Gebot

Gebot is a German noun with meanings centered on instruction, obligation, or offer. Its core sense is something commanded, prescribed, or required by an authority. The term is used across religious, legal, and everyday language to denote a rule, commandment, or binding obligation.

It originates from Old High German gebôt, related to the root of geben (to give). Historically it has carried the sense of a thing that is given as a directive or obligation, and later broadened to various contexts of instruction and offer.

In religious usage, Gebot most often refers to a divine commandment. In Judaism and Christianity the Zehn Gebote are the Ten Commandments. The plural Gebote can denote individual commandments or general moral imperatives issued by God or inspired by religious law.

In secular contexts, Gebot denotes a directive or obligation arising from authority or convention, such as legal rules, regulations, or social norms. Phrases like das Gebot der Höflichkeit or das Gebot der Sicherheit highlight its role as a prescriptive standard.

In auctions or competitive settings, Gebot means a bid or offer. A bid is placed by saying "Ich gebe ein Gebot"; the term Höchstgebot designates the highest bid.