Exodus 20:12-16

12 "¹Honor your father and your mother, that your ²days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.

13 "³You shall not murder.

14 "⁴You shall not commit adultery.

15 "⁵You shall not steal.

16 "⁶You shall not bear false witness against your ⁷neighbor.

Exodus 20:12-16 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 20

In this chapter we have an account of the giving of the law on Mount Sinai; the preface to it, Ex 20:1,2, the ten commandments it consists of, Ex 20:8-17, the circumstances attending it, which caused the people to remove at some distance, Ex 20:18, when they desired of Moses, that he would speak to them and not God, who bid them not fear, since this was for the trial of them; but still they kept at a distance, while Moses drew nigh to God, Ex 20:19-21 who ordered him to caution the children of Israel against idolatry, and directed what sort of an altar he would have made whereon to offer their sacrifices, promising that where his name was recorded he would grant his presence and blessing, Ex 20:22-26.

Cross References

• 1. Leviticus 19:3; Deuteronomy 27:16; Matthew 15:4; Matthew 19:19; Mark 7:10; Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20; Ephesians 6:2
• 2. Deuteronomy 5:16, 33; Deuteronomy 6:2; Deuteronomy 11:8, 9; Jeremiah 35:7
• 3. Genesis 9:6; Exodus 21:12; Leviticus 24:17; Matthew 5:21; Matthew 19:18; Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20; Romans 13:9; James 2:11
• 4. Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 5:18; Matthew 5:27; Matthew 19:18; Romans 13:9
• 5. Exodus 21:16; Leviticus 19:11, 13; Matthew 19:18; Romans 13:9
• 6. Exodus 23:1, 7; Deuteronomy 5:20; Matthew 19:18
• 7. Leviticus 19:18