# command, commandment

## Definition:

The term “command” means to order someone to do something. The term “commandment” refers to the thing that a person is commanded to do.

* The term “commandment” sometimes refers to certain commands of God which are more formal and permanent, such as the “Ten Commandments.”
* A command can be positive (“Honor your parents”) or negative (“Do not steal”).
* To “take command” means to “take control” or “take charge” of something or someone.

## Translation Suggestions

* It is best to translate this term differently from the term, “law.” Also compare with the definitions of “decree” and “statute.”
* Some translators may prefer to translate “command” and “commandment” with the same word in their language.
* Others may prefer to use a special word for commandment that refers to lasting, formal commands that God has made.

(See [decree](../other/decree.md), [statute](../other/statute.md), [law](../other/law.md), [Ten Commandments](../other/tencommandments.md))

## Bible References:

* [Luke 1:6](rc://en/tn/help/luk/01/06)
* [Matthew 1:24](rc://en/tn/help/mat/01/24)
* [Matthew 22:38](rc://en/tn/help/mat/22/38)
* [Matthew 28:20](rc://en/tn/help/mat/28/20)
* [Numbers 1:17-19](rc://en/tn/help/num/01/17)
* [Romans 7:7-8](rc://en/tn/help/rom/07/07)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H0559, H0560, H0565, H1296, H1696, H1697, H1881, H2706, H2708, H2710, H2941, H2942, H2951, H3027, H3982, H3983, H4406, H4662, H4687, H4929, H4931, H4941, H5057, H5713, H5749, H6213, H6310, H6346, H6490, H6673, H6680, H7101, H7218, H7227, H7262, H7761, H7970, H8269, G12630, G12910, G12960, G12970, G12990, G16900, G17780, G17810, G17850, G20030, G20040, G20080, G20360, G27530, G30560, G37260, G38520, G38530, G43670, G44830, G44870, G55060
