The 42 Laws of Maat

In Egyptian spirituality, 42 declarations (or “negative confessions”), to be recited after death.

The 42 Laws of Ma'at are ancient Egyptian principles of truth, balance, harmony, and justice. In Egyptian spirituality, it was believed that after death, each soul would enter the Hall of Ma'at, where they would be judged by the gods. The deceased would recite these 42 declarations (or “negative confessions”), affirming their adherence to Ma'at’s principles during their life. This recitation was known as the "Declaration of Innocence" and was intended to show that they had lived a life in harmony with Ma'at. Some scholars suggest they served as a precursor to other codes of ethics, like the Ten Commandments.

42 Divine Principles of Maat

1. I have not committed sin.

2. I have not committed robbery with violence.

3. I have not stolen.

4. I have not slain men or women.

5. I have not stolen food.

6. I have not swindled offerings.

7. I have not stolen from God/Goddess.

8. I have not told lies.

9. I have not carried away food.

10. I have not cursed.

11. I have not closed my ears to truth.

12. I have not committed adultery.

13. I have not made anyone cry.

14. I have not felt sorrow without reason.

15. I have not assaulted anyone.

16. I am not deceitful.

17. I have not stolen anyone’s land.

18. I have not been an eavesdropper.

19. I have not falsely accused anyone.

20. I have not been angry without reason.

21. I have not seduced anyone’s wife.

22. I have not polluted myself.

23. I have not terrorized anyone.

24. I have not disobeyed the Law.

25. I have not been exclusively angry.

26. I have not cursed God/Goddess.

27. I have not behaved with violence.

28. I have not caused disruption of peace.

29. I have not acted hastily or without thought.

30. I have not overstepped my boundaries of concern.

31. I have not exaggerated my words when speaking.

32. I have not worked evil.

33. I have not used evil thoughts, words or deeds.

34. I have not polluted the water.

35. I have not spoken angrily or arrogantly.

36. I have not cursed anyone in thought, word or deeds.

37. I have not placed myself on a pedestal.

38. I have not stolen what belongs to God/Goddess.

39. I have not stolen from or disrespected the deceased.

40. I have not taken food from a child.

41. I have not acted with insolence.

42. I have not destroyed property belonging to God/Goddess.

From the Papyrus of Ani.

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