King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
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.
Complete Jewish Bible:
"You are not to use lightly the name of ADONAI your God, because ADONAI will not leave unpunished someone who uses his name lightly. s
Berean Standard Bible:
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.
American Standard Version:
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.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Thou shalt not take{H5375} the name{H8034} of the LORD{H3068} thy God{H430} in vain{H7723}; for the LORD{H3068} will not hold him guiltless{H5352} that taketh{H5375} his name{H8034} in vain{H7723}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Deuteronomy 5:11
- 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.
Leviticus 19:12
- And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.
James 5:12
- ¶ But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Matthew 5:33
- ¶ Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
Matthew 5:37
- But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Psalms 50:14
- Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
Psalms 50:16
- ¶ But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or [that] thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?
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Commentary for Exodus 20:7
Exodus 20:7 is one of the Ten Commandments, which are a foundational set of laws in the Jewish and Christian traditions. These commandments were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai following the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. The historical context of this verse is rooted in the establishment of a covenant between God and the Israelites, where God sets forth expectations for His people.
The third commandment, "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain," addresses the respect and reverence that should be given to God's name. In ancient cultures, names were thought to convey the essence of a person or deity, so to misuse God's name was to disrespect His very being. This commandment prohibits using God's name frivolously, in false oaths, or in any way that devalues its sacredness. It serves as a directive to maintain the integrity and sanctity of God's name in speech and action.
The latter part of the verse, "for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain," emphasizes the seriousness of the offense. It implies a consequence for those who disobey this commandment. The idea is that God Himself will judge those who misuse His name, and they will not go unpunished. This reflects the belief that God's name is not to be manipulated for personal gain or used carelessly in curses, empty talk, or false testimony.
In summary, Exodus 20:7 underscores the importance of revering God's name, reflecting a broader theme of respect for the divine. It serves as a moral and religious directive to use God's name with the utmost care and sincerity, and it warns of divine judgment for those who fail to do so. This commandment has had a lasting impact on Judeo-Christian ethics, influencing how adherents approach prayer, oath-taking, and everyday speech.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H5375
There are 611 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָשָׂא
Transliteration: nâsâʼ
Pronunciation: naw-saw'
Description: or נָסָה; (Psalm 4:6 (אֲבַד)), a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative; accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. - Strong's Number: H8034
There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׁם
Transliteration: shêm
Pronunciation: shame
Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. - Strong's Number: H3068
There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְהֹוָה
Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה. - Strong's Number: H430
There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. - Strong's Number: H7723
There are 48 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁוְא
Transliteration: shâvᵉʼ
Pronunciation: shawv
Description: or שַׁו; from the same as שׁוֹא in the sense of desolating; evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, objective; also adverbially, in vain); false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity. - Strong's Number: H5352
There are 33 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָקָה
Transliteration: nâqâh
Pronunciation: naw-kaw'
Description: a primitive root; to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e. extirpated; acquit [idiom] at all, [idiom] altogether, be blameless, cleanse, (be) clear(-ing), cut off, be desolate, be free, be (hold) guiltless, be (hold) innocent, [idiom] by no means, be quit, be (leave) unpunished, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] wholly.