Exodus 20 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

• v. 1–17: Yahweh gives the Ten Commandments
• v. 18–21: the people react
• v. 22–26: Yahweh gives a little more explanation about idols and altars

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Covenant

Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness is now based on the covenant he made with Abraham as well as the covenant he is making with Moses. (See: covenantfaith and covenant)

Form of you

The singular form of you is used in the commandments; however, the commandments applied to the whole Israelite community. There is both a singular and a corporate aspect to them. You may need to choose between singular and plural if your language makes that distinction. (See: figs-youcrowd)