Leviticus 19:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Do not swear by my name falsely, which would be profaning the name of your God; I am ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible:

You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.

American Standard Version:

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, and profane the name of thy God: I am Jehovah.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And ye shall not swear^{H7650} by my name^{H8034} falsely^{H8267}, neither shalt thou profane^{H2490} the name^{H8034} of thy God^{H430}: I am the LORD^{H3068}.

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Commentary for Leviticus 19:12

Leviticus 19:12 is part of the Holiness Code in the book of Leviticus, which outlines various laws and ethical instructions for the Israelites. The verse addresses the proper use of God's name, emphasizing the gravity of oath-taking and the sanctity of God's reputation. In the historical context, the Israelites were forming their identity as a people set apart for God, and their conduct was to reflect their commitment to Him, including how they spoke and made promises.

The command "And ye shall not swear by my name falsely" forbids invoking God's name in an oath with the intention of deceiving or lying. Oaths in the ancient world were a serious matter, often invoking a deity as a witness to the truth of one's statements or promises. To do so falsely would be to misuse God's holy name and undermine the trust essential to community life.

The second part of the verse, "neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God," extends the prohibition beyond false oaths to any kind of disrespectful or irreverent use of God's name. This could include using it in cursing, in empty or flippant speech, or in any way that might diminish the reverence due to the divine.

The verse concludes with the emphatic declaration "I [am] the LORD," which serves as a divine signature, reinforcing the authority behind the command. This phrase is a recurring motif in Leviticus, reminding the people that these laws are given by the sovereign God who expects obedience and reverence from His people.

In summary, Leviticus 19:12 underscores the importance of honesty and respect in the use of God's name, reflecting a broader theme in the Holiness Code that calls for personal and communal holiness in every aspect of life. The verse serves as a moral compass for the Israelites, guiding them in their speech and conduct to honor God and maintain the integrity of their community.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7650
   There are 175 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁבַע
   Transliteration: shâbaʻ
   Pronunciation: shaw-bah'
   Description: a primitive root; properly to be complete, but used only as a denominative from שֶׁבַע; to seven oneself, i.e. swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times); adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for שָׂבַע), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear.
   
2. 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.
   
3. Strong's Number: H8267
   There are 109 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֶׁקֶר
   Transliteration: sheqer
   Pronunciation: sheh'-ker
   Description: from שָׁקַר; an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial); without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully.
   
4. Strong's Number: H2490
   There are 131 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָלַל
   Transliteration: châlal
   Pronunciation: khaw-lal'
   Description: a primitive root (compare חָלָה); also denominative (from חָלִיל); properly, to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin (as if by an 'opening wedge'); to play (the flute); begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound.
   
5. 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.
   
6. 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.