Ten Commandments

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Ten Commandments

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | 2008 | The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright 2008 Columbia University Press. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Ten Commandments or Decalogue [Gr.,=ten words], in the Bible, the summary of divine law given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. They have a paramount place in the ethical system in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Listed in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy, the commandments are divided into duties toward God, one's neighbors, and society. Their normative status is indicated by their prescriptive and unconditional language. They function as general stipulations decreed by God as part of God's covenant with the people of Israel. In both Exodus and Deuteronomy, the case law following the listing of the commandments is based on them and deduced from the principles contained in them. In Islamic tradition, Moses brings new revelation in the form of the commandments.

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Ten Commandments

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | © World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Ten Commandments (Decalogue) Code of ethical conduct held in Judaeo-Christian tradition to have been revealed by God to Moses on Mount Sinai during the Hebrew exodus from Egypt (c.1200 bc). They represent the moral basis of the Covenant made by Yahweh (God) with Israel.
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