Do you struggle to remember the Ten Commandments? Would you find it tricky to remember them in order? As part of a teaching series on the Ten Commandments, I prepared some relatively easy mnemonics. You may find they help!
1. You shall have no other Gods before me.
![](https://pomeroy.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/commandment_01.jpg)
2. You shall not make … an idol.
Remember two major “Idol” shows: Pop Idol, in the UK and American Idol in the States. (Perhaps a bit dated now!)
![](https://pomeroy.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/commandment_02.jpg)
3. Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain.
Imagine the three wise monkeys, all determined not to blaspheme.
![](https://pomeroy.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/commandment_03.jpg)
4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
Visualise a four poster bed, with the words “rest” written in it. Note also there are four letters in each of the words, Holy Abba Rest.
![](https://pomeroy.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/commandment_04.jpg)
5. Honour your mother and father.
Remember five gold rings (from The Twelve Days of Christmas) – rings being a symbol of marriage and thus parenthood. Also there are five letters in each of the words, Value Mater & Pater. (Yes I know! If it’s silly, you’re more likely to remember it!)
![](https://pomeroy.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/commandment_05.jpg)
6. Do not murder.
Think of a grenade, roughly in the shape of a number 6.
![](https://pomeroy.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/commandment_06.jpg)
7. Do not commit adultery.
007 is one of the most prolific adulterers in fiction!
![](https://pomeroy.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/commandment_07.jpg)
8. Do not steal.
A bit of a stretch, I admit – imagine the 8 as part of a burglar’s mask.
![](https://pomeroy.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/commandment_08.jpg)
9. Do not bear false witness.
Imagine someone lying down in a tennis court, holding a number 9 instead of a racquet. No lying in court! Get it? (Groan.)
![](https://pomeroy.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/commandment_09.jpg)
10. Do not covet
Hard to explain, this one. Start with the letters “NO NV” (no envy). Take the last upright part of the first N and add put it next to the O to get 10. Then take the slant and last upright of the second N to get V and place it next to the V, for VV. In Roman numerals, V plus V is 10.
![](https://pomeroy.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/commandment_10.jpg)
One Reply to “How to Remember the Ten Commandments”