In the Bible, law refers to God's commands and instructions for his people. God gave his law to help his people live in a way that pleased him and to set them apart for himself.
The form and content of God's law may change in different parts of the Bible, but its purpose remains the same. It helps God's people grow toward maturity and become more like God.
Preview
Historical Context
Law in the Old Testament
Israelite Law and the Ancient Near East
Old Testament Laws
Purposes of the Law
Historical Context
When God created humans in his image, he gave them honor, authority over his creation on earth, and food for their daily needs (Genesis 1:27–30). As their Creator and King, God required them to be loyal to him. He tested their loyalty by commanding them not to eat fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). Their disobedience made them unfit for fellowship with God, the great King. They had become rebellious and unfaithful to him by nature. The stories that follow show this human rebellion:
Cain (Genesis 4:1–16),
the generation of the great flood (Genesis 6:1–13),
Ham and Canaan (Genesis 9:18–26; Genesis 10:6–20), and
the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9).
Yet despite this human rebellion, the Lord showed grace by calling Abraham. He promised to bless Abraham, his descendants, and the families of the earth who would share his faith (Genesis 12:2–3; 17:4–7). Abraham responded to God with faith (Genesis 15:6). He willingly accepted circumcision as the sign of the covenant, a binding agreement with God (Genesis 17:10; see also 21:4). He also lived faithfully before God (17:1).
Abraham later learned that God had freely and graciously chosen him so that his family would be different from the surrounding nations by doing what was right and just (Genesis 18:19). The Lord was pleased with his servant Abraham. Although Abraham had not received detailed laws, he lived with integrity. He was faithful to God and willingly obeyed his commands.
Abraham was an example of faith and the father of those who trust God. The Lord said that Abraham had obeyed him and kept his requirements, commands, decrees, and laws (Genesis 26:5). Abraham’s faith led him to do what was right (James 2:21–24).
The Lord blessed Israel by giving them many descendants, freeing them from Egypt, leading them through the Red Sea, and being present with them. Yet they did not respond with faith. They grumbled and complained at Mount Sinai, at Kadesh-barnea, and on the plains of Moab. They showed that they were rebellious and stubborn (Exodus 32:9; 33:3, 5; 34:9; Deuteronomy 9:6, 13).
Despite their behavior, the Lord remained faithful to Abraham by making a covenant with them. Israel became his people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation set apart for him (Exodus 19:5–6; Deuteronomy 26:18–19).
God gave them the Ten Commandments and his other laws. The two stone tablets on which he wrote his commands represented this covenant (Exodus 32:15–16). When the people worshiped a golden calf, Moses broke the tablets in anger. Even then, the Lord renewed his covenant, and its words were written on new tablets (Exodus 34:28).
These events show God’s grace and patience with Israel’s sins (Exodus 34:6–7). They also show his determination to work through Israel to carry out his plan to save people throughout the world. At the same time, they show Israel’s immaturity and stubbornness. The Old Testament law therefore has both positive and negative purposes.
Law in the Old Testament
The Old Testament uses several words for God’s law. The broadest is the Hebrew word torah, meaning “instruction.” It can refer to religious instruction or teaching about everyday life. This instruction may be written or spoken and may come from God or from people.
Israel’s law came from God through Moses. The people were afraid to hear God speak directly, so they asked Moses to receive God’s words and tell them what he said (Exodus 20:19; Deuteronomy 5:23–27). Moses served God by passing on his law to Israel (John 1:17).
English Bible translations use different words for law, including:
word (see Exodus 24:3; 34:27),
ordinance (see Exodus 24:3; Deuteronomy 4:1),
decree (see Deuteronomy 6:20; 1 Kings 2:3),
statute (see Leviticus 3:17; 10:11; Numbers 9:12, 14; 30:16; Deuteronomy 6:2),
command or commandment (see Deuteronomy 6:1, 25),
precepts (a Hebrew word used only in Psalms; see Psalm 119:4, 15, 27, 40, 45, 56, 63, 69, 78, 87, 93, 94, 100, 104, 110, 128, 134, 141, 159, 168, 173),
testimonies (see Deuteronomy 4:45), or
the "way" or "ways" (see 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 18:21; 25:9; 37:34).
Other translations also use words like stipulation, requirements, and judgment.
These words belong to a group of words with related meanings. It is not easy to tell apart the different types of laws. Generally, "the words" refer to human duties toward God, especially the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1; 34:27). The "judgments" or "ordinances" include civil rules and duties to others and society (Exodus 21:1–23:9). These passages often use an "if… then…" format.
In Leviticus and religious texts, "ordinances" specifically mean ceremonial laws. However, in other contexts, especially when listed with other law terms, it means any rule or expectation. The "commandments" are rules given by a higher authority. Although the Old Testament has many words for law, the meaning of one word often overlaps with others, especially in phrases like:
"the statutes and ordinances" (Deuteronomy 4:1, 5; 5:1),
"the commandments and statutes and ordinances" (6:1), and
"walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees" (1 Kings 2:3).
The reason for following God's law is found in the actions and presence of the Lord. The introduction to the Ten Commandments reminds us of God's powerful deeds: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Exodus 20:2).
Through Israel's redemption, the revelation at Mount Sinai, and making Israel his people, God acted as a "father." He adopted Israel as his children and declared them holy (Exodus 19:6; 31:13; Leviticus 20:8; 22:32; see also Romans 9:4). Redemption and being made holy are often linked, and they cannot be separated: “I am the LORD who sanctifies you” (Leviticus 22:32b).
Obedience is simply based on God's name: “I am the LORD” (see Leviticus 18:6, 21, 30; 19:10, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30–31, 34, 36–37). The need for practical holiness is also based on experiencing God's presence. The Lord commanded Israel to be holy because he is holy (Leviticus 11:44–45; 19:2). The Holy One of Israel lived among his people (Exodus 25:8; 29:45; Numbers 5:3; 35:34).
How could rebellious Israel understand what God wanted without clear moral, social, civil, and religious rules? God saw they lacked the desire to serve him as a loyal people (Deuteronomy 5:29). By nature, Israel could not create a moral and religious system to please God. Due to their stubbornness, God had to clearly reveal his will.
Israelite Law and the Ancient Near East
Israel's law reflected the practices of its ancient Near Eastern context. Ancient Babylonian law codes, like those of Eshnunna and Hammurabi, show similarities with the biblical codes. These similarities include both cases and laws that describe a particular situation and state what must happen in that case, often using "if … then."
Israelite law is unique because it is God's law. Moses passed God’s law on to Israel. Unlike a king such as Hammurabi, who issued a legal code under his royal authority, Moses received the law from the Lord (see Deuteronomy 4:5–8).
Laws in the ancient Near East focused on organizing society. However, Israel's laws regulated every aspect of life: personal, family, social, and religious. These laws taught Israel to distinguish between what was holy (set apart for God) and what was ordinary, between clean and unclean, and between just and unjust.
Old Testament Laws
The legal texts of the Old Testament are not in a single book or section. The laws show a shift from the desert setting in Exodus to the land setting in Deuteronomy. The Old Testament legal material is complex, with many variations and repetitions. It appears in:
Leviticus,
Deuteronomy (chapters 5–26).
The Ten Commandments
The commandments are called the "words" that God spoke (Exodus 20:1). They are found in Exodus 20:1–17 and Deuteronomy 5:6–21, with small differences and individual commandments appearing elsewhere (for example, Exodus 34:14, 17, 21; Leviticus 19:1–8; Deuteronomy 27:15–16).
Initially given to Israel as part of the covenant, these commandments now form the moral foundation of Christianity. The New Testament shows the ongoing importance of this moral law. Jesus established his authority as the interpreter of all commandments (Matthew 5:17–48; 12:1–14; 23:23–24). He summarized the law as love for God and others (see Matthew 22:37–40; Mark 12:28–34; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:8–9; Galatians 5:14). As the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus linked the Sabbath to the other commandments (Matthew 12:8).
The apostle Paul also supported the law, as with his teaching about life guided by the Spirit showing how God’s law shapes believers’ thoughts and actions (see Romans 8:1–17; 12:1–15:13; 1 Corinthians 2:6–16; 5:1–8; 10:23–11:1; Galatians 5:13–6:10; Ephesians 4:17–6:9; Philippians 2:1–18; Colossians 3:1–4:6; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12; 5:12–24; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15; 1 Timothy 6:3–10; Titus 3:1–11).
The Lord wrote the commandments on both sides of the two tablets (Exodus 32:15–16). It is unclear if the tablets were duplicates, how the commandments were divided, or how they were numbered. They were kept in the ark of the covenant as a testimony to the covenant (Exodus 40:20).
The Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:23–23:19)
These laws gave Israel principles and examples for a legal system by which Israel as a nation could reflect God's focus on justice, love, peace, and life's value. The laws in the Book of the Covenant are mostly case-based. They manage life in a farming society with servants, donkeys, bulls, oxen, sheep, and grain fields. The laws address:
relationships with women (including widows), foreigners, and orphans;
legal issues (liability, damages, ownership); and
religious duties (altar, Sabbath).;
Many laws require people to repay what they have taken or damaged. However, offenses against human life often carry more severe penalties (Exodus 21:12–29; 22:2–3), especially concerning family (Exodus 21:15–17, 22–25). The rules about punishments that went with these laws emphasize the importance of human life, protected by the lex talionis (“law of retaliation”).
The lex talionis does not show a lack of forgiveness in the Old Testament. Instead, it was a legal principle to ensure fairness and justice in society. The Book of the Covenant explains through principles and examples how Israel should live as a nation, following God's law and applying it justly (without bias or unfairness), lovingly (with care for all involved), and peaceably.
The Priestly Law
God's focus on holiness and purity is shown in the priestly laws (Exodus 25–31; 35–40; Leviticus 1–27; Numbers 4–10). These rules address:
building the tabernacle,
setting apart and appointing priests for service to God,
offerings and sacrifices,
purity rules, and
holy days.
Vows
The tabernacle was at the center of Israel's camp in the wilderness. It represented God's presence with his people. The priests and Levites camped around the tabernacle to serve and protect God's holiness. All the tribes were arranged around the tabernacle.
Although tribe members could not access all parts of the tabernacle, they needed to be ceremonially clean to live in the camp. Anyone who was ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 13:46; Numbers 5:1–3) or had committed a serious sin was sent outside the camp (Leviticus 24:10–23; Numbers 15:32–36). The remains of certain sin offerings were also burned outside the camp (Leviticus 8:17; 9:11).
Through specific offerings and sacrifices (Leviticus 1–7; 16; Numbers 15:1–31; 28), God assured Israel, both individually and as a group, of forgiveness for unintentional sins. The offerings and sacrifices represented the purpose of the person offering them, whether for forgiveness, dedication, or fellowship.
The priests and Levites taught God's law, applied its rules, and served in courts (Deuteronomy 17:8–13; 31:9–13).
The Holiness Code (Leviticus 17–26)
The holiness code is an important part of the book of Leviticus. Here Moses spoke to all of Israel (see Leviticus 17:2; 18:2; 19:2; 20:2; 21:24; 23:2; 24:2; 25:2; 26:46; 27:2).
The laws tell people what they must do and must not do. These laws include:
instructions about where to make offerings to God and not eating meat that still has blood in it (chapter 17);
prohibitions against marrying or having sexual relationships with close relatives (chapter 18); and
regulations for godliness, holiness, justice, and love in society (chapter 19).
The penal code states the punishments for breaking these rules (chapter 20; 24:10–23). Chapters 21–24 apply religious rules to priests and all Israelites. The sabbatical year and the Year of Jubilee manage debt forgiveness, freeing people, and returning land (chapter 25).
The holiness code describes the qualities needed for a holy people: devotion to God through offerings, sacrifices, and priests, and love for others as shown in concern for justice, peace, freedom, the value of human life, and family care. Many laws reflect the spirit of the Ten Commandments (chapter 19).
The holiness code in chapter 26 includes both promises and curses. The curses warn of exile if people break the laws. However, the laws and penalties always reflect the Lord's grace. He promises to forgive the people's sins and renew the broken covenant (Leviticus 26:44–45).
Laws of Deuteronomy
The laws in Deuteronomy explain and apply the Book of the Covenant for Israel's new situation. Israel was about to enter the Promised Land when Moses shared God's law with them (Deuteronomy 1:5). The Book of the Covenant's impersonal nature becomes personal through a strong appeal from Moses. He urges Israel to stay loyal to the Lord, the covenant, and its rules.
The laws in Deuteronomy prepare the people for life in the promised land with a central place of worship (Deuteronomy 12:5, 11–18; 14:23; 15:20; 16:5–7, 16, 21; 17:8; 18:6; 26:2; 31:11) and a king (Deuteronomy 17:14–20). Blessings and curses encourage loyalty to the covenant (chapter 28). Even if Israel breaks God's law, the Lord remains gracious and forgiving.
Purposes of the Law
The law given at Mount Sinai aimed to bring Israel closer to God. Despite their rebellion, God used the law to clearly show what sin is (see Romans 5:20; 7:7–8) and how to live a life free from sin and dedicated to the Lord. The law served as Israel's teacher and guardian (Galatians 3:24).
The detailed explanations of the laws in all aspects of life (work, society, family, worship, and nation) played an essential role in God's relationship with Israel. Israel was a nation in a special land with a theocratic government (with God as the highest authority) and needed a set of laws.
At Mount Sinai, the people were afraid when they heard God speak. They asked Moses to receive further instructions from God and pass them on. The laws were detailed because Israel did not naturally understand what God's holiness, justice, righteousness, love, and patience required. They had adopted Egyptian customs and needed to learn God's will through revelation.
However, Moses and the prophets teach that obedience to the law should come from love for God and concern for others. They warn against keeping the law outwardly while neglecting justice and mercy. Following the law was an act of devotion to God. Our Lord confirmed the law's purpose: to create a way of life where one continually seeks God's kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
The law of God helps people become holy. God made Israel holy through grace and wanted them to stay holy. Jesus showed how the law reveals sin and leads people to him. On the cross, Jesus bore the penalties required by the law and showed the Father’s love. He fulfilled in a greater way what the tabernacle and temple represented: God’s presence with his people. He also accomplished the Father’s purpose for atonement (dealing with sin to reconcile people to God).
Jesus, the Son of God and greater than Moses, summarized God’s law as love for God and love for others (Matthew 23:23–24; Luke 11:42–44). Jesus taught that obedience is not mainly for rewards but to be like salt (Matthew 5:13) and light (Matthew 5:14–16; see also Ephesians 4:17–5:20), and to produce good deeds (John 15:1–17). God uses his law to help his children:
become more like Jesus (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:10),
imitate God the Father (Ephesians 5:1–2), and
live filled with God's Spirit (Galatians 5:18, 22–24).
Jesus gave us the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount to summarize what Moses and the prophets taught (Matthew 5–7).
The law aims to help believers grow into maturity. Spiritual maturity was not only for believers after Christ. Old Testament saints also walked with God, including:
Enoch (Genesis 5:22–24),
Noah (Genesis 6:9), and
Abraham (Genesis 17:1).
These were mature men who lived with integrity before God (see Genesis 17:1; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalms 15:1–2; 18:26; 101:2, 6; 119:80; Proverbs 11:5).
Spiritually mature believers delight in doing God’s will. Their obedience does not depend only on detailed rules or fear of doing wrong or failing to do what is right. Instead, they find joy in following the Lord's will (Psalms 1:2; 112:1). Since the coming of Christ and Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has been given to every believer. The Holy Spirit shapes believers’ hearts so that they desire to obey God’s law (Jeremiah 31:33). The Holy Spirit helps in developing Christian maturity by providing the fruits of godliness more fully (Galatians 5:22–24).
While some Old Testament saints experienced maturity and freedom, it is now God's gift to all his children in Christ (Acts 2:39; 1 Corinthians 12:13). The goal remains the same: "so that the man [person] of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:17). However, the way to achieve this and the status of God's children have greatly improved since Pentecost.
See also Civil Law and Justice; Regulations Concerning Cleanness and Uncleanness; Criminal Law and Punishment; Letter to the Galatians; Law Code of Hammurabi; Justification; Letter to the Romans; Ten Commandments; Torah; Tradition.
Aquifer Open Bible Dictionary © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Bible Dictionary © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.