These commandments guide the moral and spiritual lives of adherents in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, emphasizing worship, respect for God and fellow humans, and living a life of integrity and righteousness.
I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before Me.
Recognize and worship only the one true God who delivered you from bondage. Do not place any other gods or idols above Him in your life.
You shall not make for yourself a carved image, nor any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth. You shall not bow down to them nor serve them.
Avoid creating or worshipping physical representations of any gods, including images or idols. Your worship should be directed solely to God, free from the influence of man-made objects.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Use God's name with reverence and respect, avoiding any frivolous, disrespectful, or deceitful use. God's name should be invoked with sincerity and honor.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Set aside the Sabbath day as a time for rest and worship, reflecting on God's creation and blessings. This day is meant for spiritual renewal and a break from regular labor.
Honor your father and your mother.
Show respect, love, and obedience to your parents, acknowledging their role and sacrifices in your life. This commandment emphasizes the importance of family bonds and societal stability.
You shall not murder.
Respect the sanctity of human life by refraining from taking another person's life. This commandment underscores the value of life and the need for peaceful coexistence.
You shall not commit adultery.
Remain faithful to your spouse and uphold the sanctity of marriage. Adultery not only harms individuals but also disrupts families and communities.
You shall not steal.
Respect the property and rights of others by not taking what does not belong to you. Stealing violates trust and creates injustice within society.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Speak truthfully and do not spread falsehoods or lies about others. Honesty in your words helps build trust and harmony in the community.
You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.
Avoid desiring what belongs to others, whether it's their possessions, relationships, or status. Coveting leads to jealousy and discontent, harming both personal and communal well-being.