How many Biblical commandments, or Mitzvot , are there in Jewish law? within 10%

While the Ten Commandments are the most famous, Jewish tradition holds that the Torah contains a total of 613 commandments, or "mitzvot." This specific number isn't explicitly stated in the biblical text but was calculated by rabbinic scholars over centuries. The most influential and widely accepted enumeration comes from the 12th-century philosopher and legal scholar Maimonides in his work, "Sefer Hamitzvot" (The Book of Commandments). His comprehensive list became the standard for understanding the full scope of Jewish law derived from the five books of Moses.

These 613 mitzvot are traditionally divided into two distinct categories. There are 248 positive commandments, which are commands to perform an action, such as honoring one's parents. The remaining 365 are negative commandments, which are prohibitions against certain actions, like stealing or murder. This division provides a clear framework for understanding the obligations and restrictions that shape a traditionally observant Jewish life.

The numbers themselves carry deep symbolic meaning. The 248 positive commandments are said to correspond to the number of bones and major organs in the human body, suggesting that one should serve God with their entire physical being. The 365 negative commandments correspond to the number of days in a solar year, implying a daily, year-round commitment to refraining from forbidden acts. It is important to note that many of these commandments, particularly those related to Temple sacrifices, are not applicable in the modern era.