Ten Commandments: Meaning and Importance in Judaism

The Ten Commandments are instructions that, according to the Torah, God gave to Moses at Mount Sinai. In Judaism, they show how Jews should honour God and treat other people. They are important because they form part of the covenant, the special relationship and set of commitments between God and the Jewish people.

What do they mean?

Some commandments concern worship and loyalty to God, such as having no other gods, not worshipping idols and keeping Shabbat holy. Shabbat is the weekly day of rest. Others concern relationships between people, such as honouring parents and not murdering, stealing or giving false testimony. A commandment is a religious instruction; in Judaism, commandments are also called mitzvot.

For example, the instruction not to steal means more than avoiding punishment. It reflects a duty to respect other people and their property. Keeping Shabbat holy gives Jews time for rest and worship, and reminds them of their relationship with God. Giving false testimony means lying about someone in a legal setting. Avoiding it helps protect fairness and trust. This shows how a commandment about behaviour towards others can make a difference to the whole community.

Why are they important?

The Ten Commandments are connected to the covenant at Sinai. Following them is one way Jews can live in response to God’s guidance. They also provide principles for a community built on trust, justice and respect. Their importance is both religious and practical: they shape worship as well as everyday choices.

Exam mistake to avoid: Do not describe the Ten Commandments as the whole of Jewish law. They are significant commandments within the Torah, but Jewish life is guided by many other teachings and mitzvot too. When explaining their importance, link a specific commandment to either the covenant with God or its effect on how people live.