Exodus 20:1-26 The Ten Commandments

The "Ten Commandments" appear in several places in the OT (Old Testament).

Exodus 20:2-17
Deuteronomy 5:6-21
Exodus 34:11-28 (Ritual Decalogue)

The Latin word "decaloge" ≈ "ten words" comes from the ancient Greek word "δεκάλογος" ≈ "ten words" and is the source of the English word "Decalogue".

The Jewish people and Hebrew texts refer to these as the "Ten Words". There are various forms of the "Ten Commandments" use by Protestants, Catholics, etc.

▶

Here is a image build of paraphrased (shortened) commandments (words) from Exodus 20:1-26 as in the KJV (King James Version).

Exodus 34:28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. [kjv]

… דברי … עשרת … [he]

και ην εκει μωυσης εναντιον κυριου τεσσαρακοντα ημερας και τεσσαρακοντα νυκτας αρτον ουκ εφαγεν και υδωρ ουκ επιεν και εγραψεν τα ρηματα ταυτα επι των πλακων της διαθηκης τους δεκα λογους [lxx]

The Mosesbrunnen statue is at a fountain in Bern, Switzerland. It features Moses with the Ten Commandments and "horns".

Defenders of the statue and translation of Jerome as "his face was horned" in Latin using the Hebrew word for "horned" instead of the LXX (Septuagint) "his face was glorified" using the Hebrew word "shine".

More: Moses with horns

Exodus 34:28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. [kjv]

… דברי … עשרת … [he]

The ancient Greek word"λόγος" ≈ "rational explanation, word".

In Greek, the "ten" "commandments" or the "ten" "rational explanations". Using the John 1:1 translation of "logos" as "word", one would have the "ten" "words".
That is why the "ten" "commandments" are sometimes called the "Decalogue". Jews will often refer to the "ten" "commandments" as the "ten" "words".

More: John 1:1-5 Four causes in a design and implementation model

Exodus 34:28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. [kjv]

… דברי … עשרת … [he]

The Hebrew word "דברי" (dib-re) ≈ "the words".

The Hebrew word "עשרת" (aseret) ≈ "ten".

More: Moses with horns

I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the US Congress. Ronald Reagan (40th President of the United States)

More: Ronald Reagan

The modern and ancient Greek word "εντολή" (ehn-to-LEE) ≈ "order, command" means a command, as in the "οι Δέκα Εντολές" (ee THEH-ka EHn-to-LEHS) ≈ "the Ten Commandments".

The modern Greek word "στολή" (sto-LEE) ≈ "costume" is much the same as used in the GNT (Greek New Testament), often translated as "robe" or "raiment".

In Rev 22:14 the Greek manuscripts differ.

"ποιούντες τας εντολάς αυτού" (pee-UN-tehs tas ehn-to-LAS av-TU) ≈ "do his commandments" KJV
"πλυνόντες τας στολάς αυτών" (plee-NON-tehs tas sto-LAS av-TON) ≈ "wash their robes" NIV (New International Version)

Does the difference matter?

More: The doctrine of Santa Claus

The Epistle of Barnabas talks about how the original intent of God as given to Moses was changed by the Israelites to more of a "letter of the law" rather than a "spirit of the law".

Details are left as a future topic.

Exodus 20:1 And God spake all these words, saying, [kjv]

και ελαλησεν κυριος παντας τους λογους τουτους λεγων [lxx]

Exodus 20:1

All

KJV: And God spake all these words, saying,

Hebrew: וידבר אלהים את כל הדברים האלה לאמר׃

Greek: και ελαλησεν κυριος παντας τους λογους τουτους λεγων

Exodus 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. [kjv]

εγω ειμι κυριος ο θεος σου οστις εξηγαγον σε εκ γης αιγυπτου εξ οικου δουλειας [lxx]

Moses as a type of Christ brings the people out enslavement (sin) by the power of the world (Egypt) and the leader of the world (Pharaoh) into the Promised Land (paradise).

Exodus 20:2

All

KJV: I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Hebrew: אנכי יהוה אלהיך אשר הוצאתיך מארץ מצרים מבית עבדים׃

Greek: εγω ειμι κυριος ο θεος σου οστις εξηγαγον σε εκ γης αιγυπτου εξ οικου δουλειας

Matthew 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. [kjv]

η πως δυναται τις εισελθειν εις την οικιαν του ισχυρου και τα σκευη αυτου σαι αρπασαι εαν μη πρωτον δηση τον ισχυρον και τοτε την οικιαν αυτου διαρπασει [gnt]

The GNT word for "spoil" is the ancient Greek word "ἁρπάζω" ≈ "snatch away, carry off" and may be related to the ancient Greek word "ἅρπη" ≈ "bird of prey" as a hawk or falcon and which may be related to the PIE (Proto Indo-European) root for "reap", "harvest", "sickle". This word for "snatch" is sometimes translated "rapture" or "ravenous" as in "wolves".
The ancient Greek word "σκευή" ≈ "vessel" as something that is made but can refer to "people" as in a "chosen vessel".

[Last Supper, 1 & 2 Thessalonians]

More: Matthew 12:26-29 Snatching the raptured goods from the strong man

Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. [kjv]

ουκ εσονται σοι θεοι ετεροι πλην εμου [lxx]

The Greek word in the LXX for "before" is "πλήν" ≈ "with the exception of, except for".

The Greek for "other" is that of a "different other" rather than a "similar other".

This first commandment provides a working definition of "fornication" - serving other Gods.

"ἕτερος" ≈ "other - different" and is related to the English word "asunder" as in "one or the other of two" and is the prefix of English words such as "heterosexual".
"ἄλλος" ≈ "other - similar" and is related to the English word "else".

More: Other similar differences

Exodus 20:3

All

KJV: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Hebrew: לא יהיה לך אלהים אחרים על פני׃

Greek: ουκ εσονται σοι θεοι ετεροι πλην εμου

Exodus 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: [kjv]

ου ποιησεις σεαυτω ειδωλον ουδε παντος ομοιωμα οσα εν τω ουρανω ανω και οσα εν τη γη κατω και οσα εν τοις υδασιν υποκατω της γης [lxx]

The Greek for "graven image" is that of "idol". An "image" can be "graven" as in "inscribed" or "written" without it being an "idol". What are each of the following?

The KJV translates (from the Hebrew) as "likeness" the Greek word in the LXX that is "similar".
The KJV translates (from the Hebrew) as "that is in" the Greek word in the LXX that is "such as". There are three examples provided: "heaven above", "earth beneath" and "water under the earth". The "ocean" is "water" but it is not "under" the "earth".

More: Average ocean depth

Exodus 20:4

All

KJV: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

Hebrew: לא תעשה לך פסל וכל תמונה אשר בשמים ממעל ואשר בארץ מתחת ואשר במים מתחת לארץ׃

Greek: ου ποιησεις σεαυτω ειδωλον ουδε παντος ομοιωμα οσα εν τω ουρανω ανω και οσα εν τη γη κατω και οσα εν τοις υδασιν υποκατω της γης

Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; [kjv]

ου προσκυνησεις αυτοις ουδε μη λατρευσης αυτοις εγω γαρ ειμι κυριος ο θεος σου θεος ζηλωτης αποδιδους αμαρτιας πατερων επι τεκνα εως τριτης και τεταρτης γενεας τοις μισουσιν με [lxx]

This commandment is usually taken to be part of the previous commandment.

Discuss: Does the "iniquity" of the parents continue of the children do not "hate" God?

Exodus 20:5

All

KJV: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Hebrew: לא תשתחוה להם ולא תעבדם כי אנכי יהוה אלהיך אל קנא פקד עון אבת על בנים על שלשים ועל רבעים לשנאי׃

Greek: ου προσκυνησεις αυτοις ουδε μη λατρευσης αυτοις εγω γαρ ειμι κυριος ο θεος σου θεος ζηλωτης αποδιδους αμαρτιας πατερων επι τεκνα εως τριτης και τεταρτης γενεας τοις μισουσιν με

Exodus 20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. [kjv]

και ποιων ελεος εις χιλιαδας τοις αγαπωσιν με και τοις φυλασσουσιν τα προσταγματα μου [lxx]

Discuss: Does this "mercy" require both "love" of God and "keeping" the "commandments"?

Exodus 20:6

All

KJV: And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Hebrew: ועשה חסד לאלפים לאהבי ולשמרי מצותי׃

Greek: και ποιων ελεος εις χιλιαδας τοις αγαπωσιν με και τοις φυλασσουσιν τα προσταγματα μου

Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. [kjv]

ου λημψη το ονομα κυριου του θεου σου επι ματαιω ου γαρ μη καθαριση κυριος τον λαμβανοντα το ονομα αυτου επι ματαιω [lxx]

The Greek for "vain" is that of "making of no effect". Which of the following is worse?

Using "swear" words directed towards God.
Using "deception" in the name of God to deceive others about God.

The ancient Greek word "μάταιος" ≈ "vain, futile, empty, worthless".

More: Matthew 12:30-37 Pardon the idle word counting

Exodus 20:7

All

KJV: Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Hebrew: לא תשא את שם יהוה אלהיך לשוא כי לא ינקה יהוה את אשר ישא את שמו לשוא׃

Greek: ου λημψη το ονομα κυριου του θεου σου επι ματαιω ου γαρ μη καθαριση κυριος τον λαμβανοντα το ονομα αυτου επι ματαιω

Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. [kjv]

μνησθητι την ημεραν των σαββατων αγιαζειν αυτην [lxx]

The ancient Greek word "ἅγιος" ≈ "devoted to the gods, sacred, holy". The word "holy" means "set apart" or not "made common".

What does Jesus do on the "Sabbath" day?
Should one keep every day "holy" or "set apart" or not "made common"?

The ancient Greek word "σάββατον" ≈ "Sabbath" which comes from the Hebrew. The "Sabbath" goes from Friday at dusk to Saturday at dusk. Discuss: How does one justify the change from "Sabbath" to "Sunday"?

The Hebrew word "שבת" (sha-bat) ≈ "sabbath".

More: Sabbaths and High Sabbaths: Crucifixion week

Exodus 20:8

All

KJV: Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Hebrew: זכור את יום השבת לקדשו׃

Greek: μνησθητι την ημεραν των σαββατων αγιαζειν αυτην

Exodus 20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: [kjv]

εξ ημερας εργα και ποιησεις παντα τα εργα σου [lxx]

Exodus 20:9

All

KJV: Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

Hebrew: ששת ימים תעבד ועשית כל מלאכתך׃

Greek: εξ ημερας εργα και ποιησεις παντα τα εργα σου

Exodus 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: [kjv]

τη δε ημερα τη εβδομη σαββατα κυριω τω θεω σου ου ποιησεις εν αυτη παν εργον συ και ο υιος σου και η θυγατηρ σου ο παις σου και η παιδισκη σου ο βους σου και το υποζυγιον σου και παν κτηνος σου και ο προσηλυτος ο παροικων εν σοι [lxx]

Discuss: How does one justify the change from "Sabbath" to "Sunday"?

What does Jesus do on the "Sabbath" day and "work"?

Exodus 20:10

All

KJV: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

Hebrew: ויום השביעי שבת ליהוה אלהיך לא תעשה כל מלאכה אתה ובנך ובתך עבדך ואמתך ובהמתך וגרך אשר בשעריך׃

Greek: τη δε ημερα τη εβδομη σαββατα κυριω τω θεω σου ου ποιησεις εν αυτη παν εργον συ και ο υιος σου και η θυγατηρ σου ο παις σου και η παιδισκη σου ο βους σου και το υποζυγιον σου και παν κτηνος σου και ο προσηλυτος ο παροικων εν σοι

Exodus 20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. [kjv]

εν γαρ εξ ημεραις εποιησεν κυριος τον ουρανον και την γην και την θαλασσαν και παντα τα εν αυτοις και κατεπαυσεν τη ημερα τη εβδομη δια τουτο ευλογησεν κυριος την ημεραν την εβδομην και ηγιασεν αυτην [lxx]

Discuss: Did God make heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them in "six" literal "days"?

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. [kjv]

εν αρχη εποιησεν ο θεος τον ουρανον και την γην [lxx]

The "declarative" model of creation is before Adam and Eve were created. The exact way it happened does not matter.

It does not make sense to try to map time and space of reality as is known now to the that period.

The "historical" model of humanity started with Adam and continues to the present day. The exact dates do not matter.

This is known more precisely since the start of written records and less precisely before then.

To show that the Bible is a true message from the creator, (fault-tolerant and error correcting) authentication codes are needed.

More: Declarative models

More: The beginning and end of time

More: A recent new beginning

More: The security of flaming swords

Exodus 20:11

All

KJV: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Hebrew: כי ששת ימים עשה יהוה את השמים ואת הארץ את הים ואת כל אשר בם וינח ביום השביעי על כן ברך יהוה את יום השבת ויקדשהו׃

Greek: εν γαρ εξ ημεραις εποιησεν κυριος τον ουρανον και την γην και την θαλασσαν και παντα τα εν αυτοις και κατεπαυσεν τη ημερα τη εβδομη δια τουτο ευλογησεν κυριος την ημεραν την εβδομην και ηγιασεν αυτην

Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. [kjv]

τιμα τον πατερα σου και την μητερα ινα ευ σοι γενηται και ινα μακροχρονιος γενη επι της γης της αγαθης ης κυριος ο θεος σου διδωσιν σοι [lxx]

An important step in destabilizing a political entity (e.g., country) such that it can be conquered, from within or without, is to separate the children from the parents.

This commandment as a not-so-obvious example of the transitive property. Why is this rule transitive?

How many times have you seen parents bad-mouthing their own parents in front of their children but behind their parents back? Those parents are training their children, in a transitive way, to do the same to them when their children grow up and have their own children.

So part of the rule is that by honoring your father and mother, you are teaching your children to honor their father and mother, which could be you!

More: Equivalence relations: math

Exodus 20:12

All

KJV: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Hebrew: כבד את אביך ואת אמך למען יארכון ימיך על האדמה אשר יהוה אלהיך נתן לך׃

Greek: τιμα τον πατερα σου και την μητερα ινα ευ σοι γενηται και ινα μακροχρονιος γενη επι της γης της αγαθης ης κυριος ο θεος σου διδωσιν σοι

Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill. [kjv]

ου φονευσεις [lxx]

The ancient Greek word "φονεύω" ≈ "murder, kill, slay". The modern Greek word "φονεύω" (fo-NEV-o) ≈ "murder, kill".

The Greek word means "murder" or "kill". The context determines the meaning.

More: Matthew 5:21 The killing judgment

Exodus 20:13

All

KJV: Thou shalt not kill.

Hebrew: לא תרצח׃

Greek: ου φονευσεις

Exodus 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery. [kjv]

ου μοιχευσεις [lxx]

The ancient Greek word "μοιχός" ≈ "adulterer". "Adultery" involves improper interaction outside marriage.

The OT has examples of one man with many wives but not woman with many husbands. This historical connection may go deeper in meaning with the meaning that, by context, Jesus implies in Matthew in the GNT.
The English word "adultery" and comes from the old French word "adultere" ≈ "conjugal faith violation" and comes from the Latin word "adulter" ≈ "unfaithful, unchaste". The modern Greek word "μοιχεία" (mee-KHEE-a) ≈ "adultery"

More: Matthew 5:27-28 Adulterated hearts

More: Matthew 5:31-32 Cutout the adultery and divorce

More: A top-down view of the woman caught in adultery

Exodus 20:14

All

KJV: Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Hebrew: לא תנאף׃

Greek: ου μοιχευσεις

Exodus 20:15 Thou shalt not steal. [kjv]

ου κλεψεις [lxx]

The ancient Greek word "κλέπητς" ≈ "thief, deceitful person" who uses trickery and deception and stealth to steal. The root is "κλέπτω" ≈ "steal". These words are the source of the English word "kleptomania".
Discuss:

What non-physical things can be "stolen"?
How can (deceptive) ideas planted in the mind (heart) deceive someone into handing over treasure? An English word for this at to "con" someone as in gaining their "confidence".

More: Matthew 6:19-21: A treasury of treasures of which to treasure

Exodus 20:15

All

KJV: Thou shalt not steal.

Hebrew: לא תגנב׃

Greek: ου κλεψεις

Exodus 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. [kjv]

ου ψευδομαρτυρησεις κατα του πλησιον σου μαρτυριαν ψευδη [lxx]

This commandment does not say "do not lie". Discuss: How can you "lie" and yet not bear "false witness" against one's "neighbor"?

The ancient Greek word"ψευδής" ≈ "lying, false, untrue" and is the source of the English word (and prefix) "pseudo". An interesting "paradox" is the "liar paradox".or "Russell Paradox".
The ancient Greek word "μάρτυς" ≈ "witness" and is the source of the English word "martyr". After the time of Jesus, so many "witnesses" for Christ were killed for their witness that the word meaning narrowed to a witness who is killed for their witness.

Jesus uses the word "neighbor" to refer to all human beings where "believers" are a subset of "neighbors".

More: Self-referential paradoxes

More: Bertrand Russell

More: A martyred witness to a translation error

Revelation 2:13 … Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. [kjv]

οιδα που κατοικεις οπου ο θρονος του σατανα και κρατεις το ονομα μου και ουκ ηρνησω την πιστιν μου και εν ταις ημεραις αντιπας ο μαρτυς μου ο πιστος μου ος απεκτανθη παρ υμιν οπου ο σατανας κατοικει [gnt]

… witnesse… [wy]

… witnes … [ty]

The ancient Greek word "μάρτυς" ≈ "witness" and is the source of the English word "martyr". After the time of Jesus, so many "witnesses" for Christ were killed for their witness that the word meaning narrowed to a witness who is killed for their witness.

The modern Greek word "μαρτύρας" (mar-TEE-ras) ≈ "witness". The modern Greek word "μαρτυρία" (mar-tee-REE-a) ≈ "testimony".

How faithful is the Rev 2:13 in the translation of the KJV?

More: A martyred witness to a translation error

KJV:

Psalms 116:11 I said in my haste, All men are liars. [kjv]

LXX:

εγω ειπα εν τη εκστασει μου πας ανθρωπος ψευστης [lxx]

The KJV uses "haste" while the LXX uses the ancient Greek word "ἐκστατικός" ≈ "astonished" and which is the source of the English word "ecstatic".

The "All men are liars" is a variant of the Cretan liar paradox to which Paul refers in Titus 2. However, if the statement is coming through a prophet from God, then the self-reference of the Russell liar paradox is not present (or can be debated).

More: Titus 1 The Epimenides paradox about Cretans

More: An astonishing and ecstatic ecstasy

Psalms 116:11

All

KJV: I said in my haste, All men are liars.

Hebrew: אני אמרתי בחפזי כל האדם כזב׃

Greek: εγω ειπα εν τη εκστασει μου πας ανθρωπος ψευστης

Exodus 20:16

All

KJV: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Hebrew: לא תענה ברעך עד שקר׃

Greek: ου ψευδομαρτυρησεις κατα του πλησιον σου μαρτυριαν ψευδη

Exodus 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. [kjv]

ουκ επιθυμησεις την γυναικα του πλησιον σου ουκ επιθυμησεις την οικιαν του πλησιον σου ουτε τον αγρον αυτου ουτε τον παιδα αυτου ουτε την παιδισκην αυτου ουτε του βοος αυτου ουτε του υποζυγιου αυτου ουτε παντος κτηνους αυτου ουτε οσα τω πλησιον σου εστιν [lxx]

… concupisces … desiderabis … [v]

The ancient Greek word "επιθυμία" ≈ "desire, wish". The idea of "coveting" is that of wanting or desiring something that someone else has. This word comes from two Greek words.

To know that someone has something one wants, one needs some way to "measure" what is "coveted" and then want it in order to be "great" in some sense.

More: The coveting of greed

More: Matthew 18:1 Greatest and least in the kingdom

More: Matthew 18:2-11 Great children trapped in the middle

More: Matthew 17-18 The greatest little discourse

*H2530 חָמַד (khaw-mad') : a primitive root; to delight in:--beauty, greatly beloved, covet, delectable thing, (X great) delight, desire, goodly, lust, (be) pleasant (thing), precious (thing).

The Hebrew word "תחמד" (tach-mod) ≈ "covet".

The ancient Greek word "επιθυμία" ≈ "desire, wish".

The ancient Greek prefix "επι" ≈ "on".
The ancient Greek word "θυμός" ≈ "passion".

Note that the Hebrew word in the OT and the Greek word in the LXX are the same but many other translations use two different words.

Exodus 20:17

All

KJV: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

Hebrew: לא תחמד בית רעך לא תחמד אשת רעך ועבדו ואמתו ושורו וחמרו וכל אשר לרעך׃

Greek: ουκ επιθυμησεις την γυναικα του πλησιον σου ουκ επιθυμησεις την οικιαν του πλησιον σου ουτε τον αγρον αυτου ουτε τον παιδα αυτου ουτε την παιδισκην αυτου ουτε του βοος αυτου ουτε του υποζυγιου αυτου ουτε παντος κτηνους αυτου ουτε οσα τω πλησιον σου εστιν

Latin: non concupisces domum proximi tui nec desiderabis uxorem eius non servum non ancillam non bovem non asinum nec omnia quae illius sunt

Wycliffe: Thou schalt not coueyte`the hous of thi neiybore, nether thou schalt desyre his wijf, not seruaunt, not handmaide, not oxe, not asse, nether alle thingis that ben hise.

Luther: Laß dich nicht gelüsten deines Nächsten Hauses. Laß dich nicht gelüsten deines Nächsten Weibes, noch seines Knechts, noch seiner Magd, noch seines Ochsen, noch seines Esels, noch alles, das dein Nächster hat.

Spanish: No codiciarás la casa de tu prójimo, no codiciarás la esposa de tu prójimo, ni su siervo, ni su criada, ni su buey, ni su asno, ni cosa alguna de tu prójimo.

Exodus 20:18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. [kjv]

και πας ο λαος εωρα την φωνην και τας λαμπαδας και την φωνην της σαλπιγγος και το ορος το καπνιζον φοβηθεντες δε πας ο λαος εστησαν μακροθεν [lxx]

Exodus 20:18

All

KJV: And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

Hebrew: וכל העם ראים את הקולת ואת הלפידם ואת קול השפר ואת ההר עשן וירא העם וינעו ויעמדו מרחק׃

Greek: και πας ο λαος εωρα την φωνην και τας λαμπαδας και την φωνην της σαλπιγγος και το ορος το καπνιζον φοβηθεντες δε πας ο λαος εστησαν μακροθεν

A "desire" for an "object" or "goal" is not in itself bad.

However, things may go wrong.

If "Person 1" and "Person 2" have an eager rivalry for the same "Goal", then "zeal", as in the Greek, is used and is related to the Greek for "seek" and "damage".
If "Person 2" wants the "Object" that "Person 3" has, then "Person 2" does "covet" that "Object".
If "Person 2" does not like that "Person 3" has an "Object", then "Person 2" has "envy" of "Person 3", same in English and Greek. This is similar to the English "jealousy" which, in English, but not Greek, is related to "zealous".

More: Seeking damages from zealous jealousy

Exodus 20:19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. [kjv]

και ειπαν προς μωυσην λαλησον συ ημιν και μη λαλειτω προς ημας ο θεος μηποτε αποθανωμεν [lxx]

Exodus 20:19

All

KJV: And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

Hebrew: ויאמרו אל משה דבר אתה עמנו ונשמעה ואל ידבר עמנו אלהים פן נמות׃

Greek: και ειπαν προς μωυσην λαλησον συ ημιν και μη λαλειτω προς ημας ο θεος μηποτε αποθανωμεν

Exodus 20:20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. [kjv]

και λεγει αυτοις μωυσης θαρσειτε ενεκεν γαρ του πειρασαι υμας παρεγενηθη ο θεος προς υμας οπως αν γενηται ο φοβος αυτου εν υμιν ινα μη αμαρτανητε [lxx]

Exodus 20:20

All

KJV: And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

Hebrew: ויאמר משה אל העם אל תיראו כי לבעבור נסות אתכם בא האלהים ובעבור תהיה יראתו על פניכם לבלתי תחטאו׃

Greek: και λεγει αυτοις μωυσης θαρσειτε ενεκεν γαρ του πειρασαι υμας παρεγενηθη ο θεος προς υμας οπως αν γενηται ο φοβος αυτου εν υμιν ινα μη αμαρτανητε

Exodus 20:21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. [kjv]

ειστηκει δε ο λαος μακροθεν μωυσης δε εισηλθεν εις τον γνοφον ου ην ο θεος [lxx]

Exodus 20:21

All

KJV: And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.

Hebrew: ויעמד העם מרחק ומשה נגש אל הערפל אשר שם האלהים׃

Greek: ειστηκει δε ο λαος μακροθεν μωυσης δε εισηλθεν εις τον γνοφον ου ην ο θεος

Exodus 20:22 And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. [kjv]

ειπεν δε κυριος προς μωυσην ταδε ερεις τω οικω ιακωβ και αναγγελεις τοις υιοις ισραηλ υμεις εωρακατε οτι εκ του ουρανου λελαληκα προς υμας [lxx]

Exodus 20:22

All

KJV: And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.

Hebrew: ויאמר יהוה אל משה כה תאמר אל בני ישראל אתם ראיתם כי מן השמים דברתי עמכם׃

Greek: ειπεν δε κυριος προς μωυσην ταδε ερεις τω οικω ιακωβ και αναγγελεις τοις υιοις ισραηλ υμεις εωρακατε οτι εκ του ουρανου λελαληκα προς υμας

Exodus 20:23 Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold. [kjv]

ου ποιησετε εαυτοις θεους αργυρους και θεους χρυσους ου ποιησετε υμιν αυτοις [lxx]

Exodus 20:23

All

KJV: Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.

Hebrew: לא תעשון אתי אלהי כסף ואלהי זהב לא תעשו לכם׃

Greek: ου ποιησετε εαυτοις θεους αργυρους και θεους χρυσους ου ποιησετε υμιν αυτοις

Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. [kjv]

θυσιαστηριον εκ γης ποιησετε μοι και θυσετε επ αυτου τα ολοκαυτωματα και τα σωτηρια υμων τα προβατα και τους μοσχους υμων εν παντι τοπω ου εαν επονομασω το ονομα μου εκει και ηξω προς σε και ευλογησω σε [lxx]

Exodus 20:24

All

KJV: An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

Hebrew: מזבח אדמה תעשה לי וזבחת עליו את עלתיך ואת שלמיך את צאנך ואת בקרך בכל המקום אשר אזכיר את שמי אבוא אליך וברכתיך׃

Greek: θυσιαστηριον εκ γης ποιησετε μοι και θυσετε επ αυτου τα ολοκαυτωματα και τα σωτηρια υμων τα προβατα και τους μοσχους υμων εν παντι τοπω ου εαν επονομασω το ονομα μου εκει και ηξω προς σε και ευλογησω σε

Exodus 20:25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. [kjv]

εαν δε θυσιαστηριον εκ λιθων ποιης μοι ουκ οικοδομησεις αυτους τμητους το γαρ εγχειριδιον σου επιβεβληκας επ αυτους και μεμιανται [lxx]

Exodus 20:25

All

KJV: And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.

Hebrew: ואם מזבח אבנים תעשה לי לא תבנה אתהן גזית כי חרבך הנפת עליה ותחללה׃

Greek: εαν δε θυσιαστηριον εκ λιθων ποιης μοι ουκ οικοδομησεις αυτους τμητους το γαρ εγχειριδιον σου επιβεβληκας επ αυτους και μεμιανται

Exodus 20:26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon. [kjv]

ουκ αναβηση εν αναβαθμισιν επι το θυσιαστηριον μου οπως αν μη αποκαλυψης την ασχημοσυνην σου επ αυτου [lxx]

The word for "steps" is used in terms of a sun dial at the time of Hezekiah.

More: Sundials and the long day of Hezekiah

Exodus 20:26

All

KJV: Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.

Hebrew: ולא תעלה במעלת על מזבחי אשר לא תגלה ערותך עליו׃

Greek: ουκ αναβηση εν αναβαθμισιν επι το θυσιαστηριον μου οπως αν μη αποκαλυψης την ασχημοσυνην σου επ αυτου

More: A top-down view of the woman caught in adultery