Given to Moses on Mount Sinai and recorded in Exodus 20 (and again in Deuteronomy 5), these ten instructions form the foundation of the law God gave Israel — quoted here in full from the King James Version.
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”Exodus 20:3, King James Version
God alone is to be worshiped — nothing and no one else takes his place.
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”Exodus 20:4, King James Version
God's people are not to carve or bow down to physical images as objects of worship.
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”Exodus 20:7, King James Version
God's name is to be treated with reverence, not used carelessly, dishonestly, or as a curse.
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.”Exodus 20:8, King James Version
One day in seven is set apart for rest and worship, following the pattern of God resting after creation.
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”Exodus 20:12, King James Version
The first commandment with a promise attached — respect for parents is tied to a flourishing life.
“Thou shalt not kill.”Exodus 20:13, King James Version
Human life is protected as sacred, made in God's image.
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”Exodus 20:14, King James Version
Marriage faithfulness is treated as a core part of a rightly ordered life.
“Thou shalt not steal.”Exodus 20:15, King James Version
Other people's property and possessions are to be respected, not taken.
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”Exodus 20:16, King James Version
Lying about others, especially in a way that harms their reputation or standing, is forbidden.
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.”Exodus 20:17, King James Version
The list closes by addressing the heart — even wanting what belongs to someone else is out of bounds.