BibleVerse
Exodus 20:2–17

The Ten Commandments

Quick answer: This page provides the full passage of the Ten Commandments in both the King James Version and the World English Bible, followed by ten additional verses regarding law and obedience, all available for free without any registration or advertisements.

People often turn to this foundational passage when they seek clarity on the core principles of faith and conduct. Whether you are studying for personal growth or looking for a quiet moment of reflection, these verses offer a direct look at the ancient instructions that have guided many throughout history. This resource is designed for those who value the original text in a simple, distraction-free environment that respects the gravity of the subject matter.

On this page, you will find the passage shown above in two distinct public-domain translations. We provide the text in the King James Version and the World English Bible to offer different perspectives on the language used. Below the primary passage, we have curated ten additional verses that focus on the themes of law, love, and obedience. This collection serves as a helpful reference for anyone wanting to explore how these instructions connect to broader biblical teachings.

The passage

The passage above is printed verse by verse, verbatim, from the public-domain King James Version (1611) and the World English Bible. Switch between the two translations with the buttons above the list.

  • Exodus 20:2

    I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

  • Exodus 20:3

    Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

  • Exodus 20:4

    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 20:5

    Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

  • Exodus 20:6

    And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

  • Exodus 20:7

    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 20:8

    Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

  • Exodus 20:9

    Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

  • Exodus 20:10

    But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

  • Exodus 20:11

    For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

  • Exodus 20:12

    Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

  • Exodus 20:13

    Thou shalt not kill.

  • Exodus 20:14

    Thou shalt not commit adultery.

  • Exodus 20:15

    Thou shalt not steal.

  • Exodus 20:16

    Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

  • Exodus 20:17

    Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

The verses are shown unnumbered on purpose: Jewish, Roman Catholic and Lutheran traditions and most Protestant churches all arrive at ten commandments, but they group the opening verses differently. Leaving the text without imposed numbers keeps the passage itself in view rather than one counting scheme.

The second account in Deuteronomy

The commandments are given a second time in Deuteronomy 5:6–21, where Moses retells them to the next generation before the people enter the land. The two accounts agree in substance but differ in wording and emphasis — most visibly in the sabbath command, where Deuteronomy grounds the day of rest in the deliverance from Egypt rather than in God's rest at creation. Only the Exodus account is printed on this page; the parallel in Deuteronomy can be read on this site's reading pages.

For how the church later summarized what it believes, read the historic creeds. For verses on trusting God's word day to day, see Bible verses about faith.

Related verses on God's law, love and obedience

These are related verses on God's law, love and obedience — the passage itself is printed in full above. They are printed verbatim from the public-domain King James Version and World English Bible — switch between the two translations below.

  • Deuteronomy 6:5

    And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

  • Psalms 1:2

    But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

  • Psalms 119:11

    Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

  • Psalms 119:105

    Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:13

    Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

  • Matthew 22:37

    Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

  • Matthew 22:39

    And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

  • Matthew 7:12

    Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

  • John 14:15

    If ye love me, keep my commandments.

  • 2 John 1:6

    And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the verses shown in both KJV and WEB and are they public domain?
Yes, the passage is presented in both the King James Version and the World English Bible. Both of these translations are in the public domain, meaning you are free to use, copy, or share the text found here for any purpose without needing permission.
How should I use or read the information on this page?
You can use this page as a quiet reference for study or reflection. The verses are displayed as individual cards to make them easier to read. Because we provide two different translations side-by-side, you can compare the wording to gain a clearer understanding of the text.
Do these commandments also appear elsewhere in the Bible?
The verses on this page represent the first time these instructions are given, though they are retold a second time in another book. While the specific wording might differ slightly in that later account, the core principles remain the same throughout the different parts of the Bible.
Is this website free and does it require an account?
This website is completely free and never requires you to sign up for an account. We do not ask for any personal information or show any advertisements, allowing you to read the scripture in a clean, private, and respectful digital space.

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