Have you ever heard about the 10 commandments in the Bible? Maybe you know they’re important, but you’re not sure what they really mean or why they matter in your life today.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! The 10 commandments in order are like a guidebook from God to help us live better lives.
These commandments are found in the Bible, in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5.
A long time ago, God gave them to Moses on a mountain called Sinai. But even though they’re old, they’re still super helpful for us now. They teach us how to love God, treat others well, and make good choices.
In this guide, we’ll go through the 10 commandments in order, one by one. We’ll explain what each one means and how you can use it in your everyday life.
No big words, no confusing ideas—just simple, clear advice to help you understand.
And here’s something to think about: just like the 10 commandments help us live the way God wants, prayer is another way to grow closer to Him. If you want to learn more about talking to God, check out our guide on How to Pray to God. Together, the commandments and prayer can help you live a life that’s full of peace and purpose.
If you’re reading about the 10 commandments for the first time or just need a fresh look, this guide is here to help you understand them and see how they can make your life better.
So, let’s get started! (Click a link below to jump to a specific section):
- What Are the 10 Commandments
- The 10 Commandments in Order
- Why Are the Ten Commandments Important Today
What are the 10 Commandments in the Bible
So, what exactly are the 10 commandments? Let’s start at the beginning.
A long time ago, God gave these commandments to a man named Moses. This happened on a mountain called Mount Sinai. If you read the Bible, you’ll find the story in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. It’s a pretty amazing moment—God Himself wrote these commandments on stone tablets to show how important they are.
But why did God give us these commandments?
It’s simple. They’re like a roadmap for life. They help us know how to live in a way that pleases God and treats others with love and respect.
The first few commandments are about our relationship with God, like putting Him first and not worshipping anything else. The rest are about how we should treat people, like honoring our parents, being honest, and not hurting others.
Think of it this way: life can get messy. We face tough choices, confusing situations, and sometimes we just don’t know what to do. The 10 commandments are like a set of instructions from God to help us navigate all of that. They show us what’s right and what’s wrong, so we can live in a way that brings peace and happiness.
Now, you might be wondering, “Are the 10 commandments still relevant today?” Absolutely! Even though they were given thousands of years ago, the truths they teach are never-ending.
For example, “Do not steal” or “Do not lie” are just as important now as they were back then. These commandments aren’t just rules to restrict us, they’re guidelines to protect us and help us live better lives.
In today’s world, it’s easy to get distracted or lose sight of what really matters. The 10 commandments remind us to focus on God and treat others with kindness. They’re not just for people in the Bible, they’re for everyone, no matter where or when you live.
The 10 Commandments in Order
Let’s look into the 10 commandments in order, one by one. We’ll break each one down, explain what it means, and see how it applies to our lives today. These commandments are like a guidebook from God, and they’re full of wisdom that can help us live better, happier lives.
1. You shall have no other gods before me
What it means
This commandment is all about putting God first. It’s saying that nothing should be more important to us than God—not money, not work, not even our relationships.
Modern example
Think about how easy it is to get caught up in things like social media, TV, or even our jobs. Sometimes, we spend so much time on these things that we forget to spend time with God.
How to live it out
Start your day with prayer. It’s a simple way to remind yourself that God comes first. If you’re not sure how to pray, don’t worry—we’ve got a helpful guide for you: How to Pray to God.
2. You shall not make for yourself an idol
What it means
This commandment tells us not to worship anything other than God. An idol can be anything we put above God—like money, fame, or even our phones.
Modern example
Ever feel like you can’t live without your phone or that new thing you really want? That’s when we need to check ourselves and make sure we’re not making those things idols.
How to live it out
Take a break from things that take up too much of your time. Spend that time reading the Bible or praying instead.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain
What it means
This one is about respecting God’s name. It means we shouldn’t use God’s name in a careless or disrespectful way.
Modern example
You’ve probably heard people say “Oh my God” when they’re surprised or upset. While it might seem harmless, it’s important to use God’s name with respect.
How to live it out
Be mindful of how you use God’s name. Try to use it only when you’re praying or talking about Him in a respectful way.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
What it means
God wants us to take one day a week to rest and focus on Him. It’s a day to recharge and spend time with family and friends.
Modern example
Life can get so busy that we forget to take a break. But God knows we need rest, and that’s why He gave us the Sabbath.
How to live it out
Pick one day a week to slow down. Go to church, spend time with loved ones, or just relax and thank God for His blessings.
5. Honor your father and your mother
What it means
This commandment is about respecting and caring for our parents. It’s a way to show gratitude for all they’ve done for us.
Modern example
Even if we don’t always agree with our parents, we can still show them love and respect. A simple “thank you” or spending time with them can mean a lot.
How to live it out
Call your parents regularly, help them out when they need it, and let them know you appreciate them.
6. You shall not murder
What it means
This commandment is about valuing life. It tells us not to hurt or kill others.
Modern example
While most of us won’t face the temptation to murder, we can still hurt others with our words or actions. This commandment reminds us to be kind and careful.
How to live it out
Think before you speak or act. Choose kindness and forgiveness instead of anger or hate.
7. You shall not commit adultery
What it means
This one is about being faithful in marriage. It’s a reminder to respect the promises we make to our spouse.
Modern example
In a world where relationships can feel disposable, this commandment reminds us to stay committed and loyal.
How to live it out
Work on building trust and communication in your marriage. Show your spouse love and respect every day.
8. You shall not steal
What it means
This commandment is about being honest. It tells us not to take what isn’t ours.
Modern example
Stealing isn’t just about taking physical things. It can also mean cheating on a test or not giving someone credit for their work.
How to live it out
Be honest in everything you do. If you make a mistake, own up to it and make things right.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
What it means
This commandment is about telling the truth. It’s a reminder not to lie or spread rumors about others.
Modern example
Gossip and fake news are everywhere today. This commandment reminds us to be truthful and kind with our words.
How to live it out
Think before you speak. If you’re not sure something is true, don’t share it.
10. You shall not covet
What it means
This one is about being content. It tells us not to be jealous of what others have.
Modern example
It’s easy to compare ourselves to others, especially with social media. But this commandment reminds us to be grateful for what we have.
How to live it out
Make a list of things you’re thankful for. Focus on your blessings instead of what you don’t have.
Why Are the Ten Commandments Important Today
You might be wondering, “Why should I care about the ten commandments? They were written so long ago, do they even matter now?” The answer is yes, they absolutely do!
The 10 commandments are like a continuous guide for living a better life. They help us make good choices, build strong relationships, and grow closer to God.
First, let’s talk about how the commandments help us live better.
Life can be confusing sometimes. We face tough decisions, and it’s not always clear what the right thing to do is. The 10 commandments give us clear directions. They tell us to be honest, respect others, and put God first.
When we follow these guidelines, we avoid a lot of the problems that come from lying, cheating, or being selfish. In short, they help us live a life that’s full of peace and happiness.
Next, the commandments play a big role in building strong relationships, with God and with others.
The first few commandments are all about loving and respecting God. They remind us to put Him first and worship Him alone. When we do this, we grow closer to Him and feel His presence in our lives.
The other commandments focus on how we treat people. They teach us to honor our parents, be faithful in marriage, and treat others with kindness. When we live this way, our relationships become stronger and more meaningful.
Finally, following the commandments brings blessings. God gave us these rules not to restrict us, but to protect us.
When we live by them, we experience His peace and favor. It’s like having a roadmap that leads to a good life. Sure, it’s not always easy to follow them, but the rewards are worth it.
So, are the ten commandments still important today? Absolutely! They’re not just old rules—they’re God’s way of helping us live our best lives.
Conclusion
So, what have we learned about the 10 commandments in order?
They’re God’s way of helping us live a life that’s full of peace, love, and purpose. Each commandment teaches us something important, from putting God first to treating others with kindness and respect.
The 10 commandments are like a guidebook for life. They show us how to make good choices, build strong relationships, and grow closer to God.
Even though they were given a long time ago, they’re still just as relevant today. They help us navigate the challenges of modern life and remind us what really matters.
Now, it’s your turn to think about how you can apply these commandments in your daily life. Maybe it’s spending more time with God, being honest in your relationships, or showing gratitude for what you have. Small steps can make a big difference.
If you want to grow closer to God, start by following His commandments and spending time in prayer. Prayer is how we talk to God, share our hearts, and ask for His guidance. If you’re not sure how to pray, don’t worry, we’ve got a simple guide to help you: How to Pray to God.
The 10 commandments and prayer are two powerful ways to build a life that’s grounded in faith and filled with joy. So, take the first step today. Reflect on the commandments, talk to God, and see how He can transform your life.
