The Ten Commandments are a foundational set of divine laws given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Bible. These commandments are central to the moral and ethical teachings of Christianity, including the Catholic Church. While all Christians agree on the content of the Ten Commandments, different Christian traditions, including the Catholic Church, organize and number them slightly differently. Understanding the Ten Commandments from a Catholic perspective involves exploring their biblical basis, their role in Catholic teaching, and how they are applied in the lives of believers.
Biblical Basis of the Ten Commandments
The Giving of the Commandments
The Ten Commandments are first recorded in the book of Exodus, where God gives them to Moses on Mount Sinai after the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. The commandments are repeated in the book of Deuteronomy.
Exodus 20:1-17 (NIV):
“And God spoke all these words:
‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
- You shall have no other gods before me.
- You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
- You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
- Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
- Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.'”
The Catholic Numbering of the Ten Commandments
The Catholic Church follows the traditional numbering of the Ten Commandments that was established by St. Augustine in the 4th century. This differs slightly from the numbering used in some Protestant traditions. In the Catholic numbering:
- I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange gods before me.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
- Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not kill.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
This numbering combines the first two commandments found in the Bible (no other gods and no idols) into the first commandment, and it splits the final commandment about coveting into two separate commandments (coveting your neighbor’s wife and coveting your neighbor’s goods).
The Role of the Ten Commandments in Catholic Teaching
A Moral Foundation
The Ten Commandments serve as the foundation for moral teaching in the Catholic Church. They are seen as universal principles that apply to all people and provide a guide for living a life that is pleasing to God.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2067:
“The Ten Commandments state what is required in the love of God and love of neighbor. The first three concern love of God, and the other seven love of neighbor.”
The Catechism teaches that the commandments are divided into two tables: the first three commandments focus on our relationship with God, and the last seven focus on our relationships with others. This reflects Jesus’ teaching that the greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40).
The Commandments as a Path to Holiness
For Catholics, the Ten Commandments are not just rules to follow but a path to holiness. By obeying these commandments, believers grow in their relationship with God and with others, becoming more like Christ.
John 14:15 (NIV):
“If you love me, keep my commands.”
Jesus’ words emphasize that keeping God’s commandments is an expression of love for Him. In the Catholic tradition, the commandments are seen as a means of growing in virtue and living out the Christian faith.
The Commandments in the Sacrament of Confession
The Ten Commandments also play a role in the Sacrament of Confession (Reconciliation) in the Catholic Church. When examining their conscience before confession, Catholics are encouraged to reflect on how they have lived in relation to the commandments, identifying areas where they have fallen short and need God’s forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 (NIV):
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Confession is seen as a way to restore one’s relationship with God and to receive grace to live more faithfully according to the commandments.
Applying the Ten Commandments in Daily Life
Worship and Reverence for God
The first three commandments focus on our relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of worship, reverence, and keeping the Sabbath holy. For Catholics, this includes attending Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation, refraining from unnecessary work on these days, and honoring God in all aspects of life.
Exodus 20:8 (NIV):
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”
Catholics are called to set aside Sunday as a day of worship, rest, and reflection on God’s goodness, recognizing it as a gift and a commandment from God.
Respect for Life and Dignity
The commandments related to honoring parents, respecting life, and maintaining purity in relationships highlight the importance of respecting the dignity of every person. This includes honoring family relationships, protecting life from conception to natural death, and living chastely according to one’s state in life.
Matthew 5:21-22 (NIV):
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
Jesus expands on the commandment not to kill by addressing the underlying attitudes of anger and hatred, calling for a deeper respect for others that begins in the heart.
Honesty and Integrity
The commandments against stealing, bearing false witness, and coveting call believers to live with honesty, integrity, and contentment. Catholics are encouraged to be truthful in their words and actions, to respect the property of others, and to cultivate a spirit of gratitude rather than envy.
Ephesians 4:25 (NIV):
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
Living out these commandments involves being truthful, fair, and just in all our dealings with others, recognizing that how we treat others reflects our relationship with God.
Conclusion
The Ten Commandments are a central part of Catholic teaching, providing a moral and spiritual framework for living a life that honors God and respects others. While the Catholic Church organizes and interprets the commandments slightly differently than some other Christian traditions, the underlying principles remain the same: love for God and love for neighbor. The commandments are not just ancient laws but are relevant guides for daily living, calling Catholics to a life of holiness, integrity, and devotion. Through obedience to these commandments, believers are invited to grow closer to God, to live in harmony with others, and to reflect the love of Christ in the world.