Eric Tokajer’s conclusions for each of the Ten Commandments, as presented in "What If Everything You Were Taught About the Ten Commandments Was Wrong," aim to deepen understanding by exploring their original Hebrew meaning and relational significance. Here’s a summary of his interpretation and conclusions for each commandment:

1. "You shall have no other gods before Me"

• Conclusion: This commandment emphasizes exclusive devotion to the one true God. Tokajer interprets it as a call to loyalty in the covenant relationship, not simply a prohibition against idolatry. It reflects God’s desire for His people to prioritize Him in every aspect of life.

2. "You shall not make for yourself a carved image"

• Conclusion: This commandment extends beyond physical idols to anything that misrepresents God or reduces Him to human constructs. Tokajer stresses the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth rather than through man-made symbols or ideas.

3. "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain"

• Conclusion: Often misunderstood as a prohibition against swearing, Tokajer interprets this as living in a way that aligns with God’s character. Bearing God’s name means representing Him faithfully in words, actions, and attitudes.

4. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy"

• Conclusion: The Sabbath is not just a day of rest but a sanctified time to reconnect with God and creation. Tokajer highlights its relational and restorative purpose, encouraging believers to embrace it as a gift rather than a legalistic burden.

5. "Honor your father and your mother"

• Conclusion: This commandment goes beyond familial respect to include honoring spiritual mentors and the heritage of faith. Tokajer emphasizes that honoring parents reflects respect for God’s authority and His design for family and community.

6. "You shall not murder"

• Conclusion: Tokajer broadens this commandment to include not just the act of killing but also attitudes of hatred, anger, and harm toward others. It’s about valuing life as sacred because humans are made in the image of God.

7. "You shall not commit adultery"

• Conclusion: This commandment underscores the sanctity of marriage and covenant relationships. Tokajer views it as a reminder of faithfulness, not only in marriage but in all commitments, including the believer’s covenant with God.

8. "You shall not steal"

• Conclusion: More than the act of theft, this commandment encompasses respect for others’ rights and property. Tokajer links it to integrity and a heart of generosity, encouraging believers to trust God as the ultimate provider.

9. "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor"

• Conclusion: This commandment calls for honesty and justice in relationships and community. Tokajer interprets it as a reminder to uphold truth and protect the reputation of others, aligning with God’s nature as the source of truth.

10. "You shall not covet"

• Conclusion: Covetousness is seen as a root of many other sins. Tokajer views this commandment as a call to contentment and trust in God’s provision, reminding believers to focus on gratitude rather than envy or greed.

General Themes

• Tokajer’s interpretations of the Ten Commandments highlight their relational, ethical, and spiritual dimensions. He encourages a shift from viewing them as restrictive laws to seeing them as life-giving principles that reflect God’s love and character. Each commandment is an invitation to deepen one’s relationship with God and others, fostering a life of holiness, justice, and compassion.

Eric Tokajer’s book "What If Everything You Were Taught About the Ten Commandments Was Wrong" invites readers to reconsider traditional interpretations of the Ten Commandments and their significance. The book is rooted in Tokajer’s Messianic Jewish perspective, emphasizing the original Hebrew context and challenging conventional Christian views. Below is a summary of key conclusions from the book:

1. The Ten Commandments as Covenant, Not Rules

• Tokajer argues that the Ten Commandments should be viewed as covenantal principles rather than a strict list of rules. They are relational guidelines meant to deepen the bond between God and His people rather than burdensome regulations.

2. Translation and Context Matter

• Many traditional teachings are based on translations that may not fully capture the intent of the original Hebrew. For example, Tokajer discusses how the phrase "You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain" is often misunderstood, suggesting it refers more to living in alignment with God's character than to speech alone.

3. The Commandments Reflect God's Character

• The Commandments are an expression of God’s nature and His desire for humanity to live in harmony with Him and each other. They are not arbitrary laws but a reflection of divine love and justice.

4. Misinterpretations Have Caused Division

• Misunderstanding the Commandments has contributed to unnecessary division between Jewish and Christian communities. Tokajer emphasizes the need for Christians to appreciate the Jewish roots of their faith and the covenantal context of the Torah.

5. The Commandments Are Eternal Principles

• Rather than being obsolete or replaced by New Testament teachings, Tokajer suggests that the Commandments remain relevant and serve as a moral compass for all believers. They align with the teachings of Yeshua (Jesus) and emphasize continuity rather than replacement theology.

6. Living the Commandments Is About Relationship

• Tokajer encourages a shift from a legalistic approach to a relational understanding of the Commandments. They are meant to guide believers into a life of worship, ethical living, and community building.

7. The Commandments Are Not Merely Religious

• The principles of the Commandments extend beyond religious observance into everyday life, influencing ethics, justice, and interpersonal relationships.

8. Reevaluating "Law" and "Grace"

• The dichotomy between "law" and "grace" often taught in Christian circles is reevaluated. Tokajer contends that the law (Torah) and grace are not oppositional but complementary, both serving to bring people closer to God.

9. Empowerment Through Obedience

• Observing the Commandments is not about earning salvation but about living a life empowered by God’s Spirit. This obedience leads to freedom and fulfillment rather than restriction.

Tokajer’s work invites readers to engage with the Ten Commandments in a fresh way, appreciating their depth and relevance while challenging assumptions about their interpretation and application. His focus on the Hebrew roots of the text encourages believers to see the Commandments as part of an ongoing relationship with God rather than a historical or religious relic.