down: at first glance, we think this commandment is all about physical killing. But, like everything else in God’s Commandments, it goes deeper. Yes, it prohibits murder, but it’s also about the sanctity of life. When God says “You shall not murder,” He’s emphasizing that life is sacred—that every human being has inherent value, regardless of their flaws, mistakes, or how different they may be from us. God is the giver of life, and He alone has the authority to take it away.
But here’s where it gets interesting: this commandment isn’t just for preventing literal, physical murder. It extends beyond that to a much deeper principle. Think about how easy it is to “kill” someone’s spirit or reputation. How often do we “murder” others with our words, our harsh judgments, our gossip, or our unforgiveness? When we engage in verbal attacks or tear people down in anger, we’re violating the spirit of this commandment. In that sense, murder can happen in the way we treat others every day—through emotional or psychological harm.2
In fact, Jesus in Matthew 5:21-22 takes this a step further, showing that it’s not just about the act of physically killing someone but also about harboring anger or hatred in your heart. He says, “You have heard that it was said of old, ‘You shall not murder,’ and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you, that anyone who is angry with his brother without cause will be in danger of the judgment.”
So, even unresolved anger is a form of breaking this commandment. Jesus brings us to a place where the spirit of the law is more important than just the outward action. Think about this: how often do we allow anger, resentment, or bitterness to linger in our hearts? When we harbor grudges or hold onto past hurts, we’re not just breaking the commandment against murder; we’re also denying the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. We’re essentially killing our relationships and shutting ourselves off from the healing that comes with grace. Jesus’ teaching shows us that dealing with anger at its root level—before it turns into something more destructive—is just as important as avoiding the act of murder itself.
Now, let’s take it a step further: in our daily lives, we often encounter situations where people cut us off, say something hurtful, or make us feel overlooked. It’s easy to lash out or hold onto that anger. But this commandment calls us to be different—to be peacemakers, to choose forgiveness over hatred, and to value the dignity of others, even when they’ve wronged us. In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus urges us to reconcile with others before offering our gifts at the altar. He says, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
This is huge! It’s not just about avoiding murder—it’s about healing, reconciliation, and valuing the relationship over being right or holding onto grudges. It’s about making peace, not just with others, but within ourselves.
This commandment also has something to teach us about how we value life in general. We live in a world where human life is often treated as disposable. Whether through violence, neglect, or systemic injustice, there are so many ways that life is devalued. This commandment calls us to stand against that—to honor life in all its forms. It’s about seeing every person, regardless of their race, status, or beliefs, as someone worthy of respect, dignity, and care. The commandment to not murder is a foundational call to protect life—and to stand against anything that dehumanizes people.
At its core, this commandment reminds us that we are all made in the image of God—and therefore, every life has intrinsic or natural value. We’re called to reflect God’s heart of love and protection toward others. Even in our frustrations, misunderstandings, or moments of anger, we’re called to choose life—choosing to speak life, act in love, and promote peace in all of our relationships.
So, in today’s world, it’s not just about not physically killing someone. It’s about valuing people enough to protect them from harm—emotionally, psychologically, spiritually, and physically—and doing our part to build a world that honors life in every way possible.
8. "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14)
Alright, let’s dig into this one. "You shall not commit adultery." Seems like a pretty straightforward commandment, right? But the Hebrew word for adultery here is "na'aph" (נָאַף), which goes beyond just physical cheating in a marriage. It also carries the idea of betrayal and unfaithfulness. It’s not just about the act of physical intimacy outside of marriage; it’s about breaking trust, violating the sacred bond between two people.
When you really think about it, this commandment isn’t just about the external act of adultery. It’s about the heart and the relationship—about the integrity of the covenant between husband and wife. The idea behind this commandment is rooted in the belief that marriage is a sacred, divine institution. It’s not just a human contract, but something that reflects God’s design for deep, intimate partnership, love, and commitment.
But let’s be real for a second. Adultery isn’t always just a physical act. It can also be something that happens emotionally. You don’t have to physically cheat on your spouse to break this commandment. How often do we betray our relationships in small ways, like when we allow ourselves to grow distant from our spouse, or when we invest emotionally in someone else who isn’t our partner? This can be just as damaging as physical unfaithfulness, because it violates the trust and emotional bond that are foundational to any relationship.
Jesus also talks about this in Matthew 5:27-28,
where He raises the bar even higher: “You have heard that it was
said, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ but I say to you that
whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed
adultery with her in his heart.”
Whoa. Now, Jesus isn’t just
talking about the physical act; He’s addressing the heart
and mind. It’s not just about what you do—it’s
about what you desire. He’s teaching us that
adultery begins long before the act itself. It
begins in the heart and mind first. When we entertain inappropriate
thoughts, when we allow our hearts to wander from our partner, we’re
already breaking the spirit of this commandment.
Now, it’s important to note that this isn’t about guilt-tripping ourselves or focusing on perfection. Jesus isn’t saying here that we should be perfect in everything—we’re all human, and we mess up. What He is saying is that we need to be continually aware of where our hearts and minds are at. Guarding your heart means keeping it focused on your spouse, on your commitments, and on the values you’ve promised to live by.
This commandment isn’t just about keeping the rules. It’s about understanding the deeper meaning of marriage as a covenant3, a sacred commitment to another person. And when we break that commitment, we’re not just harming the other person; we’re also breaking something sacred before God.
But here’s the good news: if you’ve messed up, if you’ve
broken this commandment, there’s grace. Jesus talks about
forgiveness and restoration. Matthew 5:23-24 says,
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and
there remember that your brother has something against you, leave
your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to
your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
This is
a call to reconciliation. If we’ve hurt someone,
whether through adultery or any form of betrayal, the key is
reconciliation. It’s about seeking forgiveness,
making things right, and being restored to wholeness in our
relationships with both people and with God.
And let’s not forget—this commandment applies not just to marriage, but to all of our relationships. We’re called to be faithful in every relationship we have. Loyalty, trust, and faithfulness are the foundation of all healthy relationships, whether it’s with friends, family, or even with God. Adultery isn’t just about breaking the commitment to a spouse—it’s a violation of trust in all of our connections.
So, in a nutshell, this commandment is about more than just don’t cheat. It’s about honoring your commitments, protecting your relationships, and keeping your heart and mind loyal to the people you care about. It’s about faithfulness—in every area of your life.
9. "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16)
Alright, this one might sound like something we’ve all heard before: “Don’t lie, don’t bear false witness.” But, like many of the commandments, the deeper meaning here hits home a lot harder than just a simple rule about truth-telling. The Hebrew phrase for “bear false witness” is "lo ta'aneh b'rea'cha ed sheker" (לֹא תַעֲנֶה בְרֵעֲךָ עֵד-שֶׁקֶר), and it’s not just about telling lies—it’s about misrepresenting someone, giving false testimony, and even spreading rumors that harm someone's reputation. It’s so much deeper than just the words you speak; it’s about the impact those words have on the people around you.
In the ancient context, this commandment was often associated with the legal system. When a person gave false testimony in a court case, it could lead to injustice, causing harm to the innocent. But it goes way beyond just the courtroom. False witness can happen in the smallest interactions, especially in how we talk about others when they’re not around. How often do we believe or spread something without checking if it’s true? How many times do we gossip, or pass along something that damages someone’s character without realizing the weight of it, the cost of what we say?8
Jesus touches on this, too. He doesn’t just say, “Don’t lie.” In Matthew 12:36-37, He says, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Ouch, right? That should really make you think twice before letting a careless word slip.
But let’s break it down: bearing false witness isn’t just about lying—it’s about integrity. It’s about living a life of honesty, even in the little things. It’s about considering the consequences of your words and how they affect others. This commandment is a reminder that the way we speak about people, and to people, matters. It’s about building a culture of trust, not tearing it down with falsehoods.
Now, here’s the thing we often overlook: it’s not just about avoiding falsehoods but also about actively defending the truth. In a world where information is everywhere, it’s so easy to get caught up in stories, rumors, or misinformation, and pass them along. But this commandment calls us to do more than avoid telling lies. It calls us to actively speak truth and guard the dignity of others. If someone is being misrepresented, we’re called to step in and correct the record, even if it’s uncomfortable. This is especially important when we’re talking about people who aren’t there to defend themselves.
Think about how many times we’ve been part of a conversation where someone’s reputation is being shredded without them present. Maybe we didn’t say anything, but by not stepping in to defend them, we’re silently agreeing with what’s being said. That’s what this commandment is challenging us to change: not only should we not lie, but we should also stand up for the truth and protect others from harm.
Now, let’s also consider how this connects to our own integrity. Every time we speak, every time we choose what to share, we need to ask ourselves: is this true? Am I being fair? Am I giving this person a chance to be seen for who they really are, or am I just feeding into the narrative that fits my biases? This is a deeper issue than just truth versus lies—it’s about how we relate to others and how much we value their reputation and honor.
In short, this commandment is about cultivating a community based on truth, not just by avoiding lies but by actively promoting honesty, fairness, and dignity in all our relationships. And it starts with us, with how we speak about others. Jesus’ words in Matthew really challenge us to take responsibility for the words we speak, as those words shape who we are and how we interact with the world.
10. "You shall not covet your neighbor's house, you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's" (Exodus 20:17)
Alright, this is a big one, and it’s a bit different from all the others because it’s not about an action; it’s about what’s happening in your heart. This commandment is all about coveting—wanting something that doesn’t belong to you, desiring it to the point that it disrupts your peace, your relationships, and your contentment with what you have. The Hebrew word used here for “covet” is "chamad" (חָמַד), which means to have an intense desire for something, often in a way that leads to jealousy, envy, or greed.
Now, let’s pause for a second and think about this: when we read “You shall not covet,” it might sound like just a rule to control envy, but the deeper issue here is about contentment. God isn’t just telling us, “Don’t want things.” He’s calling us to look at our hearts and ask ourselves why we desire what we do. When we covet, we’re saying, “I’m not satisfied with what I have, and I want something more”—and often, that something more is at the expense of someone else.
But here’s a deeper layer to this: When we covet something that belongs to someone else—whether it's their possessions, their spouse, or their lifestyle—we’re also, in a way, questioning God’s wisdom and sovereignty. God gave those things to them, not to us, and He did so for a reason. There’s a divine purpose in how He arranges things in this world. Maybe it's to teach that person something, or maybe it's to show them something unique about His love, His grace, or His provision. But by coveting, we’re essentially saying, “I know better, God. I think I should have that, not them.” We forget that God has a plan for each of us, and what He’s given someone else is part of their journey, not ours.
And let’s be real here: that’s pretty dangerous territory. It’s easy to look at someone else’s life and think, “If only I had what they have, I’d be happier.” But here’s the thing: God is a perfect Father. He knows exactly what we need—and when we need it. When we desire something He hasn’t given us, we risk stepping outside of His will, focusing on what we don't have rather than being grateful for what we do. Coveting is not just about wanting someone else’s stuff; it’s about not trusting God’s plan for us. He’s already given us what we need, in His timing and in His way, even when we can’t see the whole picture.
It’s easy to overlook how dangerous this commandment is. You might think, “Well, I’m not stealing anyone’s stuff, I’m not committing adultery, I’m just… wishing I had what they had.” But here’s the thing: coveting is the root of so many other sins. It’s the seed of greed, selfishness, and dissatisfaction. When you covet, you’re letting that longing take root in your heart, and it can grow into bitterness, resentment, and even actions that harm others.
But this commandment is also about trust. It’s about trusting that God has provided what you need and that He knows what’s best for you. Coveting, in a sense, is a way of saying, “I don’t trust God’s provision, and I think I need something else to be happy.” This goes back to the heart of our relationship with God—are we content with what He has given us, or are we constantly looking over our shoulder at what others have?
Here’s where it gets even more personal: coveting isn’t just about things; it can also extend to people. Wanting what others have—whether it’s their spouse, their popularity, their lifestyle—creates a deeper sense of insecurity and envy that drives us away from the peace that God wants us to live in.
Now, think about this in a practical sense. Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, seeing someone’s life or possessions, and thinking, “I wish I had that”? Or maybe you’re comparing your situation to someone else’s and feeling like you’re falling short? That’s coveting in action. And if we’re not careful, it can lead us down a path of dissatisfaction with our own lives. The commandment calls us to shift our focus—to focus on what we have and learn to be content, to truly appreciate what’s in front of us instead of constantly looking at what others have.
Jesus speaks into this in Matthew 6:19-21 when He says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus is reminding us that true contentment and fulfillment come from focusing on eternal treasures, not the fleeting things of this world that we can so easily covet.
So, let’s think about this for a minute: what is it that we’re really chasing in our lives? Is it things that will fade away, or is it something deeper, something that lasts beyond this life? The commandment not to covet is about refocusing our desires on what truly matters—our relationship with God and the love and contentment that come from living in His will.
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Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He shows us that it’s not just about following rules outwardly, but about the heart behind them. It’s not enough to simply avoid murder—He calls us to let go of anger and bitterness. It’s not just about avoiding adultery—He calls us to purity of heart.
The idea that Jesus emphasizes following the "spirit of the law" is not explicitly stated in those exact words, but it's a recurring theme in His teachings. The closest reference to this concept can be found in His teachings on the Sermon on the Mount, especially in Matthew 5:17-20, where Jesus addresses the law and its fulfillment.
In these verses, Jesus does not dismiss the law, but He refines it, saying that it’s not just about outward actions but the heart and intent behind them. Here are some key passages where this concept is illustrated:
Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus says, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus here makes it clear that the law remains, but He calls for a deeper righteousness than merely following the letter of the law. He pushes beyond just the external compliance with rules to what’s happening inside—the heart and intent behind actions.
Matthew 5:21-22 (The Murder Commandment) Jesus intensifies the commandment "You shall not murder" by pointing to the spirit of the law. He says, “You have heard that it was said of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment…” Here, Jesus takes the physical act of murder and shows that the attitude of the heart—anger—also breaks the intent of the law. It’s not enough to just not murder; one must also purify the inner thoughts and emotions.
Matthew 5:27-28 (The Adultery Commandment) In a similar way, Jesus teaches about adultery: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ but I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Again, Jesus isn’t just concerned with the physical action but with the heart’s intentions, showing that the spirit of the law is to cultivate purity in thoughts as well as actions.
Matthew 23:23-24 In this passage, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for focusing on minute details of the law without understanding its deeper purpose: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!” Jesus highlights that the spirit of the law—justice, mercy, and faith—should be prioritized over merely adhering to small rules or rituals.
Mark 2:27 Jesus says, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” This statement emphasizes that the purpose of the law (in this case, the Sabbath) is for the well-being of humanity, not a rigid set of rules to follow blindly. It shows that the heart and spirit behind the command is meant to serve us, not enslave us.
As He teaches, Jesus clearly focuses on the heart and intention behind the law, rather than simply obeying its letter. He encourages us to understand the deeper meanings and purposes of God’s commandments and to live according to those principles, not just outward actions. The “spirit of the law” is about embodying the heart of God—love, mercy, justice, and faith.
What does it mean to follow the spirit of the law? It means we don’t just avoid sin outwardly—we seek to be transformed inwardly. We don’t just check boxes; we live with a heart that loves God and others. When we do that, we’re not just following rules—we’re walking in the freedom and fullness that God intended.
1. See Worthy Of Honor
3. See Marriage Seminar
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