The Ten Commandments An in depth Exploration

The Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue, form the moral foundation of Judeo-Christian values. Given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:4-21), they embody divine law, serving as ethical imperatives for individuals and communities alike. By delving into the Hebrew language, parsing their deeper meanings through gematria (numerical symbolism), and analyzing rabbinic commentary in the Mishnah, we uncover profound layers of spiritual, moral, and philosophical wisdom.

1. “I am the LORD your God” (Exodus 20:2)

In Hebrew: אָנֹכִי ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ (Anochi Hashem Elohecha)

This command establishes the foundation of monotheism. The word Anochi (I am) is notable because it is not the usual term for "I" (ani). Rabbinic scholars suggest Anochi signals a divine self-expression beyond human comprehension. In gematria, the numerical value of Anochi is 81, which some sages associate with divine transcendence and the concept of unity (8 + 1 = 9, symbolizing completeness).

The Mishnah expounds on the necessity of belief in one God as the root of all commandments. Without acknowledging God's sovereignty, the subsequent laws lose their binding authority. This command challenges us to internalize faith and make it the compass of our moral decisions.

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2. “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3)

In Hebrew: לֹא יִהְיֶה־לְךָ אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים עַל־פָּנָי (Lo yihyeh-lecha elohim acherim al-panai)

The prohibition against idolatry extends beyond physical idols. The Hebrew term acherim (other) implies "foreign" or "strange," indicating that any allegiance diverting from God compromises spiritual integrity.

Using gematria, the numerical value of acherim (other gods) is 620, matching the total number of biblical commandments (613) plus the seven rabbinic laws. This suggests that loyalty to God integrates all divine instructions.

The Mishnah elaborates that idolatry can take subtler forms—materialism, ego, or excessive reliance on human power. True worship demands prioritizing divine values over fleeting distractions.

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3. “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7)

In Hebrew: לֹא תִשָּׂא אֶת־שֵׁם־ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ לַשָּׁוְא (Lo tisa et-shem-HaShem Elohecha lashav)

The word lashav (in vain) conveys emptiness or falsehood. It prohibits misusing God’s name in oaths, curses, or insincere prayers. The Hebrew shem (name) reflects identity and essence. Thus, invoking God frivolously undermines His sanctity.

In gematria, the word lashav equals 706, which some link to the idea of falsehood and distortion of truth. This command underscores the power of speech, which the Mishnah considers a sacred tool for building or destroying relationships. Guarding our words honors the divine image within us.

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4. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8)

In Hebrew: זָכוֹר אֶת־יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת לְקַדְּשׁוֹ (Zachor et-yom haShabbat le'kadsho)

The verb zachor (remember) implies active mindfulness. Sabbath observance transcends rest; it involves sanctifying time through spiritual renewal. In Hebrew, Shabbat shares a root with shev (to sit) and shav (return), symbolizing rest and restoration.

The gematria of zachor is 227, hinting at the multifaceted nature of remembrance—acknowledging creation, liberation, and covenant. The Mishnah emphasizes the Sabbath as a testimony to divine creation and humanity’s intrinsic dignity, teaching balance between work and rest.

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5. “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12)

In Hebrew: כַּבֵּד אֶת־אָבִיךָ וְאֶת־אִמֶּךָ (Kabbed et-avicha ve’et-imecha)

The Hebrew kabbed (honor) derives from kavod (weight, respect), signifying reverence and gratitude. This command bridges the “God-focused” and “man-focused” commandments, emphasizing the divine role of parents as co-creators.

In gematria, kabbed equals 26, the same as the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), underscoring the divine aspect of this relationship. The Mishnah frames parental honor as a prerequisite for societal harmony, urging individuals to emulate God’s compassion and authority within familial contexts.

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6. “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13)

In Hebrew: לֹא תִרְצָח (Lo tirtzach)

This command upholds the sanctity of life. The Hebrew tirtzach (murder) specifically denotes unlawful killing, distinguishing it from acts of justice or self-defense.

The numerical value of tirtzach is 588, which sages link to the ethical weight of actions and their ripple effects. The Mishnah teaches that destroying a single life equates to destroying an entire world, emphasizing the infinite value of each soul.

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7. “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14)

In Hebrew: לֹא תִנְאָף (Lo tin'af)

Adultery violates trust, fidelity, and sacred bonds. The Hebrew tin'af relates to na’af (to pollute), signifying moral corruption.

In gematria, tin'af equals 500, often associated with cosmic completeness and accountability. The Mishnah equates marital fidelity with covenantal faithfulness to God, framing marriage as a microcosm of divine-human relationships.

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8. “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15)

In Hebrew: לֹא תִגְנֹב (Lo tignov)

The prohibition extends beyond theft of property, encompassing deceit and exploitation. The Hebrew tignov (steal) implies undermining trust.

The numerical value of tignov is 67, symbolizing balance and fairness. The Mishnah underscores the importance of honesty in sustaining community trust and equity, urging restitution as a pathway to spiritual repair.

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9. “You shall not bear false witness” (Exodus 20:16)

In Hebrew: לֹא־תַעֲנֶה בְרֵעֲךָ עֵד שָׁקֶר (Lo-ta’aneh b’reacha ed-shaker)

This command prohibits dishonesty in legal and interpersonal contexts. The Hebrew shaker (false) contrasts with emet (truth), highlighting the moral imperative of integrity.

In gematria, shaker equals 600, contrasting the value of emet (truth), which is 441. The Mishnah teaches that truth sustains creation, while falsehood leads to chaos.

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10. “You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17)

In Hebrew: לֹא תַחְמֹד (Lo tachmod)

Coveting originates in unchecked desire. The Hebrew tachmod (covet) stems from chamad (to desire), warning against internalizing envy or greed.

The gematria of tachmod is 92, which some sages connect to humility and gratitude. The Mishnah advises cultivating contentment as the antidote to covetousness, promoting inner peace and ethical living.

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Conclusion: The Unity of the Decalogue

The Ten Commandments are not isolated directives but an integrated moral system. Their structure—divided into duties toward God and fellow humans—mirrors the two tablets on which they were inscribed. The use of gematria, ancient Hebrew analysis, and the Mishnah deepens our understanding, revealing that these divine laws transcend time and culture. They challenge humanity to live in alignment with divine purpose, fostering justice, compassion, and holiness in every aspect of life.