A Literal Translation of the Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments are the eternal expression of God's character and His covenant of love. A deeper understanding of the original Hebrew text of the book of Exodus reveals wonderful nuances of God's law, showing it not as a dry code of restrictions, but as a promise of freedom for a redeemed people.

In the text of Exodus 20:2-17, the commandments are referred to by the Hebrew phrase “Aseret ha-D'varim,” which literally means the “Ten Words.” They were not given so that human beings could earn salvation through their own strength, but as a gracious guidepost for those whom the Lord had already delivered from the bondage of sin.

The Foundation of the Covenant: Deliverance Precedes the Law

Before proclaiming any prohibition or command, the Lord introduces Himself to His people:

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” Exod 20:2

The Hebrew text uses the personal, sacred name of the Creator here: Yahweh. God first reminds them of His saving action, and only then reveals the standards for living. Seventh-day Adventists emphasize that obedience to the Law of God is the fruit of salvation by grace, not an effort to earn Heaven's favor.

The First Four Commandments: A Holy Relationship with God

The first commandment literally reads: “You shall have no other gods before My face”:

“You shall have no other gods before me.” Exod 20:3

This means that nothing and no one may stand alongside the Creator on the throne of the human heart.

The second commandment warns against making carved images or any material likenesses for worship:

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them...” Exod 20:4-5

The original word “pesel” points to an idol, an artificial substitute for the invisible God. Humankind attempts to control what it has fashioned with its own hands, whereas the Creator calls for spiritual faithfulness.

The third commandment features the unique Hebrew verb “nasa” (to lift up, bear, or carry):

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain...” Exod 20:7

The literal meaning is: “You shall not lift up the name of Yahweh your God to vanity (to emptiness).” This refers not only to using God's name flippantly in speech, but also to hypocrisy—claiming to be a believer and bearing God's name, while discrediting His authority through one's life.

The fourth commandment is the longest and most detailed in the Hebrew original:

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God...” Exod 20:8-10

The word “shabbat” comes from a root meaning “to cease,” “to rest.” Remembering the Sabbath day means keeping constantly in mind the creation of the world in six days and the sacredness of the seventh day. The Sabbath is the seal of God's Law, pointing to the Sovereign's name, His title as Creator, and the territory of His dominion.

The Six Commandments of Love for One's Neighbor

The second section of the Decalogue governs social relationships. The fifth commandment begins with the word “kaved,” which means “to make weighty,” “to honor”:

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land...” Exod 20:12

The subsequent commandments are terse in the original, each beginning with the particle of categorical negation “lo”:

“You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Exod 20:13-16

In the sixth commandment, the specific Hebrew word “ratsach” is used, signifying the intentional or malicious murder of a fellow human being, rather than defense or judicial execution. The seventh commandment protects the sanctity of the redemptive marriage covenant from marital infidelity. The eighth commandment safeguards the property and freedom of others, including protection against kidnapping.

The tenth commandment uncovers the inner root of all outward sins:

“You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife... or anything that is your neighbor's.” Exod 20:17

The verb “chamad” denotes passionate longing, a selfish desire to possess what does not belong to you. This demonstrates that God's law reaches into the depths of the human heart, thoughts, and motives.

Practical Meaning for Our Lives

As Christian author Ellen White wrote in the book “Patriarchs and Prophets,” the Law of God is not a burdensome yoke, but a hedge of mercy protecting humanity from evil and ruin. The literal meaning of these Hebrew words shows that each commandment is not merely a decree, but God's promise: as we abide in Christ, grace will protect our hearts from idolatry, unfaithfulness, greed, and hatred. Today, we are called to explore these eternal truths, honor the holy Sabbath day, and allow the Holy Spirit to write these Ten Words upon the tablets of our hearts.