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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>Deuteronomy 5:11 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/deuteronomy/5-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/05_Deu_05_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 5:11 - 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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/deuteronomy/5-11.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/deuteronomy/5-11.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="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 11</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="/ad11.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="/deuteronomy/5-10.htm" title="Deuteronomy 5:10">◄</a> Deuteronomy 5:11 <a href="/deuteronomy/5-12.htm" title="Deuteronomy 5:12">►</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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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 <i>him</i> guiltless that taketh his name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/5.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_/deuteronomy/5.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 unpunished the one who takes His name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216You 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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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 uses his name carelessly will be punished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"'You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will not leave the one who misues his name unpunished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You must not make use of the name of the LORD your God for worthless purposes, for the LORD will not exonerate anyone who abuses his name that way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/5.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="/web/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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 doth not acquit him who taketh up His Name for a vain thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not lift up the name of Jehovah thy God for evil, for Jehovah will not acquit whoever shall lift up his name for evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for he shall not be unpunished that taketh his name upon a vain thing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You shall not use the name of the Lord your God in vain. For he will not go unpunished who takes up his name over an unimportant matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You shall not take an oath by the name of the LORD your God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes an oath by his name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not swear in the Name of LORD JEHOVAH your God with a lie, because LORD JEHOVAH does not justify him who swears in His Name with a lie.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/5.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/deuteronomy/5.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 certainly not acquit him that takes his name in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/5-11.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/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=1707" 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/deuteronomy/5.htm">The Ten Commandments</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. <span class="reftext">11</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/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/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></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">12</span>Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you.…<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="/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7</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="/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="/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</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,<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="/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="/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="/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.<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="/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.”</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="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/6-13.htm">Deuteronomy 6:13</a></b></br> Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7</a></b></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.</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><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">Acquit</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-25.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/numbers/36-9.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-16.htm">Idly</a> <a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/numbers/32-15.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Misuse</a> <a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Misuses</a> <a href="/numbers/35-32.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/numbers/14-18.htm">Unpunished</a> <a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Use</a> <a href="/numbers/30-6.htm">Utter</a> <a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Uttereth</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-20.htm">Vain</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/4-9.htm">Acquit</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-15.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-17.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Idly</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-1.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-16.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/psalms/139-20.htm">Misuse</a> <a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Misuses</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-10.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-9.htm">Unpunished</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-23.htm">Use</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-23.htm">Utter</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-27.htm">Uttereth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">Vain</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-1.htm">The covenant in Horeb</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-6.htm">The ten commandments</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-23.htm">At the people's request Moses receives the law from God</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/deuteronomy/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/5.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 holy and sovereign nature. In ancient Israel, names were deeply significant, often reflecting character or destiny. God's name, revealed as Yahweh, signifies His eternal existence and covenant relationship with His people. Taking His name in vain includes using it carelessly, disrespectfully, or deceitfully, which undermines His authority and holiness. This commandment is part of the Decalogue, given at Mount Sinai, and underscores the importance of reverence in worship and daily life. It connects to Jesus' teaching in the Lord's Prayer, "Hallowed be Your name," emphasizing the continued relevance of honoring God's name.<p><b>for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished</b><br>This phrase highlights God's justice and the seriousness of the commandment. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, oaths and vows were binding, and invoking God's name falsely was a grave offense. The assurance of punishment serves as a deterrent against irreverence and underscores God's role as a righteous judge. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/leviticus/19-12.htm">Leviticus 19:12</a> and <a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a>, where the integrity of one's word and the reverence for God's name are upheld. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of accountability before God.<p><b>who takes His name in vain</b><br>Repetition of the phrase underscores its importance and the need for careful adherence. The act of taking God's name in vain can extend beyond speech to include actions that misrepresent or dishonor Him. This commandment calls for a lifestyle that reflects God's holiness, aligning with the call to be holy as God is holy (<a href="/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44</a>). It also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who perfectly honored the Father and whose name is above every name (<a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a>). Believers are called to bear His name with integrity, reflecting His character to the world.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The prophet and leader of the Israelites who delivered God's commandments to the people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, receiving the Law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The place where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, including the commandment in <a href="/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Deuteronomy 5:11</a>.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_promised_land.htm">The Promised Land</a></b><br>The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.<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. 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>Avoid using God's name carelessly or in false oaths. Our words should reflect our commitment to truth and integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/awareness_of_god's_presence.htm">Awareness of God's Presence</a></b><br>Recognizing that God is always present should influence how we speak and act, ensuring that we do not misuse His name.<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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>The warning of punishment for taking God's name in vain serves as a reminder of the seriousness of this commandment.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_using_the_lord's_name_in_vain.htm">What is taking the Lord's name in vain?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_secrets_belong_solely_to_the_lord.htm">What does 'Famine of Hearing the Words of the Lord' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_catholic_commandments.htm">What are the Catholic Ten Commandments?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_death_for_sabbath-breaking,_not_mercy.htm">Exodus 31:15 - Why does a just and loving God mandate the death penalty for Sabbath-breaking, and how is that reconciled with later biblical teachings on mercy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">Take . . . in vain.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">Thou shalt not put the name of Jehovah thy God to vanity: </span>i.e., to anything that is false, or hollow, or unreal. Primarily, it is false swearing that is forbidden here; but the extension of the principle to vain and rash swearing, or the light use of the Name without real cause, is sufficiently obvious.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain</span>; literally, <span class="accented">Thou shalt not take</span> [or <span class="accented">lift</span>] <span class="accented">up the Name of Jehovah thy God to vanity</span>. This commandment forbids not only all false swearing by the Name of God, but all profanation of that Name by an irreverent or light use of it (<a href="/leviticus/19-12.htm">Leviticus 19:12</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/5-11.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/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Deuteronomy 5:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Deuteronomy 5:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Deuteronomy 5:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Deuteronomy 5:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Deuteronomy 5:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Deuteronomy 5:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Deuteronomy 5:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Deuteronomy 5:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Deuteronomy 5:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Deuteronomy 5:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 5:11 You shall not take the name (Deut. 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