Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 45 of 107
Which is the first commandment?
A.The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Which Bible passages support this answer?
The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 45. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.
- Exodus 20:3
“You shall have no other gods before me. (NET)
What does this answer mean?
The first commandment is 'Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' It teaches us whom to worship: the Lord alone. The next three questions explain what it requires, what it forbids, and what the words 'before me' add. Many families learn all ten commandments by heart alongside these answers.
What can we ask our children?
- Can you say the first commandment from memory?
- What are some things people treat like gods today?
- Who alone should we worship?
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 45 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 45 (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.