Verse

Exodus 20:1

ESV And God spoke all these words, saying,
NIV And God spoke all these words:
NASB Then God spoke all these words, saying,
CSB Then God spoke all these words:
NLT Then God gave the people all these instructions :
KJV And God spake all these words, saying,
NKJV And God spoke all these words, saying:

What does Exodus 20:1 mean?

The Bible frequently indicates that its instructions come from the Lord God (Genesis 8:15; 46:2; Exodus 6:2; Leviticus 1:1; Numbers 1:1). Israel has arrived at Sinai and seen God's spectacular, intimidating display on the mountain (Exodus 19:16–19). There, Moses alone will communicate with the Lord (Exodus 19:20) and receive the covenant laws of Israel.

The first of these laws are the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2–17). These establish the fundamental principles which underscore the rest of God's laws for the nation of Israel (Exodus 20:2). Commandments one through four speak of man's relationship with God. Commandments five through ten focus on interactions between fellow men. The fifth commandment functions as a hinge: honoring godly authority and structure while passing the covenant to future generations.
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Context Summary
Exodus 20:1–17 contains the Ten Commandments: the foundational laws of the ancient nation of Israel. These provide a basis for every other Mosaic law (2 Chronicles 5:10). The laws prohibit worship of other gods, idolatry, blasphemy, perjury, theft, murder, adultery, and covetousness. They command Israelites to honor parents and observe a weekly Sabbath rest. Like the rest of the old covenant, these commandments will be "fulfilled" and no longer applicable after Christ's completed work (Galatians 4:4–5; Hebrews 8:8–13). However, all these rules, other than the command to observe the Sabbath, are repeated in Christ's teachings.
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Chapter Summary
At Mount Sinai, God begins declaring the laws of His covenant with Israel. The first of these are the Ten Commandments. These establish core principles intended to guide the Lord's chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Further details will come in other chapters and books. This chapter ends with specifics about altars and idols. The following chapters will address various social and civil issues (Exodus 21—23)
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