Decalogue
TextsWhat is the meaning of Decalogue in the Bible?
The Decalogue comprises the Ten Commandments, a set of religious and moral imperatives recorded in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21, which outline the covenantal obligations between the divine and the Israelite community.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Decalogue clarifies the structural and ethical core of the Mosaic covenant, allowing readers to trace the continuity of moral law from the Old Testament into New Testament teachings.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Decalogue functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Decalogue in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Decalogue clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Exodus 20:1-17Deuteronomy 5:6-21
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Decalogue." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/decalogue/