The story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments is found primarily in Exodus 19–20, 24, and 31–34, and the commandments are repeated in Deuteronomy 5. After Moses went up Mount Sinai and received stone tablets written by the finger of God, Israel grew impatient, and Aaron, Moses’ brother and spokesman, gave in to the people’s demand for a golden calf to worship.
When Moses came down and saw Israel breaking its covenant almost as soon as it had been made, he broke the first set of tablets. Israel’s rebellion cost them higher blessings associated with the first set, leaving them with a lesser law meant to prepare them for something higher.
The Ten Commandments are not just an ancient list of rules. They reveal a covenant pattern of love: the first four orient the heart toward God, the fifth centers the family, and the remainder govern how disciples treat others.
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me
This commandment teaches that God must come first. Discipleship means placing Him above comfort, success, fear, money, popularity, politics, or any other competing loyalty.
When God is first, everything else can find its proper place. When He is not first, even good things can become spiritually dangerous.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
Ancient Israel worshiped a golden calf, but modern idolatry often looks much more ordinary. Possessions, status, entertainment, ambition, and even our own image can become idols when they receive the devotion that belongs to God.
Idolatry is not only about statues. It is about whatever captures the heart and turns us away from the living God.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
This commandment means more than avoiding profanity. It means speaking of God with reverence and living in a way that honors the covenants we make in His name.
Latter-day Saints take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ through baptism, the sacrament, and temple covenants. To take His name seriously is to let His name shape our choices.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
The Sabbath is a gift from God, not just a rule about what we should avoid. We are invited to see the Sabbath as a sign of our love for Heavenly Father.
A holy Sabbath includes worship, the sacrament, rest, family, service, and spiritual renewal. It is a weekly opportunity to turn our hearts back to God.
5. Honour thy father and thy mother
This commandment centers the family, which is central to God’s plan. Honoring parents includes gratitude, respect, patience, and a willingness to remember the sacred role of family.
This does not mean excusing abuse or following anyone into unrighteousness. But it does call disciples to reject contempt and seek a heart softened by love, humility, and forgiveness.
6. Thou shalt not kill
Human life is sacred because every person is a child of God. This commandment protects the dignity, worth, and eternal potential of every soul.
We can live the spirit of this commandment by rejecting hatred, cruelty, and contention. Disciples of Christ are called to become peacemakers.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery
The law of chastity is rooted in the sacredness of the body and the eternal importance of marriage and family. Scripture teaching reserves sexual intimacy for marriage between a man and a woman.
This commandment also reaches into thoughts, media, speech, and behavior. It invites purity, loyalty, self-mastery, and reverence for God’s creative power.
8. Thou shalt not steal
Stealing is more than taking someone else’s property. It can include cheating, fraud, exploiting others, wasting paid time, or gaining something through dishonesty.
Scripture teaching connects this commandment to integrity. A disciple of Christ should be trustworthy in money, work, promises, and relationships.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour
This commandment condemns lying, but it also reaches into gossip, rumors, exaggeration, and careless accusations. Words can protect truth, or they can damage another person’s name.
In today’s world, this commandment matters online as much as it does in person. Disciples should speak truth clearly, honestly, and charitably.
10. Thou shalt not covet
Coveting begins in the heart. It happens when someone else’s possessions, relationships, status, or life become the focus of our resentment or desire.
Scripture commentary connects coveting with idolatry because misplaced desire can lead to other sins. Gratitude, contentment, and trust in God help protect the heart.
Why these commandments still matter
Jesus Christ fulfilled the law of Moses, so we no longer live under the old system of animal sacrifice and ceremonial performances. But the Ten Commandments still stand as part of God’s moral law.
They are repeated and reinforced in latter-day scripture, including Doctrine and Covenants 42 and 59. We do not keep the commandments to replace the Savior. We keep them because He fulfilled the law, redeemed us through His Atonement, and still calls His covenant disciples to holy living.