18:20a
You know the commandments: The phrase the commandments here refers to the Ten Commandments (Exodus chapter 20) and more generally to the Law of Moses (the first five books of the Old Testament). Some other ways to translate this are:
the commands/laws of God
-or-
what God commanded
Jesus mentioned five of these commandments explicitly in 18:20b–f.
18:20b–f
In the Greek text the five commands in 18:20b–f use a singular form. They are addressed to every person individually. Consider if singular or plural verbs would be more natural in this context in your language.
18:20b
Do not commit adultery: The command Do not commit adultery indicates that a married person must not have sexual relations with someone that he/she is not married to. It also indicates that an unmarried person must not have sexual relations with a person who is married. This command was given in Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18.
18:20c
do not murder: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as murder literally means “kill.” The Revised Standard Version and several other English versions translate it that way. In this context it refers to the illegal or unlawful ending of a person’s life. Use the same word or phrase that you used in Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17.
18:20d
do not steal: The command that the Berean Standard Bible translates as do not steal indicates that a person should not wrongfully take something that does not belong to him. Cultures may have different rules or customs about stealing. The biblical command forbids a person to take something that he has no right to take.
18:20e
do not bear false witness: The command that the Berean Standard Bible translates as do not bear false witness means “do not lie in a legal trial or court case.” This command forbids anyone to tell a lie in order to help a guilty person avoid punishment or in order to cause an innocent person to receive punishment. The expression can also refer to telling lies in any situation. Some other ways to translate the command are:
You must not testify falsely. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Do not tell lies about others. (Contemporary English Version)
18:20f
honor your father and mother: The command the Berean Standard Bible translates as honor your father and mother means “respect your father and mother.” This command includes both attitudes and actions. A person must have a respectful attitude toward his father and mother. He must also honor them by listening to them and helping them. Here is another way to translate this:
respect your father and your mother (Good News Translation)
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