5 Ways ‘The Ten Commandments’ Movie Changed the Bible

Cecil B. DeMille’s most famous movie, 1956’s The Ten Commandments, is a beloved classic, but it is also known for taking some liberties with the biblical story. While it is based on the Book of Exodus, the film adds drama, new characters, and several twists. Here are five ways the film changed the tale of the exodux.

1. The character of Nefretiri

In the Bible, there is no mention of Nefretiri, the powerful Egyptian princess played by Anne Baxter. DeMille added this character to add drama to the story. Nefretiri’s jealousy over Moses and his love for the Hebrew woman, Sephora, creates conflict throughout the film. Her rivalry with Moses is a major plot point that doesn’t exist in the biblical account. This addition helps drive much of the movie’s emotional tension.

2. Moses’ relationship with Rameses

In The Ten Commandments, the relationship between Moses and Rameses (played by Yul Brynner) is more personal and intense than in the Bible. The film portrays them as close brothers who are torn apart by Moses’ decision to follow God’s command to free the Hebrews. The biblical story doesn’t focus as much on their emotional bond. The film amplifies their rivalry, making Rameses’ refusal to free the Israelites more about family betrayal than a struggle of power.

3. Moses’ early life in Egypt

The film adds several details to Moses’ early life in Egypt that are not found in the Bible. For example, the film shows Moses as a young man being raised as an Egyptian prince. It focuses on his privileged life, his education, and his friendship with Rameses. While the Bible does mention that Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s house, it does not go into this much detail. The film expands on his early years to create a more dramatic build-up to his later decisions.

4. The Plagues of Egypt

The ten plagues in The Ten Commandments are more spectacular and exaggerated than they appear in the Bible. DeMille wanted to make these events larger than life for the film’s audience. The biblical account of the plagues is brief and less visual. In contrast, the film shows the plagues with stunning special effects, like locusts covering the land and water turning to blood. The film also gives each plague a dramatic focus, making them more of a cinematic spectacle.

5. The Golden Calf Scene

The golden calf scene is a dramatic moment in both the Bible and the film. However, DeMille takes liberties with how it plays out. In the Bible, the Israelites build the golden calf while Moses is on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments. In the movie, the scene is more intense and includes a confrontation between Moses and his followers. Moses’ anger and the destruction of the calf are given more screen time. The film uses the scene to emphasize Moses’ leadership and the Israelites’ betrayal.

Conclusion

While The Ten Commandments (1956) is an iconic film, it doesn’t stick strictly to the biblical narrative. The movie changed and added several elements to the story to create more drama, conflict, and emotional depth. From the fictional character of Nefretiri to the expanded focus on Moses’ early life, these changes helped make the film a memorable cinematic experience. While it may not be entirely true to the Bible, The Ten Commandments remains a classic that many still enjoy today.