22 Things That People Misunderstand About the 10 Commandments

However, while the Ten Commandments may seem like straightforward directives, there are actually several misconceptions about this important part of religious and human history. 

Additionally, the Ten Commandments have influenced the religion of Islam. While the Qur’an doesn’t explicitly list them in the same way, each of the laws is stated at some point.

In fact, they not only write the exact words differently, but they also derive different meanings. Even specific sects within both Judaism and Christianity follow the Commandments in seemingly contradictory ways. 

However, the truth is that these directives are timeless. As Evangelical leader Billy Graham said, “Although they were given many centuries ago, the Ten Commandments are still valid, and our lives (and our world) would be far better if we followed them.”

The Ten Commandments are spiritual and emotional guideposts by which followers of God can and should live. They contain positive messages that help people live virtuously and have a better relationship with themselves, others, and their God. 

What people don’t understand about the Sabbath commandment is that it isn’t just about showing up to a church service or taking time off work. It’s truly about taking time each week to feel gratitude for one’s life and the gifts of God.

Of course, taking anything that doesn’t belong to you would count as stealing. But so would stealing someone’s peace with unkind words, stealing someone’s honor through deception or even stealing through bribing or committing fraud. 

But it’s important to understand that God specifically wants his followers to respect, love and support their parents no matter what, from childhood well into adulthood. 

However, the Ten Commandments are truly for people of every gender. In fact, they promote respect and kindness to all people from every background through honesty, loyalty and honor. 

Certain sects of the religions that adhere to the Ten Commandments have a different take on this particular rule. While some say “kill” only applies to “murder,” others argue that absolutely no life, including that of an animal or fetus, should be taken by one who wants to dedicate their life to God. 

Today’s legal and moral standards, such as laws against murder, theft and lying under oath, are largely based on these original ancient decrees.

While the Ten Commandments are the foundation of ethics, morality and worship for both religions, they are just the starting point. Both religions, as well as Islam, have many other statutes included within their sacred texts.  

However, they also encompass ethical and moral guidelines that govern social behavior, promoting justice, honesty, and respect within the community.

In reality, many scholars and religious leaders encourage interpreting these commandments metaphorically or symbolically to apply their principles more broadly to various aspects of life.

Although static in its text, throughout history, religious leaders and scholars have reinterpreted and adapted these commandments to address contemporary issues and moral dilemmas, showing their flexibility and relevance across different eras.

However, religious teachings often emphasize that all commandments are equally significant and interrelated, forming a holistic guide for ethical and spiritual living.

For instance, “Thou shalt not steal” suggests promoting honesty and integrity, and “Thou shalt not kill” encourages respect for life in all its forms. Again, perspective and interpretation are crucial in understanding the deeper meanings of these commandments.

However, the ethical principles they promote, such as honesty, respect, and justice, are universal values found in many different religious and philosophical traditions.

In truth, they also lay the foundation for social justice and community ethics, emphasizing the importance of treating others with respect and fairness.

Despite their ancient origins, these principles continue to influence modern legal systems, ethical standards, and cultural values around the world.

In reality, they are a foundational set of principles that complement other teachings and moral guidelines within the broader religious texts.

However, several commandments, such as “Thou shalt not covet,” address internal attitudes and desires, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity of heart and mind.

From an early age, numerous religious traditions weave these principles into the fabric of our upbringing, sculpting our moral compass and guiding our ethical actions throughout life.

However, historical and archaeological evidence suggests that they were influenced by existing legal and moral codes of neighboring civilizations, integrating and elevating common ethical principles into a divine mandate.