These Are the Holy Ten Commands
These are the holy ten commands
This hymn reflects Lutheran emphasis on God's Law as revealed through the Decalogue, serving both to convict of sin and guide Christian living. The text exemplifies Luther's pedagogical approach to making divine commandments accessible and memorable for common believers.
History & Background
Martin Luther composed this catechetical hymn circa 1524 as part of his effort to teach the Ten Commandments to laity and children in vernacular German. The hymn was first published in Luther's hymnal collection and became a standard part of Lutheran worship and instruction.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 308
- Lutheran Service Book — 581
- Lutheran Worship — 331
- Trinity Hymnal — 147
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 287
- Voices Together — 803
Bulletin Note
Martin Luther wrote this catechetical hymn in 1524 to make the Ten Commandments memorable for common folk. It remains a cornerstone of Lutheran teaching, balancing the Law's conviction with the promise of Gospel restoration.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies Luther's Law-Gospel dialectic: the Decalogue's holy demands awaken sinners to their desperate need for Christ's redemptive work, making it an ideal echo to sermons on human sinfulness and divine grace.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Gloria in excelsis Deo structure: divine praise (1-2), christological redemption (3), pneumatological petition (4). Law→Gospel movement through acknowledgment of human insufficiency to grace received.
Themes
God's Law The Ten Commandments Moral instruction Divine will Obedience to God