Deuteronomic Redaction and the Evolution of the Decalogues in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5

Abstract

This paper examines the development and evolution of the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) based on a comparison of the Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 versions. It reviews past scholarly theories about the original form and composition of the Decalogue. The paper then analyzes the unique features in each biblical version to hypothesize about later Priestly and Deuteronomic editions. After removing these proposed additions, an attempt is made to reconstruct a more original core version. The analysis suggests the Decalogue went through multiple stages of evolution and redaction by various tradents. While Exodus 20 appears older overall, both versions contain editing that shapes them for their literary contexts. The study supports Blum’s theory of an early Deuteronomic edition of Tetrateuch texts, but with recognition that further development occurred before the final forms of Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. The paper illustrates the complex traditio-historical process in the formation of biblical texts.