Topic: What does "It is written" mean?

Date originally posted: March 10, 2002

Source of this posting: Moderator response to emailed question

Moderator who originally posted this source: J. Ruffo

Question: In the Bible, the phrase "It is written" is stated.  My question is where is it written and what does this phrase refer to?  Are each of the ten commandments, when sinned against, considered a mortal sin?

Answer: 

Dear Bethanny, 

“It is written…” refers to some previous historical book, an earlier text, or document, such as: “as it is written in the law of Moses” Dn 9:13; “It is written in the prophets” Jn 6:45; “it is written in the law” 1Cor 14:21.  There are numerous examples of this phrase being used throughout the bible. 

In answer to your second question: someone can sin against one of the ten commandments and not commit a mortal sin.  Check out our Catholic Q and A’s Virtual Library on this same web site, Bethanny, under FAQ click on “Confession” and see the topic “Mortal Sin and Confession”.  There you’ll find an excellent explanation of the requirements necessary to commit a “mortal” sin.

 Father John