Decalogue etymology

Etymology

The word "decalogue" is derived from the Greek words "deka" (δέκα), meaning "ten," and "logos" (λόγος), meaning "word."

Meaning

A decalogue is a set of ten principles, rules, or commandments. It is often used to refer to the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God in the Old Testament of the Bible.

Origin

The Decalogue originated in the ancient Near East, where it was common practice for rulers to issue lists of laws or principles to their subjects. The Ten Commandments given to Moses are the most famous example of a decalogue, and they have had a profound influence on Western culture and civilization.

In addition to the Ten Commandments, there are many other examples of decalogues throughout history. For example, the Code of Hammurabi, which was issued by the Babylonian king Hammurabi in the 18th century BC, contains a list of 282 laws. The Roman Twelve Tables, which were adopted in the 5th century BC, also contained a set of ten laws.

Decalogues continue to be used today. For example, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted in 1948, contains a set of 30 principles that are intended to protect the fundamental rights of all people.

Decalogue relate terms

  • Logos

    Etymology The word logos comes from the Ancient Greek word λόγος lógos meani

  • deca

    Etymology The word deca comes from the Greek word deka meaning ten It is a prefix

  • Deuteronomy

  • testimony

    Etymology The word testimony comes from the Latin word testimonium which means evid

  • reason

    Etymology The word reason derives from the Old French word raison which in turn ori

  • forsake

    Etymology Old English forsacan Proto Germanic fursakaną Proto Indo European pre sk

  • reciprocal

    Etymology The word reciprocal is derived from the Latin word reciprocus which means

  • medicine

    Etymology The word medicine originates from the Latin word medicina which in turn i

  • succession

    Etymology The word succession comes from the Latin word succeděre which means to c

  • scrutiny

    Etymology Scrutiny comes from Latin scrutinium meaning examination or inquiry It i

  • conspiracy

    Etymology The word conspiracy comes from the Latin word conspirare which means to b

  • beer

    Etymology The word beer derives from the Proto Germanic word bius biauz meaning both