What does the term 'Decalogue' refer to?

The term 'Decalogue' specifically refers to the Ten Commandments, which are a set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship that are fundamental in both Judaism and Christianity. These commandments outline key moral imperatives and guidelines that are believed to be divinely ordained for humanity to follow. The term itself comes from the Greek word 'decalogos,' meaning "ten words," and it highlights the significance of these ten directives given to Moses on Mount Sinai as described in the biblical texts, particularly in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy.

In contrast, the other options relate to different concepts. The statutes of a state encompass various laws enacted by a governing body, which differs fundamentally from religious commandments. The sacred text of Judaism, known as the Tanakh, includes much more than just the Ten Commandments, containing various books, teachings, and narratives central to Jewish faith. The teachings of the prophets cover a wide array of messages from religious leaders throughout history, but they do not specifically pertain to the concise set of ten rules that form the Decalogue. Hence, the correct interpretation of 'Decalogue' as referring to the Ten Commandments is clear and well-established in religious studies.