15, not 10, commandments

[stillsmallvoice]

Hi all!

Yesterday, we (Jews all over the world) read Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11 in synagogue. This includes (Deuteronomy 5:6-18) the repetition of what are termed the 10 commandments. We count 14 separate precepts in Exodus 20:2-14. They are:

1) A positive precept to believe in God;

2) A negative precept not to believe in other gods;

3) A negative precept not to make idols;

4) A negative precept not to bow to idols;

5) A negative precept not to worship idols in any manner;

6) A negative precept not to swear in vain;

7) A positive precept to remember Shabbat (i.e. the Sabbath, as per the instructions of our Sages);

8) A negative precept not to engage in creative work (as subsequently defined by our Sages) on Shabbat;

9) A positive precept to honor one's parents;

10) A negative precept not to murder;

11) A negative precept not to commit adultery (which we define as sexual intercourse between a woman & a man other than her husband);

12) A negative precept not to steal;

13) A negative precept not to bear false witness;

14) A negative precept not to covet.

We count one more precept in Deuteronomy 5:18 (the verbs usually translated as "covet" in both Exodus 20:14 & Deuteronomy 5:18 are completely different & not at all related; thus our Sages infer a separate precept in Deuteronomy 5:18, namely):

15) A negative precept not to act on the basis of lustful & unhealthy desires. (Our Sages teach that the prohibition in Deutoronomy 5:18 deals with thoughts & feelings, while Exodis 20:14 deals with actions.)

Just some (kosher, of course!) food for thought!

Be well!

ssv :hi: