# law, principle #

## Definition: ##

A "law" is a legal rule that is usually written down and enforced by someone in authority. A "principle" is a guideline for decision-making and behavior.

* Both "law" and "principle" can refer to a general rule or belief that guides a person's behavior.
* This meaning of "law" is different from its meaning in the term "law of Moses," where it refers to commands and instructions that God gave the Israelites.
* When a general law is being referred to, "law" could be translated as "principle" or "general rule."

(See also: [law](../other/law.md), [law](../kt/lawofmoses.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [Deuteronomy 04:1-2](rc://en/tn/help/deu/04/01)
* [Esther 03:8-9](rc://en/tn/help/est/03/08)
* [Exodus 12:12-14](rc://en/tn/help/exo/12/12)
* [Genesis 26:4-5](rc://en/tn/help/gen/26/04)
* [John 18:31-32](rc://en/tn/help/jhn/18/31)
* [Romans 07:1](rc://en/tn/help/rom/07/01)

## Word Data:##

* Strong's: H1285, H1881, H1882, H2706, H2708, H2710, H4687, H4941, H6310, H7560, H8451, G1785, G3548, G3551, G4747