The Ten Commandments — Explained Verse by Verse (Exodus 20)

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) are the foundation of God's moral law, summarized by Jesus as loving God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself. They are not a way of salvation but a mirror that shows us our need for one. Below are 8 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.

What does the Bible say about the ten commandments?

The Ten Commandments from Exodus 20 — each commandment with its meaning, application, and New Testament fulfillment. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Remember the Sabbath. Do not murder. Do not commit adultery.

8 Bible Verses About The ten commandments (KJV)

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

Exodus 20:3 KJV — The Ten Commandments Read Exodus chapter 20 →

“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 KJV — The Ten Commandments Read Exodus chapter 20 →

“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 KJV — The Ten Commandments Read Exodus chapter 20 →

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

Exodus 20:8 KJV — The Ten Commandments Read Exodus chapter 20 →

“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 KJV — The Ten Commandments Read Exodus chapter 20 →

“Thou shalt not kill.”

Exodus 20:13 KJV — The Ten Commandments Read Exodus chapter 20 →

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”

Exodus 20:14 KJV — The Ten Commandments Read Exodus chapter 20 →

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”

Exodus 20:16 KJV — The Ten Commandments Read Exodus chapter 20 →

Read These Passages in Full Context

Frequently Asked Questions About The ten commandments in the Bible

What does the Bible say about the ten commandments?
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) are the foundation of God's moral law, summarized by Jesus as loving God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself. They are not a way of salvation but a mirror that shows us our need for one. Key KJV passages: Exodus 20:3, Exodus 20:4, Exodus 20:7, Exodus 20:8, Exodus 20:12.
What are the best Bible verses about the ten commandments?
The most important KJV passages on the ten commandments include: Exodus 20:3, Exodus 20:4, Exodus 20:7, Exodus 20:8, Exodus 20:12. Read all 8 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
Where in the Bible does it talk about the ten commandments?
The Bible addresses the ten commandments throughout both Testaments. Key references include Exodus 20:3, Exodus 20:4, Exodus 20:7, Exodus 20:8, Exodus 20:12, Exodus 20:13, Exodus 20:14, Exodus 20:16, Matthew 22:37. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.replit.app.
What does the New Testament say about the ten commandments?
New Testament scriptures on the ten commandments: Matthew 22:37. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
What does the Old Testament say about the ten commandments?
Old Testament scriptures on the ten commandments: Exodus 20:3, Exodus 20:4, Exodus 20:7, Exodus 20:8. See them in full context free at The Living Sword.
How do I study Bible verses about the ten commandments?
The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 8 passages on the ten commandments at thelivingsword.replit.app — free, no account, no download required.

Read the Full Bible Free

The Living Sword is a free Bible app — no ads, no account, no paywall. Explore all 66 books, search the full text at Bible search, or browse all Bible topics.

Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.