Exodus 20:2
Exodus 20:2 in Multiple Translations
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
I am Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
I am the Lord your God who took you out of the land of Egypt, out of the prison-house.
“I am the Lord your God, who led you out of Egypt, out of the land of your slavery.
I am the Lord thy God, which haue brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
I [am] Jehovah thy God, who hath brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of a house of servants.
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
I am the LORD thy God, who have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
“I am Yahweh God, the one you worship. I am the one who brought you out of Egypt. I am the one who freed you from being slaves there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 20:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 20:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָֽנֹכִ֖י
יְהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֶ֑י/ךָ
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
הוֹצֵאתִ֛י/ךָ
מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ
מִצְרַ֖יִם
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
עֲבָדִֽים
אָֽנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הוֹצֵאתִ֛י/ךָ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff
מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
עֲבָדִֽים
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 20:2
אָֽנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הוֹצֵאתִ֛י/ךָ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
עֲבָדִֽים
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
Study Notes — Exodus 20:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 20:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 20:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 20:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 20:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 20:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 20:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 20:2
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 20:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 20:2
- Sermons on Exodus 20:2
Context — The Ten Commandments
1And God spoke all these words:
2“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
3You shall have no other gods before Me. 4You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 5:6 | “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. |
| 2 | Hosea 13:4 | Yet I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt; you know no God but Me, for there is no Savior besides Me. |
| 3 | Leviticus 26:13 | I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians. I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk in uprightness. |
| 4 | Psalms 81:10 | I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it. |
| 5 | Exodus 13:3 | So Moses told the people, “Remember this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; for the LORD brought you out of it by the strength of His hand. And nothing leavened shall be eaten. |
| 6 | Leviticus 19:36 | You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 26:6–8 | But the Egyptians mistreated us and afflicted us, putting us to hard labor. So we called out to the LORD, the God of our fathers; and the LORD heard our voice and saw our affliction, toil, and oppression. Then the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, signs, and wonders. |
| 8 | Genesis 17:7–8 | I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.” |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 7:8 | But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 5:15 | Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. |
Exodus 20:2 Summary
This verse reminds us that God is our loving and powerful Lord who rescued us from sin and its consequences, just like He rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 14:13-31). He wants us to remember His love and redemption so we can trust and obey Him. By introducing Himself as the LORD our God, He establishes His authority and love for us, which is the foundation for all the commands that follow (Deuteronomy 5:6). As we reflect on God's deliverance in our lives, we can respond with gratitude, worship, and a desire to obey His commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God brought the Israelites out of the house of slavery?
This refers to the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt, as recorded in the book of Exodus, demonstrating God's power and love for His people (Exodus 14:13-31, Deuteronomy 5:6).
Why does God identify Himself as the LORD, and what does this name signify?
The name 'LORD' is a translation of the Hebrew word 'Yahweh,' which is a personal, covenant name of God, emphasizing His relationship with His people (Exodus 3:15, Psalm 83:18).
How does this verse relate to the rest of the commandments in Exodus 20?
This verse serves as an introduction to the Ten Commandments, establishing God's authority and the basis for the commands that follow, reminding the Israelites of their redemption and their responsibility to obey (Exodus 20:3-17, Deuteronomy 5:6-21).
What does this verse teach us about God's character?
This verse reveals God's character as a redeemer and a deliverer, who is actively involved in the lives of His people, demonstrating His love, mercy, and faithfulness (Psalm 106:8, Isaiah 63:9).
Reflection Questions
- How does remembering God's deliverance in my life affect my worship and obedience to Him?
- In what ways can I apply the truth of God's redemption to my daily struggles and challenges?
- What are some ways I can express my gratitude to God for His love and deliverance in my life?
- How does God's introduction of Himself as the LORD my God impact my understanding of His commands and expectations for my life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 20:2
I am the Lord thy God,.... This verse does not contain the first of these commands, but is a preface to them, showing that God had a right to enact and enjoin the people of Israel laws; and that they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 20:2
The only true God, and thy God by special title, having entered into covenant with thee, and chosen thee for my peculiar people, to protect, and rule, and bless thee above all others. God’ s authority and right over them is fitly put in the front, as the foundation of all God’ s commands, and their duties. Which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt; and so by right of redemption thou art mine. Out of the house, i.e. the place; for so the word house is sometimes used, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 20:2
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.Ver. 2. Which have brought thee.] God’ s blessings are binders; and every deliverance a tie to obedience.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 20:2
(2) I am the Lord thy God.—The binding nature of commands upon the conscience depends upon the authority of the person who issues them. That there might be no dispute as to what the authority was in the case of the Decalogue, God prefaced the commands themselves by this distinct statement. By whomsoever they were communicated (see the first Note on Exodus 20:1), they were the commands of Jehovah Himself. Which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt.—Thus exhibiting at once Almighty power and the tenderest compassion and care. God desires the obedience which springs from love, not fear.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 20:2
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT Against mental or theoretic idolatry. Verse 2. I am the LORD thy God] יהוה אלהיך Yehovah eloheycha. On the word JEHOVAH, which we here translate LORD, See Clarke on Genesis 2:4, and "Exodus 6:3". And on the word Elohim, here translated GOD, See Clarke on Genesis 1:1. It is worthy of remark that each individual is addressed here, and not the people collectively, though they are all necessarily included; that each might feel that he was bound for himself to hear and do all these words. Moses laboured to impress this personal interest on the people's minds, when he said, Deuteronomy 5:3-4: "The Lord made this covenant with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day." Brought thee out of the land of Egypt, &c.] And by this very thing have proved myself to be superior to all gods, unlimited in power, and most gracious as well as fearful in operation. This is the preface or introduction, but should not be separated from the commandment. Therefore, -
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 20:2
2. Introduction. The commandments are introduced by the statement who it is that gives them: One, viz., who is Israel’s God and who has also been Israel’s benefactor; and who has thus both the right to impose them, and a claim upon Israel for obedience to them. Jehovah thy God] so Exodus 20:5; Exodus 20:7; Exodus 20:10; Exodus 20:12; Exodus 15:26 (see note), Exodus 23:19 = Exodus 34:26, Exodus 34:24, and frequently (more than 200 times) in Dt. Not elsewhere in Ex.—Nu. which brought thee out, &c.] and consequently has a claim upon thee for gratitude and obedience; cf. Exodus 13:3; Exodus 13:9; Exodus 13:14; Exodus 13:16 : he same motive, also, Deuteronomy 5:15; Deuteronomy 6:12; Deuteronomy 8:14; Deuteronomy 13:5; Deuteronomy 13:10; Amos 2:10; Hosea 13:4 (RVm.). the house of bondage (lit. of slaves)] as Exodus 13:3 (see note), 14; and often in Dt. (cf. esp. Deuteronomy 6:12, Deuteronomy 8:14, Deuteronomy 13:10, just quoted).
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 20:2
2. I am the Lord thy God — Many of the Jews, as we have seen above, regard this verse as the first of the ten words, or commandments, but they are rather of the nature of an introduction, showing
Sermons on Exodus 20:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Pure Heart - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, Dr. Luke Reisman preaches from the historic pulpit of John Wesley in London. He highlights the power of reading and understanding the Word of God. He emphasizes the |
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A Biblical Family - a Tool in God's Hands (Part 1) by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of parents sharing their personal stories of faith with their children. He encourages parents to start with their own testimo |
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All Fulness in Christ by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher calls upon angels and redeemed spirits to sing praises to the Lamb that was slain. The preacher emphasizes that all fullness and grace is found in Jesu |
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Jehovah Rapha by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the experience of soldiers being cast into the sea and their subsequent celebration. He emphasizes that there is something of God that will |
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Christian Revolution by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of the message of the living Christ in today's world. He highlights the current state of revolt and unrest in various countri |
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(Exodus) Exodus 20:3-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative impact of the liquor industry and how they downplay the harm they cause by emphasizing the taxes they pay. He highlights the var |
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On Baptism by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of how he came to understand the value and importance of the episode mentioned in Matthew's Gospel chapter 3. He recounts a |