Bible fact · Translation-dependent observation
The Ten Commandments are called "ten words"
Exodus and Deuteronomy call the commandments "the ten commandments", literally "ten words" in Hebrew. Exodus 34:28Deuteronomy 4:13
Discover why
"He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments." Deuteronomy says God declared "his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even the ten commandments". Exodus 34:28Deuteronomy 4:13
The commandments themselves are in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. Jewish and Christian traditions divide them in slightly different ways. Exodus 20:1–17Deuteronomy 5:6–21
How this was worked out
"Ten commandments" in the World English Bible translates Hebrew "ten words". How the text is divided into ten differs between traditions.
Counts and numbers that depend on an edition, canon or verse numbering can differ in other Bibles.
Read the passage
Exodus 34:28 WEB
28He was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread, nor drank water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
Deuteronomy 4:13 WEB
13He declared to you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even the ten commandments. He wrote them on two stone tablets.
Test yourself
For children
God gave Moses ten commandments on two stone tablets.