How Many Commands Are in the Bible?
Quick Summary
The Bible contains over 1,000 commands in the New Testament alone and around 613 specific laws in the Old Testament, traditionally known as the mitzvot. Together they reveal not a list of restrictions but a pattern for holy and meaningful living.
The Nature of Commands in Scripture
When people think of biblical commands, the Ten Commandments often come to mind. But those ten are only the beginning. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture is filled with instructions, exhortations, and divine imperatives that shape both personal and communal life.
In the Old Testament, the commands form the framework for Israel’s covenant relationship with God. They cover moral, ceremonial, and civil life. In the New Testament, the commands take on new depth in the teachings of Jesus, who summarizes them in two simple but sweeping statements: love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37–40).
These divine instructions are not meant to burden humanity but to guide it. God’s commands describe the shape of life in harmony with him and with others.
How Many Commands Are in the Old Testament?
Jewish tradition identifies 613 commands in the Torah—the first five books of the Bible. This number was first systematized by medieval rabbis, especially Maimonides, in the twelfth century. We see:
248 are positive commands (“You shall”)
365 are negative commands (“You shall not”)
These laws cover every aspect of life: worship, justice, purity, family, agriculture, and more. Some apply specifically to ancient Israel’s temple system, while others remain timeless in moral principle.
Examples include:
“You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3)
“You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15)
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18)
While modern readers may find 613 overwhelming, these commands served as a sacred compass for a community learning how to live as God’s people in a complex world.
How Many Commands Are in the New Testament?
The New Testament contains around 1,050 commands, depending on the translation and classification. These include direct imperatives (“Do not worry”), as well as moral exhortations (“Pray without ceasing”) and apostolic teachings that function as instructions for the early church.
Some examples include:
“Repent and believe in the good news” (Mark 1:15)
“Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44)
“Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19)
“Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
“Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19)
The tone of these commands is relational rather than ritual. They arise not from a code of law but from the character of Christ. His followers are not driven by fear of breaking rules but by love that fulfills them.
Commands Fulfilled in Christ
Jesus did not come to erase the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). His life embodied perfect obedience to God, showing what the commands look like in human form. The early church understood that righteousness no longer depended on observing hundreds of ceremonial rules but on following the Spirit of Christ.
The Apostle Paul reframes the discussion: “The one who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8–10). Love is the heartbeat behind every command. Without love, even perfect rule-keeping becomes hollow. With love, obedience becomes joy.
In this way, the commands of Scripture lead not to legalism but to life. They are invitations to live in rhythm with the will of God. The commands of the Bible are not ladders to climb to heaven but pathways to walk with God on earth.
FAQ
Why are there differences in how commands are counted?
Ancient Hebrew did not separate sentences with punctuation as we do today. Translators interpret phrases differently, so counts may vary slightly across versions.
Are Christians bound to obey all 613 Old Testament laws?
No. Christians understand that Jesus fulfilled the law. The moral principles remain, but ceremonial and civil laws specific to Israel no longer apply in the same way.
What is the greatest commandment according to Jesus?
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind... and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39).
