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Divine command: meaning, definitions and examples

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divine command

[ dɪˈvaɪn kəˈmænd ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
divine command	Used in theological or philosophical discussions to refer to a command believed to be given by a divine being. Some people believe that moral rules come from a divine command. The prophet delivered the divine command to the followers.
religious command	Used to describe a directive that is mandated by a specific religion's authoritative texts or leaders. Observing the holiday is a religious command. He followed the religious command to fast during that period.
god's decree	Used in religious contexts to imply a formal and authoritative order made by a god or deities. According to the scripture, this event was the result of God's decree. They lived their lives following what they believed to be God's decree.
sacred instruction	Used in the context of teachings or guidelines considered holy or highly esteemed in a religious setting. She devoted her life to understanding the sacred instructions of her faith. Participating in the ritual is part of the sacred instruction given to the followers.

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 | Noun}

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
divine command	This term is often used in religious or spiritual discussions to refer to specific instructions or orders given by a deity. It can be applied when talking about direct guidance or rules conveyed by a god. In the holy book, there is a divine command to love others as oneself.

Word

Description / Examples

divine command

This term is often used in religious or spiritual discussions to refer to specific instructions or orders given by a deity. It can be applied when talking about direct guidance or rules conveyed by a god.

In the holy book, there is a divine command to love others as oneself.

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

Etymology

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.