Leviticus 19:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:12 is a foundational command within the Holiness Code, prohibiting both the false invocation of God's name in an oath and the broader act of profaning His sacred character. This verse underscores the absolute sanctity of God's name, which represents His very being, authority, and covenant fidelity. It calls God's people to a life of unwavering truthfulness and profound reverence, recognizing that any misuse or dishonoring of His name is a direct affront to His divine holiness, the ultimate basis for the command declared in the concluding "I am the LORD."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19 is a pivotal chapter within the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), a section of the Torah that meticulously defines what it means for Israel to be a holy people, set apart for Yahweh. This chapter, in particular, shifts from ritual purity to ethical and moral conduct, demonstrating that true holiness is not merely ceremonial but profoundly practical, permeating every aspect of daily life and interpersonal relationships. Verse 12 is strategically placed immediately after injunctions against stealing, lying, and defrauding one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:11), thereby linking the reverence for God's name directly to the integrity of speech and commercial dealings. This command functions as a powerful reinforcement and expansion of the [Third Commandment](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment") given at Sinai, which forbids taking the LORD's name in vain, emphasizing that God's name is inextricably tied to truth and justice in human interactions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, an oath was a solemn invocation of a deity as a witness to the truth of a statement or the binding nature of a promise. To swear by a god's name was to call upon that deity to enforce the oath and to bring judgment upon the one who swore falsely. Within Israel, swearing by the name of Yahweh held immense weight, as it invoked the one true, living God who is both omniscient and righteous. The prohibition against swearing falsely by God's name (perjury) was therefore a grave offense, not only a lie against a fellow human but an insult to God's character and an abuse of His authority. Furthermore, "name" in ancient thought encapsulated the very essence, reputation, and presence of an individual. To "profane" God's name (Hebrew: _chalal_) meant to treat what is sacred as common, defiling His reputation or character through irreverent words or unholy actions. This command was crucial for a people called to reflect God's holiness amidst pagan cultures that often treated their gods' names flippantly or used them for manipulative purposes. The concluding declaration, "[I am the LORD](/leviticus/19-12 "Leviticus 19:12 - I Am The LORD")," is a recurring divine self-attestation throughout Leviticus, serving as the ultimate theological ground for all the commands, asserting God's sovereign authority and unique identity as the covenant-keeping God of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **swear falsely (Hebrew, _shava' sheqer'_):** The verb _shava'_ (שָׁבַע) means "to swear, to take an oath," often implying a solemn declaration made under divine sanction. The accompanying noun _sheqer_ (שֶׁקֶר) means "falsehood, lie, deception." Thus, "swear falsely" specifically refers to perjury—making a deceptive or untrue statement while invoking God's name as a witness or guarantor. This was a severe transgression because it directly implicated God in a lie, undermining His truthfulness and integrity, and violating the trust inherent in covenant relationships.
* **profane (Hebrew, _chalal'_):** The verb _chalal_ (חָלַל) fundamentally means "to pierce, wound," but in a theological context, it signifies "to defile, desecrate, pollute, make common or unholy." It implies treating something sacred as if it were ordinary, impure, or contemptible. To "profane the name of thy God" extends beyond formal oaths to any action or word that diminishes God's glory, disrespects His character, or treats His holy reputation lightly. This could include blasphemy, irreverent speech, or even a lifestyle that contradicts His holiness.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH'_):** Represented by the English "LORD" (in small capitals), this is the Tetragrammaton, God's personal, covenant name (יהוה). This name, often pronounced Yahweh, signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The declaration "I am the LORD" (אֲנִי יְהוָה, _ani YHWH_) serves as a powerful divine signature, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and the ultimate authority behind His commands. It reminds Israel that the laws are not arbitrary but flow from the very character of their covenant God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall not swear by my name falsely,":** This clause directly addresses the sin of perjury. It forbids the use of God's sacred name as a guarantee for a statement or promise that is known to be untrue or that one has no intention of fulfilling. In a society where legal and social agreements were often sealed with an oath, this command was crucial for maintaining truthfulness and trust within the community, with God Himself as the ultimate arbiter and witness.
* **"neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God:":** This second prohibition broadens the scope beyond specific false oaths. To "profane" God's name means to treat it with disrespect, irreverence, or contempt. This could manifest in various ways: using God's name in casual exclamations, curses, or flippant remarks; or, more profoundly, living a life that contradicts the holiness and character of the God one claims to serve, thereby bringing dishonor to His reputation among the nations.
* **"I [am] the LORD.":** This concluding declaration provides the ultimate theological ground for the entire command. It is a divine self-attestation, asserting God's unique identity, authority, and sovereignty. Because He is Yahweh, the self-existent, covenant-keeping God, His name is inherently holy and demands absolute reverence. This phrase reminds Israel that these are not merely human rules but divine imperatives rooted in the very being of their God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the two negative commands ("ye shall not swear by my name falsely" and "neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God") reinforce and expand upon a singular core concept: the absolute sanctity and reverence due to God's name. While "swearing falsely" is a specific act of dishonor, "profaning" encompasses a broader range of actions and attitudes that treat God's name as common or defiled. This creates a cumulative effect, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the prohibition. Another significant device is **Divine Self-Attestation**, exemplified by the recurring phrase "I am the LORD." This is a powerful rhetorical device used throughout the Holiness Code to establish the divine origin and authority of the commands, grounding them in God's unchanging character and covenant relationship with Israel. Finally, **Metonymy** is at play, where "name" (of God) stands in for God's entire being, character, reputation, and presence. To swear by or profane God's "name" is to swear by or profane God Himself, highlighting the profound personal connection between God and His revealed identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:12 is a cornerstone for understanding the profound theological significance of God's name and the call to holiness for His people. It reveals that God's name is not merely a label but a representation of His very essence, His divine character, and His covenant fidelity. To honor God's name is to acknowledge His absolute sovereignty, His truthfulness, and His unique identity as the one true God. Conversely, to profane it, whether through false oaths or irreverent conduct, is to assault His holiness and undermine the very foundation of the covenant relationship. This command underscores that true worship extends beyond ritual to encompass every word and action, demanding integrity, truthfulness, and a deep reverence for the One who is "I AM." It teaches that God's people are called to reflect His character in their speech and lives, thereby hallowing His name before the world.

* [Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment")
* [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus' Teaching on Oaths")
* [James 5:12](/james/5-12 "James 5:12 - James on Swearing Oaths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 19:12 carries timeless relevance for believers today, extending far beyond the ancient practice of formal oaths. It challenges us to cultivate a profound reverence for God's name, not just in our formal religious expressions but in the mundane details of our daily lives. This means guarding our speech, ensuring that our "yes" is truly yes and our "no" is no, and avoiding any casual or flippant use of God's name in exclamations or curses. More deeply, it calls us to live lives that consistently honor and reflect the character of the God whose name we bear as His children. When our actions are deceitful, unjust, or unholy, we inadvertently profane His name, bringing dishonor to the very One we claim to serve. Conversely, when we live with integrity, truthfulness, and a genuine desire to please Him, our lives become a testament to His holiness, hallowing His name in a world that desperately needs to see His truth and light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be casually or thoughtlessly using God's name in my daily speech, even without making a formal oath?**
* **How does my commitment to truthfulness in all my interactions (personal, professional, digital) reflect my reverence for God's name?**
* **Beyond words, how can my actions and lifestyle either honor or profane the name of God in the eyes of others?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God's character and name in my heart and mind?**

### FAQ

**What is the primary difference between "swearing by my name falsely" and "profaning the name of thy God"?**

Answer: While both actions dishonor God's name, they refer to distinct but related transgressions. "Swearing by my name falsely" refers specifically to perjury—making a false oath or promise while invoking God's name as a witness or guarantor. This is a direct lie that attempts to involve God in deception. "Profaning the name of thy God," on the other hand, is a broader concept. The Hebrew word _chalal_ implies treating something sacred as common, defiled, or unworthy of respect. This can include blasphemy, casual or irreverent use of God's name in exclamations or curses, or even living a lifestyle that contradicts God's holy character, thereby bringing dishonor to His reputation. So, false swearing is a specific act of profaning, but profaning encompasses a much wider range of behaviors that diminish the sacredness of God's name.

**Why is God's "name" so important in the Bible, particularly in this verse?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern thought, a "name" was much more than a mere label; it represented the very essence, character, authority, and presence of an individual. To speak of God's name is to speak of God Himself in His revealed nature. When God reveals His name as [YHWH (the LORD)](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM"), He is revealing His self-existence, His covenant faithfulness, and His unique identity. Therefore, to swear by God's name is to invoke His very being as a witness, and to profane His name is to treat His divine character with contempt or disrespect. This verse underscores that God's name is holy because He Himself is holy, and it must be treated with the utmost reverence as a reflection of His supreme majesty and truthfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:12 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the truth and holiness that this command demands. Jesus, as the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), is the very embodiment of truth (John 14:6), and His life was a flawless testament to the Father's holiness, never once profaning God's name but always hallowing it through His perfect obedience and righteous character. He did not need to swear oaths because His every word was truth itself, fulfilling the spirit of the law He taught in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-33 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus' Teaching on Oaths"), where He called His disciples to let their "yes be yes and their no be no." Furthermore, the name of Jesus itself is the name above all names, to which [every knee will bow](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Name Above All Names"), demonstrating the supreme reverence due to God's name made manifest in the Son. Through Christ, believers are given a new heart and the indwelling Spirit, enabling them to truly honor God's name not merely by avoiding false oaths, but by living lives transformed by His grace, reflecting His holiness, and bringing glory to His name in all they do, thereby becoming a [holy priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, A Royal Priesthood") who proclaim the excellencies of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light.

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.

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 18:21

And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through [the fire] to Molech, 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.

Leviticus 6:3

Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein:

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: