Exodus 20:1
What does Exodus 20:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 20:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 20:1 means
This verse marks the authoritative introduction to the divine directives that follow. God Himself, not Moses, is speaking directly to the newly freed Israelites, establishing the gravity and personal nature of these commandments. It underscores that these laws are not human constructs but originate from the Creator and Deliverer of His people, forming the foundation of their covenant relationship with Him. This direct address highlights the intimate and personal nature of God's interaction with His chosen nation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And God spake all these words, saying,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And God spake all these words, saying,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And God spake all these words, saying,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And God said all these words:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And God speaketh all these words, saying,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the Lord spoke all these words:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890AndGod spoke all these words, saying,
Context
This opening verse sets the stage for the dramatic revelation of the Ten Commandments. It immediately follows the Israelites' arrival at Mount Sinai and the preparations for God's appearance. It frames the subsequent verses as direct divine speech, emphasizing the supreme authority and origin of the Law. This context is crucial for understanding the weight and importance of each commandment, as they are not suggestions but divine proclamations to a waiting people.
v.1This passage
v.2I am Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 7:53
ye who received the law as it was ordained by angels, and kept it not.
- Deuteronomy 4:36
Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he made thee to see his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.
- Deuteronomy 4:33
Did ever a people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?
- Deuteronomy 5:4
Jehovah spake with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire
- Deuteronomy 5:22
These words Jehovah spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them upon two tables of stone, and gave them unto me.
- Acts 7:38
This is he that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel that spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received living oracles to give unto us:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Exodus 20
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Exodus 20.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Covetousness
Covetousness is an excessive desire for possessions or power, often leading to other sins and hindering one's relationship with God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Greed
The Bible consistently warns against greed, depicting it as a destructive force that hinders one’s relationship with God and others.
What the Bible says about…