The Full List of all Delphic Commandments

This article illustrates the Full list of the famous Delphic Commandments, their translation and their explanation.

History Aug 8, 2019 0 4920 Add to Reading List

The Full List of all Delphic Commandments

Please Note

OK guys, before we dive into the full list of the Delphic Commandments keep something in mind: this article has been retrieved from the Ancient Greece Reloaded Website. The original article consists of 2 parts.

Part One - explains the mystic and secret messages behind the Oracle of Delphi.

Part Two - presents the full list of the Delphic Commandments.

Thus, in the end of the article we provide you with the link to the original article as well as some other links, from Ancient Greece Reloaded, that you can explore further if you are interested in the entire topic of mysticism and Ancient Oracles.

That being said, let us begin...

About the Translation:

The most obvious question should be:

“Has no one ever tried to translate the full list of commandments”?

The answer:

Yes, there have been a couple of attempts to do it yet, they failed miserably; or in best case they are problematic. Consequently, these attempts failed to successfully deliver the exact meaning of the commandments to a non-native Greek speaker, neither were they able to deliver to you, Delphi’s wisdom.

Why is that?

Mainly for two reasons: either they tried to translate the commandments word-by-word and got lost in translation (providing you with some awkward translations) or the previous translations were not able to bridge the meaning of idioms of, not two but, three languages; namely, Ancient Greek, Greek and English. This resulted in altering the essence of the commandments.

What differentiates us from the previous attempts, are the following facts:

One, we translated everything from Ancient Greek to Contemporary Greek. Then, we proceeded by comparing the idioms of the Ancient Greek and the Modern Greek languages.

Two, afterwards we proceeded by translating everything into English. Then, we compared the meaning of the idioms of both the English and the Modern Greek languages.

Three, we made a final check by directly comparing the idioms, and figure of speeches, of Ancient Greek and English. If everything was done correctly, the meanings should match; and they did!

Four, every time we considered it necessary we followed a “loose translation” approach rather than a “word-by-word” approach because our goal was to retain the essence of each commandment accurate, when translating it to English!

Five, every time we considered it necessary we added additional explanations (in brackets) so as to help you to get a deeper understanding of each commandment.

For all the aforementioned reasons, we strongly believe that we have accurately translated all commandments of Delphi.

The Full list of all of Delphic Commandments (total of 148), their full translation and explanations, is as follows:

1. ΕΠΟΥ ΘΕΩ = Follow God

2. ΘΕΟΥΣ ΣΕΒΟΥ = Respect the gods

3. ΓΟΝΕΙΣ ΑΙΔΟΥ = Respect your parents

4. ΠΡΕΣΒΥΤΕΡΟΝ ΑΙΔΟΥ = Respect the elders

5. ΙΚΕΤΑΣ ΑΙΔΟΥ = Respect the ones that implore you (that plead to you)

6. ΣΕΑΥΤΟΝ ΑΙΔΟΥ = Respect yourself (respect your own self, aka self-respect)

7. ΦΟΝΟΥ ΑΠΕΧΟΥ = Do not murder (Note: a distinction has to be made: kill, if you have to protect: your country, yourself (self-defence) or your family BUT do not murder – aka do not kill the innocent)

8. ΟΡΚΩ ΜΗ ΧΡΩ = Do not vow (be reliable without the need to vow to the gods)

9. ΟΥΣ ΤΡΕΦΕΙΣ, ΑΓΑΠΑ = Love the ones you feed / nourish (your children and in general your family)

10. ΕΣΤΙΑΝ ΤΙΜΑ = Honour your house

11. ΓΑΜΟΥΣ ΚΡΑΤΕΙ = Respect and keep your marriage

12. ΓΑΜΕΙΝ ΜΕΛΛΟΝ ΚΑΙΡΟΝ ΓΝΩΘΙ = Get married at the right time (or: realise when your time comes to get married)

13. ΕΞ ΕΥΓΕΝΩΝ ΓΕΝΝΑ = Try to become kin (relative) with good (ethical) people

14. Ο ΜΕΛΛΕΙΣ ΔΟΣ = Give attention, and love, to the ones you care about

15. ΗΤΤΩ ΥΠΕΡ ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ = Fight for the law, for what is right, for what is good, for what is useful

16. ΦΡΟΝΕΙ ΘΝΗΤΑ = Think as a mortal (or think as it is befitting of a man, and not as a god) - The commandment basically tries to tell us to be humble and to get off our high horse.

17. ΕΥ ΠΑΣΧΕ ΘΝΗΤΟΣ = Endure everything as a mortal (aka nothing lasts forever or it will not rain all the time – keep / have hope )

18. ΑΡΧΕ ΣΕΑΥΤΟΥ = Control Yourself (aka exercise self-control)

19. ΘΥΜΟΥ ΚΡΑΤΕΙ = Withhold your anger (so as not to do or say things that you will regret later)

20. ΟΜΙΛΕΙ ΠΡΑΩΣ = Speak with gentleness and kindness

21. ΗΔΟΝΗΣ ΚΡΑΤΕΙΝ = Be moderate (be moderate in terms of pleasures)

22. ΓΛΩΤΤΑΝ ΙΣΧΕ = Hold your tongue (see also commandment 19)

23. ΓΛΥΤΤΗΣ ΑΡΧΕ = Exercise control over your tongue (see also commandment 20)

24. ΜΗ ΘΡΑΣΥΝΟΥ = Do not be impudent

25. ΑΡΡΗΤΑ ΜΗ ΛΕΓΕ = Do not reveal secrets (aka do not reveal secrets that have been entrusted to you)

26. ΛΕΓΕ ΕΙΔΩΣ = To speak what we know (aka to speak of what we know – hence, keep your opinion to yourself of things you do not know nor understand)

27. ΟΦΘΑΛΜΟΥ ΚΡΑΤΕΙ = Control what you see (it tells us to avoid staring at evil or corrupting things - which in turn will lead to our own corruption)

28. ΠΙΝΩΝ ΑΡΜΟΖΕΣ = When drinking, be restrained (in today’s terms: do not get drunk - otherwise, you will not be able to follow commandment 18)

29. ΑΚΟΥΣΑΣ ΝΟΕΙ = Comprehend after you listen (some esoteric scholars propose an additional explanation/translation: to perceive things with the eyes of your mind)

30. ΦΡΟΝΗΣΙΝ ΑΣΚΕΙ = Cultivate your thoughts and mind (because thoughts give rise to feelings and feelings are followed by actions; hence, cultivate good/pure thoughts)

31. ΜΕΛΕΤΕΙ ΤΟ ΠΑΝ = Study everything (meaning: research everything and keep an open mind)

32. ΒΟΥΛΕΥΟΥ ΧΡΟΝΩ = To think of useful thoughts/ideas (meaning: to occupy your thoughts with useful ideas and do not waste time on nonsense)

33. ΓΝΟΥΣ ΠΡΑΤΤΕ = To act with awareness (to be aware of what you do and to know the consequences)

34. ΠΑΣΙ ΔΙΑΛΕΓΟΥ = To converse with all (In other terms: be open to talk to everyone and do not shout out people when conversing - have some tact)

35. ΑΚΟΥΕ ΠΑΝΤΑ = Listen to everything and everyone

36. ΑΚΟΥΩΝ ΟΡΑ = When you hear you see (meaning: when you listen to others (or when you listen to what all sides have to say) you can form a clear idea of things)

37. ΔΟΞΑΝ ΔΙΩΚΕ = Pursue glory (some also suggest the following explanation: seek supplementary ideas that others have to offer)

38. ΔΟΞΑΝ ΜΗ ΛΕΙΠΕ = Do not underestimate glory (in other terms, do not underestimate the power of ambition; or the ambitions that others may have and what they are willing to do for accomplishing them)

39. ΚΑΛΟΝ ΤΟ ΛΕΓΕ = Speak the truth, speak objective, speak fair (or unbiased)

40. ΕΥΛΟΓΕΙ ΠΑΝΤΑΣ = Say only good things about everyone (Praise everyone)

41. ΟΣΙΑ ΚΡΙΝΕ = Judge based on saintliness (which means: your judgement should be based on virtue)

42. ΕΥΓΕΝΕΙΑΝ ΑΣΚΕΙ = Be kind (to exercise kindness and to have a kind soul)

43. ΦΙΛΟΦΡΟΝΕΙ ΠΑΣΙΝ = Treat everyone with kindness and love

44. ΕΥΠΡΟΣΗΓΟΡΟΣ ΓΙΝΟΥ = Be consolatory (Give comfort)

45. ΕΥΦΗΜΟΣ ΙΣΘΙ = Have a good reputation (Having a good name, or reputation, will open (many) doors for you)

46. ΕΥΦΗΜΙΑΝ ΑΣΚΕΙ = Make use of your good reputation (so as to affect circumstances for the greater good)

47. ΦΥΛΑΚΗΝ ΠΡΟΣΕΧΕ = Be vigilant

48. ΟΜΟΙΟΙΣ ΧΡΩ = Associate with the likes of you (For instance, if you are a judge do not hang out with criminals, for obvious reasons. Also, the likes of you will be able to understand your ideas etc.)

49. ΟΡΑ ΤΟ ΜΕΛΛΟΝ = Look at the future (in the sense of being provident about future circumstances)

50. ΥΒΡΙΝ ΜΙΣΕΙ = Hate hubris

51. ΕΥΧΟΥ ΔΥΝΑΤΑ = Wish loud (meaning: when you wish for something, do it with all of your soul’s strength)

52. ΧΡΗΣΜΟΥΣ ΘΑΥΜΑΣΕ = Respect the oracle (more accurately: respect the revelations given to you by the oracle; through whom god speaks to you – it’s the Oracle of Delphi, some marketing is OK, right?)

53. ΦΙΛΟΙΣ ΒΟΗΘΕΙ = Help your friends (meaning: to help your friends, or the ones you love, when in need)

54. ΦΙΛΙΑΝ ΑΓΑΠΑ = Love friendship (more precisely: it refers to the bond of friendship)

55. ΦΙΛΟΙΣ ΕΥΝΟΕΙ = Favour your friends (in other terms: support your friends)

56. ΦΙΛΙΑΝ ΦΥΛΑΤΤΕ = Preserve (protect) your friendship

57. ΦΙΛΩ ΧΑΡΙΖΟΥ = Be always there for your friends if they need you

58. ΝΕΩΤΕΡΟΝ ΔΙΔΑΣΚΕ = Teach (educate) the younger ones (aka to convey (the) knowledge to the younger people)

59. ΥΙΟΥΣ ΠΑΙΔΕΥΕ = Teach, and educate, your children

60. ΣΟΦΙΑΝ ΖΗΤΕΙ = Seek wisdom (be an acquaintance of wisdom)

61. ΜΑΝΘΑΝΩΝ ΜΗ ΚΑΜΝΕ = Never get tired of learning (in the sense of continuous self-education, continuous expansion of your knowledge and your wisdom)

62. ΓΝΩΘΙ ΜΑΘΩΝ = Know after you learn (to know after you learn, aka after you have received your education; as well as, you are able to know after you have accumulated experiences)

63. ΣΟΦΟΙΣ ΧΡΩ = Associate with wise people and make use of their wisdom

64. ΦΙΛΟΣΟΦΟΣ ΓΙΝΟΥ = Become a philosopher (a friend of wisdom)

65. ΣΑΥΤΟΝ ΙΣΘΙ = Never lose yourself (in other words: always be yourself, do not pretend of being someone else)

66. ΓΝΩΘΙ ΣΑΥΤΟΝ = Know Thyself (aka Know yourself, in other words: attain self-awareness)

67. ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑΣ ΑΝΤΕΧΟΥ = Stay focused on your education and endure its adversities

68. ΗΘΟΣ ΔΟΚΙΜΑΖΕ = Commend Ethos (aka praise moral values)

69. ΤΕΧΝΗ ΧΡΩ = Exercise and make use of your craft (or skills)

70. ΕΥΕΡΓΕΣΙΑΣ ΤΙΜΑ = Honour and acknowledge benedictions given to you

71. ΑΓΑΘΟΥΣ ΤΙΜΑ = Honour the good people (honour the good deeds)

72. ΕΠΑΙΝΕΙ ΑΡΕΤΗΝ = Praise virtue

73. ΤΥΧΗΝ ΝΟΜΙΖΕ = Have in mind the future’s uncertainty (and be prepared for it)

74. ΤΥΧΗ ΜΗ ΠΙΣΤΕΥΕ = Do not believe/trust in luck (especially gambling) - and do not become a fortune hunter

75. ΤΥΧΗΝ ΣΤΕΡΓΕ = Accept (or embrace) your luck (in this case, your destiny)

76. ΕΓΓΥΗΝ ΦΕΥΓΕ = Avoid pledging for someone or something

77. ΧΑΡΙΝ ΕΚΤΕΛΕΙ = Do favours (as long as it does not harm you)

78. ΕΥΤΥΧΙΑΝ ΕΥΧΟΥ = Wish for happiness

79. ΟΝΕΙΔΟΣ ΕΧΘΑΙΡΕ = Be alienated to derision (scorn or mockery)

80. ΥΒΡΙΝ ΑΜΥΝΟΥ = Protect yourself from hubris

81. ΛΕΓΕ ΠΡΑΤΤΕ ΔΙΚΑΙΑ = Speak, Act just (aka All your actions should be just and fair)

82. ΚΡΙΝΕ ΔΙΚΑΙΑ = Judge fair (your judgement should be fair, objective and just)

83. ΑΔΙΚΕΙΝ ΜΙΣΕΙ = Hate injustice and wrongdoings

84. ΚΡΙΤΗΝ ΓΝΩΘΙ = Know your judge (what it means is that if somebody is criticizing you - know if that person, and hence his criticism, is worth considering or not)

85. ΑΔΩΡΟΔΟΚΗΤΟΣ ΔΙΚΑΖΕ = Judge without bribery (in other terms: do not judge by accepting briberies and hence, you become corrupt)

86. ΑΙΤΙΩ ΠΑΡΟΝΤΑ = Justify everything that occurs to you (aka be able to validate your circumstances)

87. ΥΙΟΙΣ ΜΗ ΚΑΤΑΘΑΡΡΕΙ = Do not depress your children (by criticizing them, yelling at them etc.)

88. ΚΟΙΝΟΣ ΓΙΝΟΥ = Be social

89. ΑΠΟΚΡΙΝΟΥ ΕΝ ΚΑΙΡΩ = Respond in due time (at the appropriate time)

90. ΠΡΑΤΤΕ ΑΜΕΤΑΝΟΗΤΩΣ = Act with certainty (aka when you decide to act, act without doubts)

91. ΕΛΠΙΔΑ ΑΙΝΕΙ = Praise hope (meaning: do not lose hope)

92. ΤΩ ΒΙΩ ΜΑΧΟΥ = Fight for your life (in the sense of not giving up on life’s hardships)

93. ΑΤΥΧΟΥΝΤΙ ΣΥΝΑΧΘΟΥ = Sympathize for the unfortunate ones

94. ΧΡΟΝΟΥ ΦΕΙΔΟΥ = Take advantage of time (meaning: do not waste time – be productive)

95. ΠΕΡΑΣ ΕΠΙΤΕΛΕΙ ΜΗ ΑΠΟΔΕΙΛΙΩΝ = Do not be hesitant to finish what you started (aka when you start something, finish it with certainty)

96. ΕΠΙΤΕΛΕΙ ΣΥΝΤΟΜΩΣ = Do not postpone (or Act without delaying; similar with your payments or debts: pay in time)

97. ΚΑΙΡΟΝ ΠΡΟΣΔΕΧΟΥ = Accept time (in terms of timing and opportunities; aka find the right timing to act or realize the time to act)

98. ΓΗΡΑΣ ΠΡΟΣΔΕΧΟΥ = Accept old age (aka accept the fact of growing old)

99. ΑΜΑΡΤΑΝΩΝ ΜΕΤΑΝΟΕΙ = Repent for your sins or wrongdoings

100. ΕΡΙΝ ΜΙΣΕΙ = Hate disputes (in the sense of not favouring disputes but peaceful solutions)

101. ΟΜΟΝΟΙΑΝ ΔΙΩΚΕ = Seek concord (peace, harmony, agreement)

102. ΒΙΑΣ ΜΗ ΕΧΟΥ = Do not have violence (meaning: avoid being violent)

103. ΒΙΑΝ ΜΗΔΕΝ ΠΡΑΤΤΕΙΝ = Do not do things through violence (or by force)

104. ΝΟΜΩ ΠΕΙΘΟΥ = Be lawful

105. ΤΟ ΚΡΑΤΟΥΝ ΦΟΒΟΥ = Fear the superior or the ruler (meaning: respect the government)

106. ΘΝΗΣΚΕ ΥΠΕΡ ΠΑΤΡΙΔΟΣ = Die for your country (aka fight, and die if needed, in order to protect your country)

107. ΕΧΘΡΟΥΣ ΑΜΥΝΟΥ = Protect yourself from your enemies

108. ΕΠΙ ΡΩΜΗ ΜΗ ΚΑΥΧΩ = Do not boast about your strength (be it physical, financial and so forth – aka, be humble)

109. ΜΗ ΑΡΧΕ ΥΒΡΙΖΕΙΝ = Do not lead with arrogance (do not be conceited)

110. ΛΑΒΩΝ ΑΠΟΔΟΣ = When you receive, give (in other words: when someone supports you, return the favour)

111. ΕΥΓΝΩΜΩΝ ΓΙΝΟΥ = Be grateful

112. ΠΡΟΝΟΙΑΝ ΤΙΜΑ = Appreciate the help and support, when it is given, and do not be ungrateful

113. ΥΦΟΡΩ ΜΗΔΕΝΑ = Do not be suspicious of anyone (in the following sense: when you first meet someone do not let suspiciousness, and false emotions, to cloud your judgement)

114. ΑΛΛΟΤΡΙΩΝ ΑΠΕΧΟΥ = Remain absent, or distant, to vices and intrigues

115. ΨΕΓΕ ΜΗΔΕΝΑ = Do not blame, do not badmouth and do not criticize anyone

116. ΔΙΑΒΟΛΗΝ ΜΙΣEI = Hate the act of slander

117. ΦΘΟΝΕΙ ΜΗΔΕΝΙ = Do not envy nor be jealous of anyone

118. ΑΠΕΧΘΕΙΑΝ ΦΕΥΓΕ = Avoid any type of abomination (or evil)

119. ΕΧΘΡΑΣ ΔΙΑΛΥΕ = Break any hostilities (in the sense of: whenever you witness hostilities be the one to stop them)

120. ΚΑΚΙΑΝ ΜΙΣΕΙ = Hate (and avoid) malevolence

121. ΚΑΚΙΑΣ ΑΠΕΧΟΥ = Be absent of evil (aka do not be evil)

122. ΔΟΛΟΝ ΦΟΒΟΥ = Be afraid of intrigues and deceptions (aka be careful - mindful of them)

123. ΑΠΟΝΤΙ ΜΗ ΜΑΧΟΥ = Do not badmouth, or criticize, someone who is absent (since that person cannot defend himself while being absent)

124. ΠΛΟΥΤΕΙ ΔΙΚΑΙΩΣ = Accumulate wealth through just means

125. ΔΙΚΑΙΩΣ ΚΤΩ = Accumulate wealth through lawful means

126. ΠΟΝΕΙ ΜΕΤ' ΕΥΚΛΕΙΑΣ = Your labour should be just (see also the above 2 commandments)

127. ΠΛΟΥΤΩ ΑΠΟΣΤΕΙ = Distance yourself from wealth (in the sense of: money is not your god or do not allow material riches to corrupt your soul)

128. ΧΡΩ ΧΡΗΜΑΣΙ = Use your money or make use of your money (aka use your money wisely so as to increase your wealth – see also commandments 124 and 125)

129. ΔΑΠΑΝΩΝ ΑΡΧΟΥ = Control your expenses (in other terms: spent money wisely see commandment 128)

130. ΕΧΩΝ ΧΑΡΙΖΟΥ = When you have, you should give (like making donations etc. Side Note: You can start by donating to our project of Ancient Greece Reloaded )

131. ΧΑΡΙΖΟΥ ΕΥΛΑΒΩΣ = Give away wisely and rationally (practically telling you to donate wisely, for example by donating to our project of Ancient Greece Reloaded; a very wise move indeed )

132. ΚΤΩΜΕΝΟΣ ΗΔΟΥ = Enjoy what you acquire (meaning: be happy with what you are able to accomplish, step-by-step, and never to be greedy)

133. ΕΡΓΑΖΟΥ ΚΤΗΤΑ = Work hard to obtain things worth acquiring

134. ΜΕΤΡΟΝ ΑΡΙΣΤΟΝ = Moderation is best (in other words: everything that is in a state of moderation is good, aka balanced – which leads us to the next commandment)

135. ΜΗΔΕΝ ΑΓΑΝ = Nothing in excess

136. ΕΥΣΕΒΕΙΑΝ ΦΥΛΑΤΤΕ = Be pious (devout, sincere etc.)

137. ΑΙΣΧΥΝΗΝ ΣΕΒΟΥ = Respect shame (meaning: Have a sense of shame - see commandment 136)

138. ΚΙΝΔΥΝΕΥΕ ΦΡΟΝΥΜΩΣ = Venture into danger prudently (or when you have to take risks, be prudent)

139. ΜΗ ΕΠΙ ΠΑΝΤΙ ΛΥΠΟΥ = Do not feel sorrow for everything (… try to be happy in your life)

140. ΑΛΥΠΩΣ ΒΙΟΥ = Aim to live your life with no regrets

141. ΤΕΛΕΥΤΩΝ ΑΛΥΠΟΣ = Die with no grief (nowadays we would say something like this: if you are to die, make sure that you have no regrets)

142. ΙΔΙΑ ΦΥΛΑΤΤΕ = Protect what is yours

143. ΤΟ ΣΥΜΦΕΡΟΝ ΘΗΡΩ = Aim for what is best for you (be careful here guys: NOT “what is best to you”, which would be to chase solely after profits etc., BUT “what is best for you” in other terms, aim towards goals that would make you happy)

144. ΣΕΑΥΤΟΝ ΕΥ ΠΟΙΕΙ = Do what is best for you (similar to commandment 143)

145. ΠΡΟΓΟΝΟΥΣ ΣΤΕΦΑΝΟΥ = Respect (and honour) your ancestors (some could add: … by adding flowers to their graves BUT the accurate meaning of the commandment is: to honour your forefathers)

146. ΕΠΙ ΝΕΚΡΩ ΜΗ ΓΕΛΑ = Do not make fun of the dead (As in commandment 145, respect the deceased)

147. ΕΠΑΓΓΕΛΟΥ ΜΗΔΕΝΙ = Do not order anyone (the essence of this commandment refers to the following esoteric rule: do not intervene with anyone’s free will – aka respect peoples’ free will, thus, do not force them to do things they do not want to do).

148. ΠΑΙΣ ΩΝ ΚΟΣΜΙΟΣ ΙΣΘΙ , ΗΒΩΝ ΕΓΚΡΑΤΗΣ , ΜΕΣΟΣ ΔΙΚΑΙΟΣ , ΠΡΕΣΒΥΤΕΡΟΣ ΣΟΦΟΣ = when a child be well-mannered, when a teenager be abstinent (in the sense of temperate), when a man (aka adult) be just, when an elder be wise

That’s it guys… we would also add: To live your life with dignity, pride and honour…