Deuteronomy 5:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'You are not to misuse the name of ADONAI your God, because ADONAI will not leave unpunished someone who misuses his name.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 5:11 presents the third of the Ten Commandments, strictly prohibiting the misuse of the name of the LORD God. This profound injunction extends beyond mere blasphemy, encompassing any action or speech that devalues, misrepresents, or treats with irreverence the divine character, authority, and being that God's name signifies. The verse sternly warns that the LORD will not absolve or hold guiltless anyone who profanes His holy name, underscoring the gravity of the offense and the certain divine accountability for such disrespect.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 5:11 is an integral part of Moses' reiteration of the Ten Commandments (the Decalogue) to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab. This chapter serves as a foundational covenant renewal ceremony, reminding the people of the divine stipulations given at Mount Horeb (Sinai) and preparing them for life in the Promised Land. The immediate context of the Decalogue (Deuteronomy 5:6-21) establishes the core principles of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, moving from exclusive worship of God (the first two commandments) to the proper reverence for His name, then to the sanctity of the Sabbath, and subsequently to interpersonal ethical norms. This specific commandment builds upon the preceding ones by safeguarding the very identity and honor of the God they are commanded to worship exclusively.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a name was far more than a label; it encapsulated the essence, character, authority, and reputation of the person or deity. To "take" or "bear" a name implied identification and representation. Therefore, misusing a deity's name was a profound act of disrespect, often associated with false oaths, sorcery, or treating the divine as a means to an end. For the Israelites, Yahweh's name was revealed as holy and powerful (e.g., [Exodus 3:13-15](/exodus/3-13 "Exodus 3:13-15 - The Revelation of God's Name")). The prohibition against taking His name "in vain" (Hebrew: *shav'*) would have resonated with their understanding of covenant fidelity, where integrity of word and deed was paramount, especially when invoking the divine witness to an oath or promise.
* **Key Themes:** This commandment contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes the **holiness and transcendence of God**, demanding that His name, which represents His very being, be treated with ultimate reverence. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **covenant faithfulness and integrity**, particularly in speech and oath-taking, as a reflection of one's relationship with Yahweh. False swearing by God's name was a direct violation of the covenant and an affront to His truthfulness. Thirdly, the warning of divine judgment highlights the theme of **divine justice and accountability**, asserting that God is not indifferent to the profaning of His honor. This theme is echoed throughout the Law, where God's righteous character demands a response to sin, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 19:12](/leviticus/19-12 "Leviticus 19:12 - Do Not Swear Falsely") and [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - Vows to the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take (Hebrew, _nasa'_):** This verb means "to lift," "to carry," "to bear," or "to utter." In the context of a name, it can mean to "pronounce" or "bear" the name. The prohibition is against taking up or carrying God's name in a manner that is empty or worthless. It implies not just uttering the name, but also representing it, as one who "bears" the name of the LORD is expected to live in a way that honors it.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shem'_):** More than a mere label, "name" in Hebrew thought encapsulates the essence, character, reputation, authority, and presence of an individual or deity. "The name of the LORD" refers to Yahweh's revealed character, His attributes, His power, and His very being. To profane His name is to dishonor His person.
* **In vain (Hebrew, _shav'_):** This crucial word carries a range of meanings: "emptiness," "worthlessness," "falsehood," "deceit," "futility," or "nothingness." Thus, taking God's name "in vain" means using it for an empty purpose, for a lie (especially in oaths), for something worthless or trivial, or in a way that brings it to nothing or makes it meaningless. It covers not only outright blasphemy but also casual, insincere, or deceitful invocation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain:"** This is a direct, absolute prohibition, characteristic of the Decalogue's apodictic law. It forbids any use of God's name that is empty, false, worthless, or trivial. This includes:
* **False Oaths/Perjury:** Invoking God's name to swear to a lie, thereby making God a witness to untruth and defiling His holy character.
* **Irreverent Use:** Using God's name as a casual exclamation, a curse word, or in any frivolous manner that diminishes its sanctity and majesty.
* **Empty Profession:** Claiming to be a follower of God while living a life that contradicts His character, thus bringing His name into disrepute among others.
* **Magical/Manipulative Use:** Attempting to use God's name as a formula for personal gain or to manipulate divine power, treating God as a tool rather than as sovereign.
* **"for the LORD will not hold [him] guiltless that taketh his name in vain."** This clause serves as a strong divine warning and an enforcement clause. It declares that there will be no impunity for this offense. God Himself will act as the prosecutor and judge, ensuring that those who profane His name will face His righteous judgment. The phrase "not hold guiltless" (Hebrew: *lo' yenaqqeh*) is a legal term signifying that the offender will certainly be held accountable and punished. It emphasizes the seriousness with which God regards the honor due to His name.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Apodictic Law** is evident in the direct, unconditional command "Thou shalt not," which establishes a universal and timeless moral principle. The use of **Parallelism** is subtle but effective, with the second clause reinforcing and expanding upon the first: the prohibition is immediately followed by its inevitable consequence, creating a sense of divine certainty and unyielding justice. The phrase "the LORD thy God" is an example of **Covenantal Language**, reminding the Israelites of their unique relationship with Yahweh and the reciprocal obligations it entails. Furthermore, the strong **Negative Reinforcement** of "will not hold him guiltless" emphasizes the severity of the transgression, functioning as a deterrent and highlighting the non-negotiable nature of God's holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 5:11 profoundly impacts our understanding of God's character, revealing Him as a holy, truthful, and just God who demands reverence for His revealed self. It underscores that God's name is inseparable from His being, and any dishonor to His name is a direct affront to Him. This commandment calls believers to a life of integrity, where their words and actions consistently reflect the truth and holiness of the God they profess to serve. It's a call to authenticity, ensuring that our outward profession aligns with our inward devotion and outward conduct, so that God's name is magnified, not minimized, by our lives.

* [Leviticus 19:12](/leviticus/19-12 "Leviticus 19:12 - Do Not Swear Falsely")
* [Psalm 111:9](/psalms/111-9 "Psalm 111:9 - Holy and Awesome is His Name")
* [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus' Teaching on Oaths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 5:11 challenges us to examine the depth of our reverence for God, extending beyond mere avoidance of profanity to the very integrity of our lives. It compels us to consider how our words, promises, and even our daily conduct either honor or dishonor the name of God we bear as His people. Are we living in a way that truly reflects the character of the One whose name we claim? This commandment calls us to a profound sincerity, where our worship is not empty ritual, our prayers are not mere words, and our witness to the world is not hypocritical. Ultimately, it invites us to live lives so saturated with God's truth and holiness that His name is glorified in all we say and do, becoming a beacon of His character in a world that desperately needs to see Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be taking God's name "in vain" beyond explicit profanity?**
* **How does my daily speech, including casual expressions, reflect my reverence for God's name?**
* **Do my actions and lifestyle align with my profession of faith, so that God's name is honored through me?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of awe and respect for the holiness of God's name in my personal worship and public witness?**

### FAQ
**What does "taking God's name in vain" truly mean?**

Answer: While often narrowly interpreted as merely avoiding curse words or blasphemy, "taking God's name in vain" (Hebrew: *nasa' shem Yahweh lashav'*) is much broader. The word *shav'* means "emptiness," "worthlessness," "falsehood," or "futility." Therefore, it encompasses:
1. **False Oaths/Perjury:** Invoking God's name to swear to a lie, which was a grave offense in ancient Israel.
2. **Irreverent or Trivial Use:** Using God's name casually, flippantly, as an exclamation, or as a common swear word, thereby stripping it of its sacredness.
3. **Empty Profession:** Claiming to be a follower of God but living a life that contradicts His character and commands, thus bringing dishonor to His name among others (e.g., [Romans 2:24](/romans/2-24 "Romans 2:24 - The Name of God Blasphemed")).
4. **Manipulative Use:** Attempting to use God's name for personal gain, magical purposes, or to manipulate others or God Himself.
In essence, it means treating God's name, which represents His very being and character, as something empty, worthless, or false.

**Why is taking God's name in vain such a serious offense?**

Answer: This offense is serious because God's name embodies His character, authority, and holiness. To misuse His name is to directly disrespect and dishonor God Himself. In ancient thought, a name was intrinsically linked to the person; to defile the name was to defile the person. The command protects God's honor and the integrity of the covenant relationship. When God's name is used for falsehood or triviality, it undermines His truthfulness, His majesty, and the very foundation of trust between God and humanity. The consequence, "the LORD will not hold [him] guiltless," underscores that God will not tolerate such an affront to His holiness and will certainly bring judgment upon those who profane His name. This is consistent with God's nature as a righteous judge who upholds His own glory (e.g., [Isaiah 48:11](/isaiah/48-11 "Isaiah 48:11 - For My Own Sake")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 5:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament commandment primarily addressed the verbal and behavioral reverence for God's name, Jesus perfectly embodied this principle, not only by never misusing God's name but by perfectly revealing it. He taught His disciples to pray, "Hallowed be your name" ([Matthew 6:9](/matthew/6-9 "Matthew 6:9 - The Lord's Prayer")), demonstrating the supreme reverence due to the Father. More profoundly, Jesus Himself is the ultimate revelation of God's name and character, for in Him "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). He came "in His Father's name" ([John 5:43](/john/5-43 "John 5:43 - Jesus Comes in His Father's Name")), and His own name, "Jesus," means "Yahweh saves." The New Testament consistently exalts the name of Jesus as the name above all names ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exaltation of Christ")), through which salvation is found ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Therefore, to take God's name in vain today also extends to dishonoring the name of Jesus through insincere profession, hypocritical living, or treating His saving power as trivial. Conversely, to honor God's name is to truly believe in, follow, and live for Jesus, so that His name is glorified through our lives ([John 14:13](/john/14-13 "John 14:13 - Whatever You Ask in My Name")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 20:7

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.

Deuteronomy 6:13

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

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 5:34

But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

Jeremiah 4:2

And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.