15 Misunderstood Facts About the 10 Commandments

The Ten Commandments are some of the most famous rules in history. Many of us learned about them as kids, and we often hear about them in church or from our parents. But how well do we really know these ancient guidelines? In this article, I will discuss 15 facts about the 10 Commandments that many people get wrong.

There Are Two Versions

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Most people don’t know that there are actually two versions of the 10 Commandments in the Bible. They appear in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. While they’re very similar, there are some small differences. This shows how the commandments were remembered and passed down over time.

They’re Not Numbered in the Bible

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The Bible doesn’t actually number the commandments. Different religious groups divide and number them in different ways. This is why some religions have slightly different lists. But the main ideas are the same in all versions.

The First Commandment Isn’t About Other Gods

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Many think the first commandment is “You shall have no other gods before me.” But it’s actually “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt.” This reminds people of God’s role in their history before giving rules.

The Sabbath Day Varies

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The commandment about the Sabbath doesn’t specify which day of the week it should be. That’s why different religions observe it on different days. Some do it on Saturday, others on Sunday. The main point is to rest and remember God.

“Thou Shalt Not Kill” Is More Specific

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In Hebrew, the commandment “Thou shalt not kill” actually means “You shall not murder.” This is more specific than just killing. It refers to unlawful killing, not things like self-defense or war. The Hebrew word used here is “ratzach,” which specifically means murder or unjust killing.

Coveting Isn’t Just About Wanting

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The commandment about coveting isn’t just about wanting things. It’s about wanting things that belong to others in a way that might harm them. It’s okay to want nice things, but not if it makes you want to take from others.

They Weren’t Always on Stone Tablets

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While we often picture the 10 Commandments on stone tablets, the Bible says they were first spoken by God. They were written down later. The stone tablets came after that. This shows how important it is to remember and share these rules.

They’re Part of a Bigger Law

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The Ten Commandments are part of a much bigger set of laws in the Bible—over 600 in total. The 10 Commandments are like a summary of the most important ones. They cover how to treat God and how to treat other people.

They’re Not Just for Religious People

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While the 10 Commandments come from the Bible, many of their ideas are found in laws all over the world. Things like not stealing or killing are common in most societies. This shows how these old rules still shape how we think about right and wrong today.

The Golden Calf Incident

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Right after receiving the 10 Commandments, the Israelites broke them by making a golden calf to worship. This story shows how hard it can be to follow rules, even important ones. It also teaches about forgiveness, as God gave Moses a second set of tablets after this.

They’re Not Just Rules, But Promises

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Some scholars say the 10 Commandments aren’t just rules, but also promises. For example, “You shall not steal” can mean “You will not need to steal.” This view suggests that following these guidelines leads to a society where people don’t feel the need to break them.

The Numbering Varies

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Different religious groups number the commandments differently. Catholics and Lutherans combine the first two commandments and split the last one. Jewish tradition sees the first statement as a separate commandment. This shows how even ancient texts can be interpreted in different ways.

They Influenced Many Laws

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The 10 Commandments have influenced laws in many countries. Ideas like not stealing or killing are found in most legal systems. Even non-religious people often agree with many of these rules. This shows how these ancient guidelines still shape our ideas of right and wrong today.

They Were Written “By the Finger of God”

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The Bible says the 10 Commandments were written “by the finger of God” on stone tablets. This phrase has led to a lot of discussion and artwork over the years. Some take it literally, imagining God physically writing on stone. Others see it as a way of saying these rules came directly from God.

They’re Often Misquoted

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Many popular sayings people think are from the 10 Commandments actually aren’t. “God helps those who help themselves” or “Cleanliness is next to godliness” aren’t in the commandments or even in the Bible. This reminds us to check our sources and not assume everything we hear is correct.

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Joy Fadogba

Joy Fadogba is a passionate writer who has spent over a decade exploring and writing about lifestyle topics. With a fondness for quotes and the little details that make life extraordinary, she writes content that not only entertains but also enriches the lives of those who read her blogs. You can find her writing on Mastermind Quotes and on her personal blog. When she is not writing, she is reading a book, gardening, or travelling.