Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 22, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 16.

1344.—Ten Commandments and Luther’s Translation.

Why, in Luther’s translation, do we find the Ten Commandments after the Roman Catholic pattern? W. G. R.

Our common version makes no division in the commandments, nor does the Catholic version. The scripture in question (Ex. 20:2-17) is divided into verses, but not into commandments. For instance, the prohibition of image-worship includes three verses, and the Sabbath commandment covers four. We do not know whether Luther’s Bible is divided into verses as is the English, or not, not possessing one. The Catholic catechisms divide the commandments differently from Protestants generally. Luther simply followed the church in which he was taught. The true division of the commandments is indicated by the nature and form of each commandment, by the prohibition or the injunction set forth.