This first commandment has the same form as all the negative commandments that follow. In the Hebrew it is not a negative imperative that is used, but rather an even stronger prohibition that simply describes what is demanded and expected of every individual in Israel. Literally the Hebrew says, “Not shall there be for you other gods before my face.” The negative marker is placed first for emphasis. The you is singular, but as stated above it may be translated as plural. The word for gods is the same word for “your God” in verse 2. ʾelohim is plural in form, so the context must determine whether it refers to gods in general, or to the one true God. (See the comment on gods at 12.12.)

Before me may be understood as “besides me” (New American Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “in my presence” (Durham). New Jerusalem Bible has “You shall have no other gods to rival me,” and Translator’s Old Testament has “You must not defy me by acknowledging other gods.” Good News Translation is clear and accurate, “Worship no god but me,” and Contemporary English Version has “Do not worship any god except me.” Whatever form a translator chooses for this negative command, that should be used throughout the Ten Commandments when the negative form occurs in the Hebrew.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .