Lutheran Service Book ‎#581

581. These Are the Holy Ten Commands

(Stanzas 1-5 copyrighted)

6 "You shall not murder, hurt, nor hate;
Your anger dare not dominate.
Be kind and patient; help, defend,
And treat your foe as your friend."
Have mercy, Lord!

(Stanza 7 copyrighted)

8 "You shall not steal or take away
What others worked for night and day,
But open wide a gen'rous hand
And help the poor in the land."
Have mercy, Lord!

9 "Bear no false witness nor defame
Your neighbor nor destroy his name,
But view him in the kindest way;
Speak truth in all that you say."
Have mercy, Lord!

10 "You shall not crave your neighbor's house
Nor covet money, goods, or spouse,
Pray God He would your neighbor bless
As you yourself wish success."
Have mercy, Lord!

(Stanza 11 copyrighted)

12 Our works cannot salvation gain;
They merit only endless pain,
Forgive us, Lord! To Christ, we flee,
Who pleads for us endlessly.
Have mercy, Lord!

Text Information

• First Line: These are the holy Ten Commands
• Title: These Are the Holy Ten Commands
• Author: Martin Luther, 1483-1546
• Translator (st. 1): Joseph Herl, b. 1959
• Translator (st. 2): Michael A. Penikis, b. 1964
• Translator (st. 3-5, 7, 11): F. Samuel Janzow, 1913-2001 (alt.)
• Meter: 88 87 4
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2006
• Scripture:
  Exodus 20:1-17
  ;
  Leviticus 19:2
  ;
  James 2:10
  ;
  Romans 3:21-28
• Topic: The Word of God
• Source: Christian Worship, 1928, tr. sts. 6, 8-10, 12, alt.
• Copyright: Sts. 3-4, 7, 11 © 1980 Concordia Publishing House; Sts. 1-2 © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Tune Information

• Name: IN GOTTES NAMEN FAHREN WIR
• Meter: 88 87 4
• Key: C Major
• Source: German, 13th cent.