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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 20:7 You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/20-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/02_Exo_20_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 20:7 - The Ten Commandments" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/20-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/20-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/20-6.htm" title="Exodus 20:6">◄</a> Exodus 20:7 <a href="/exodus/20-8.htm" title="Exodus 20:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold <i>him</i> guiltless who takes His name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain [that is, irreverently, in false affirmations or in ways that impugn the character of God]; for the LORD will not hold guiltless <i>nor</i> leave unpunished the one who takes His name in vain [disregarding its reverence and its power].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses His name. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Do not misuse my name. I am the LORD your God, and I will punish anyone who misuses my name. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Never use the name of the LORD your God carelessly. The LORD will make sure that anyone who carelessly uses his name will be punished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Do not use my name for evil purposes, for I, the LORD your God, will punish anyone who misuses my name. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"You are not to misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will not leave the one who misuses his name unpunished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold guiltless anyone who takes his name in vain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Do not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“You shall not misuse the name of Yahweh your God, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who misuses his name. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You do not take up the Name of your God YHWH for a vain thing, for YHWH does not acquit him who takes up His Name for a vain thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Thou dost not take up the name of Jehovah thy God for a vain thing, for Jehovah acquitteth not him who taketh up His name for a vain thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain: for Jehovah will not cleanse him who shall take his name in vain.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that shall take the name of the Lord his God in vain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. For the Lord will not hold harmless one who takes the name of the Lord his God falsely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You shall not invoke the name of the LORD, your God, in vain. For the LORD will not leave unpunished anyone who invokes his name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You shall not take a false oath in the name of the LORD your God; for the LORD will not declare him innocent who takes an oath in his name falsely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />You shall not swear in the Name of LORD JEHOVAH your God with a lie because LORD JEHOVAH does not declare him innocent who swears in his Name with a lie.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord thy God will not acquit him that takes his name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/20-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=4987" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/20.htm">The Ten Commandments</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">You shall not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: ṯiś·śā (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">take</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šêm- (N-msc) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">the name</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God</a> <a href="/hebrew/7723.htm" title="7723: laš·šāw (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Or shav; from the same as show' in the sense of desolating; evil, literally or morally; figuratively idolatry, uselessness.">in vain,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5352.htm" title="5352: yə·naq·qeh (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To be empty or clean. A primitive root; to be clean; by implication to be bare, i.e. Extirpated.">leave anyone unpunished</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: yiś·śā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">takes</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">His name</a> <a href="/hebrew/7723.htm" title="7723: laš·šāw (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Or shav; from the same as show' in the sense of desolating; evil, literally or morally; figuratively idolatry, uselessness.">in vain.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-12.htm">Leviticus 19:12</a></span><br />You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Deuteronomy 5:11</a></span><br />You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a></span><br />Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a></span><br />Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-20.htm">Psalm 139:20</a></span><br />who speak of You deceitfully; Your enemies take Your name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-9.htm">Jeremiah 7:9-10</a></span><br />Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, / and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-20.htm">Ezekiel 36:20-23</a></span><br />And wherever they went among the nations, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, ‘These are the people of the LORD, yet they had to leave His land.’ / But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they had gone. / Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: It is not for your sake that I will act, O house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you profaned among the nations to which you went. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/1-6.htm">Malachi 1:6-14</a></span><br />“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?” says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name. “But you ask, ‘How have we despised Your name?’ / By presenting defiled food on My altar. But you ask, ‘How have we defiled You?’ By saying that the table of the LORD is contemptible. / When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick ones, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” asks the LORD of Hosts. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-9.htm">Matthew 6:9</a></span><br />So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-24.htm">Romans 2:24</a></span><br />As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1</a></span><br />All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/48-1.htm">Isaiah 48:1-2</a></span><br />“Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have descended from the line of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, who invoke the God of Israel—but not in truth or righteousness— / who indeed call yourselves after the holy city and lean on the God of Israel; the LORD of Hosts is His name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm">2 Timothy 2:19</a></span><br />Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-17.htm">Colossians 3:17</a></span><br />And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a></span><br />So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain.</p><p class="hdg">take</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/19-12.htm">Leviticus 19:12</a></b></br> And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I <i>am</i> the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/24-11.htm">Leviticus 24:11-16</a></b></br> And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name <i>of the LORD</i>, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother's name <i>was</i> Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:) … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Deuteronomy 5:11</a></b></br> Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold <i>him</i> guiltless that taketh his name in vain.</p><p class="hdg">guiltless</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/2-12.htm">Joshua 2:12,17</a></b></br> Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/9-20.htm">Joshua 9:20</a></b></br> This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">2 Samuel 21:1,2</a></b></br> Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, <i>It is</i> for Saul, and for <i>his</i> bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/16-20.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-26.htm">Guiltless</a> <a href="/exodus/15-15.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Idly</a> <a href="/exodus/18-26.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/exodus/16-20.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/psalms/139-20.htm">Misuse</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Misuses</a> <a href="/exodus/10-10.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/genesis/18-25.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-25.htm">Unpunished</a> <a href="/exodus/16-18.htm">Use</a> <a href="/revelation/17-6.htm">Utter</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-10.htm">Uttereth</a> <a href="/exodus/5-9.htm">Vain</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/21-8.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/exodus/21-28.htm">Guiltless</a> <a href="/exodus/22-29.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-16.htm">Idly</a> <a href="/exodus/21-28.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/exodus/23-5.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Misuse</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Misuses</a> <a href="/exodus/21-13.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-39.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/exodus/21-19.htm">Unpunished</a> <a href="/exodus/20-25.htm">Use</a> <a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Utter</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Uttereth</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-16.htm">Vain</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/20-1.htm">The ten commandments are spoken by Jehovah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">The people are afraid, but Moses comforts them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Idolatry is forbidden</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/20-23.htm">Of what sort the altar should be</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain</b><br>This commandment emphasizes the sanctity of God's name, reflecting His character and authority. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, names were deeply significant, often reflecting the nature or essence of a person. The name of God, often represented as YHWH, was considered sacred and powerful. Misusing it would imply a lack of reverence and understanding of His holiness. This commandment is not only about avoiding profanity but also about ensuring that God's name is not used carelessly or deceitfully, such as in false oaths or empty promises. The reverence for God's name is echoed in the Lord's Prayer in <a href="/matthew/6-9.htm">Matthew 6:9</a>, where Jesus teaches His disciples to hallow God's name.<p><b>for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished</b><br>This phrase underscores the seriousness of the commandment. It reflects God's justice and the certainty of consequences for those who disrespect His name. In the broader biblical narrative, God's justice is a recurring theme, as seen in passages like <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a>, where God declares that vengeance belongs to Him. The assurance of punishment serves as a deterrent against the misuse of His name and highlights the importance of living in a way that honors God.<p><b>who takes His name in vain</b><br>The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the gravity of the offense. Taking God's name in vain can include swearing falsely by His name, using it in magical incantations, or speaking it without due reverence. In the New Testament, Jesus expands on this idea by teaching that one's words reflect the heart's condition (<a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-37</a>). The call to respect God's name is a call to live with integrity and authenticity, ensuring that one's actions and words align with the reverence due to God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The mountain where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, a significant event in the history of Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and given the Law to guide their covenant relationship with God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ten_commandments.htm">The Ten Commandments</a></b><br>A set of laws given by God to the Israelites, forming the foundation of moral and spiritual conduct.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_god's_name.htm">Reverence for God's Name</a></b><br>God's name is holy and should be treated with the utmost respect and reverence. This commandment calls us to honor God in our speech and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_speech.htm">Integrity in Speech</a></b><br>Taking God's name in vain includes using it carelessly or deceitfully. Christians are called to speak truthfully and with integrity, reflecting God's character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/awareness_of_god's_presence.htm">Awareness of God's Presence</a></b><br>Recognizing the significance of God's name reminds us of His constant presence and our accountability to Him in all aspects of life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_character.htm">Reflecting God's Character</a></b><br>As bearers of God's name, Christians are called to live in a way that reflects His holiness and love, avoiding hypocrisy and dishonor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disrespect.htm">Consequences of Disrespect</a></b><br>The warning of punishment for taking God's name in vain serves as a reminder of the seriousness of this commandment and the need for repentance and reverence.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_using_god's_name_as_a_curse_wrong.htm">Is using God's name as a curse wrong?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_your_name_to_be_revered.htm">Is Your name to be revered?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_nomina_sacra.htm">What are the nomina sacra?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_blasphemy.htm">What does the Bible say about blaspheming God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.</span>--The Hebrew is ambiguous, as is to some extent the English translation. Most modern critics regard the phrase used as forbidding <span class= "ital">false </span>swearing only; but some think that it forbids also "profane" or "vain swearing." Our Lord's comment in the Sermon on the Mount favours the view that false swearing alone was actually forbidden by the Law, since He proceeds to condemn profane swearing on His own authority: "But I say unto you" (<a href="/matthew/5-34.htm" title="But I say to you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:">Matthew 5:34</a>). False swearing is among the greatest insults that man can offer to God, and, as being such, is naturally forbidden in the first table, which teaches us our duty to God. It is also destructive of civil society; and hence it is again forbidden in the second table (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm" title="You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.">Exodus 20:16</a>), which defines our duties to our neighbour. The laws of all organised States necessarily forbid it, and generally under a very severe penalty. The Jewish Law condemned the false witness to suffer the punishment which his evidence was calculated to inflict (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-19.htm" title="Then shall you do to him, as he had thought to have done to his brother: so shall you put the evil away from among you.">Deuteronomy 19:19</a>). The Egyptians visited perjury with death or mutilation. The Greeks were content to punish it with a heavy fine, and ultimately with the loss of civil rights. The Romans, in the more ancient times, inflicted the death penalty. It was generally believed, alike in Egypt, in Greece, and in Rome, that the anger of the gods was especially provoked by this crime, and that a Divine Nemesis pursued those who committed it, and made them suffer for their sin, either in their own person or in that of their posterity.<p><span class= "bld">The Lord will not hold him guiltless.</span>--Punishment will assuredly overtake the perjured man, if not in this life, then in another. Jehovah will vindicate His own honour.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain</span>. It is disputed whether this is a right rendering. Shav in Hebrew means both "vanity" and ,'falsehood;" so that the Third Commandment may forbid either "vain-swearing" or simply "false-swearing. It is in favor of the latter interpretation, that our Lord seems to contrast his own prohibition of unnecessary oaths with the ancient prohibition of false oaths in the words - "Ye have heard that it hath been said by" (or "to") "them of old time - Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shelf perform unto the Lord thine oaths. <span class="accented">But I say unto you</span> - Swear not at all" (<a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-34</a>). It is also in favour of the command being levelled against false-swearing, that perjury should naturally, as a great sin, have a special prohibition directed against it in the Decalogue, while vain-swearing, as a little sin, would scarcely seem entitled to such notice. Perjury has always been felt to be one of the greatest both of moral and of social offences. It implies an absolute want of any reverence at all for God; and it destroys civil society by rendering the administration of justice impossible. There has been a general horror of it among all civilised nations. The Egyptians punished perjury with death. The Greeks thought that a divine Nemesis pursued the perjured man, and brought destruction both upon himself and upon his offspring .(Herod. 6:86). The Romans regarded the perjurer as infamous, and the object of Divine vengeance in the other world (Cic. <span class="accented">De Leg</span>. 2:9). The threat contained in the words - "The Lord will not hold him guiltless" - may be taken as an argument on either side. If viewed as equivalent to "the Lord will punish severely" (Kalisch), it accords best with the view that perjury was intended; if taken literally, it would suit best a lesser sin, of which men ordinarily think little. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/20-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You {shall} not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">take</span><br /><span class="heb">תִשָּׂ֛א</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiś·śā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the name</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵֽׁם־</span> <span class="translit">(šêm-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in vain,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַשָּׁ֑וְא</span> <span class="translit">(laš·šāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7723.htm">Strong's 7723: </a> </span><span class="str2">Evil, idolatry, uselessness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">leave anyone unpunished</span><br /><span class="heb">יְנַקֶּה֙</span> <span class="translit">(yə·naq·qeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5352.htm">Strong's 5352: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, clean, to be bare, extirpated</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">takes</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשָּׂ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·śā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His name</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמ֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(šə·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in vain.</span><br /><span class="heb">לַשָּֽׁוְא׃</span> <span class="translit">(laš·šāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7723.htm">Strong's 7723: </a> </span><span class="str2">Evil, idolatry, uselessness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">OT Law: Exodus 20:7 You shall not take the name (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/20-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 20:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 20:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/20-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 20:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 20:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>