Different traditions number the Ten Commandments somewhat differently.

Roman Catholics and Lutherans combine "no other gods” and "no graven images” to form the first commandment. They regard the words about coveting as two separate commandments.

Most other Christian groups view "no other gods” as the first commandment, and "no graven images” as the second commandment. They regard not coveting as a single command applying to a variety of details. This Christian Ethics course follows this tradition of numbering.

Here is a chart that shows the main approaches to numbering the Ten Commandments:  

Division of the Ten Commandments by religion/denomination

Commandment

Jewish

Orthodox

Roman Catholic*, Lutheran**

Anglican, Reformed, and other Christian

I am the Lord thy God

1

1

1

preface

Thou shalt have no other gods before me

2

1

Thou shalt not make for thyself an idol

2

2

Thou shalt not make wrongful use of the name of thy God

3

3

2

3

Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy

4

4

3

4

Honor thy Father and Mother

5

5

4

5

Thou shalt not murder*

6

6

5

6

Thou shalt not commit adultery

7

7

6

7

Thou shalt not steal

8

8

7

8

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor

9

9

8

9

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house

10

10

9

10

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife

10

 

Last modified: Wednesday, August 8, 2018, 9:57 AM