Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 43 of 107
What is the preface to the ten commandments?
A.The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Which Bible passages support this answer?
The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 43. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.
- Exodus 20:2
“I, the Lord, am your God, who brought you from the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery. (NET)
What does this answer mean?
Before the first commandment, God introduces himself: 'I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.' This opening is called the preface. God reminds Israel who he is and what he has already done for them before he tells them what to do.
What can we ask our children?
- What did God say before giving the commandments?
- What had God done for Israel?
- Why might God remind them of that first?
Can I print this question?
Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.
- Memory card for question 43 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 43 (trace, then copy)
- Memory cards for questions 41 to 50
- Copywork for questions 41 to 50
- All Westminster Shorter Catechism printables
Text: The Shorter Catechism, constitutional text of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Public domain (1647). Proof references: Scripture proofs added by the Westminster Assembly, as transcribed by The Westminster Standard. Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible; see permissions.
Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.