Divine command: meaning, definitions and examples

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divine command

 

[ dɪˈvaɪn kəˈmænd ]

Context #1

religious authority

A divine command is a command that is believed to come from a deity or higher power. It is considered to be a moral obligation or duty that must be obeyed by followers of a particular religion.

Synonyms

god's decree, religious command, sacred instruction

Examples of usage

  • The Ten Commandments are a set of divine commands in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
  • Following the divine command to love thy neighbor as thyself is a fundamental principle in many religions.
Context #2

moral philosophy

In moral philosophy, the concept of divine command theory posits that an action's morality is determined by whether it is commanded by a deity. This theory suggests that what is morally right is what God commands.

Synonyms

divine law theory, theological ethics

Examples of usage

  • According to divine command theory, stealing is wrong because it goes against God's commandments.
  • Supporters of divine command theory believe that moral principles are grounded in divine authority.

Translations

Translations of the word "divine command" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ordem divina

🇮🇳 दैवीय आदेश

🇩🇪 göttlicher Befehl

🇮🇩 perintah ilahi

🇺🇦 божественний наказ

🇵🇱 boskie polecenie

🇯🇵 神の命令

🇫🇷 commandement divin

🇪🇸 mandato divino

🇹🇷 ilahi emir

🇰🇷 신성한 명령

🇸🇦 أمر إلهي

🇨🇿 božský příkaz

🇸🇰 božský príkaz

🇨🇳 神圣命令

🇸🇮 božanski ukaz

🇮🇸 guðleg skipun

🇰🇿 құдайдың бұйрығы

🇬🇪 ღვთის ბრძანება

🇦🇿 ilahi əmr

🇲🇽 mandato divino

Word origin

The concept of divine command has a long history, dating back to ancient religious texts and philosophical debates. In various religions, the idea of divine commands has been central to moral and ethical frameworks. Philosophers throughout history have explored the implications of divine command theory on morality and the nature of moral obligations. The debate continues to be relevant in contemporary discussions on ethics and religion.