While the Bible itself gives the count as `` 10 '' , using the Hebrew phrase Ê '' aseret had ` varimâ '' translated as the 10 words , statements or things , this phrase does not appear in the passages usually presented as being `` the Ten Commandments '' . While the Bible itself assigns the count of `` 10 '' , using the Hebrew phrase aseret had ` varim ( ` the 10 words ' , ` statements ' or ` things ' ) , this phrase does not appear in Exodus 20 .