Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 76 of 107
Which is the ninth commandment?
A.The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Which Bible passages support this answer?
The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 76. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.
- Exodus 20:16
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. (NET)
What does this answer mean?
The ninth commandment is 'Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.' Bearing false witness means telling what is untrue about someone, as a false witness would in court. The commandment protects truth and our neighbor's good name. The next two answers explain what it requires and forbids.
What can we ask our children?
- Can you say the ninth commandment?
- What is a false witness?
- How can our words hurt someone's good name?
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 76 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 76 (trace, then copy)
- Memory cards for questions 71 to 80
- Copywork for questions 71 to 80
- 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.