Deuteronomy 5:11
New International Version
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

New Living Translation
“You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.

English Standard Version
“‘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.

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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
‘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.

New American Standard Bible
‘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.

NASB 1995
‘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.

NASB 1977
‘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.

Legacy Standard Bible
‘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.

Amplified Bible
‘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 nor leave unpunished the one who takes His name in vain [disregarding its reverence and its power].

Christian Standard Bible
Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses His name.

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.

Contemporary English Version
Do not misuse my name. I am the LORD your God, and I will punish anyone who misuses my name.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"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.

Good News Translation
"'Do not use my name for evil purposes, for I, the LORD your God, will punish anyone who misuses my name.

International Standard Version
"'You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will not leave the one who misues his name unpunished.

Majority 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.

NET Bible
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.

New Heart English Bible
"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.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
“You shall not misuse the name of Yahweh your God; for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who misuses his name.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
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.

Young's Literal Translation
'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.

Smith's Literal Translation
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.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.

New American Bible
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.

New Revised Standard Version
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.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
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.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
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.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Ten Commandments
10but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. 11You 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. 12Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you.…

Cross References
Exodus 20:7
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.

Leviticus 19:12
You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.

Matthew 5:33-37
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. ...

James 5:12
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.

Psalm 139:20
who speak of You deceitfully; Your enemies take Your name in vain.

Jeremiah 7:9
Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known,

Ezekiel 36:20-23
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. ...

Malachi 1:6-14
“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. ...

Isaiah 48:1-2
“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.

Matthew 6:9
So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

Romans 2:24
As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

1 Timothy 6:1
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.

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:17
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.

2 Timothy 2:19
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.”


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Deuteronomy 6:13
Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

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.

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Acquit Evil Hold Idly Judged Leave Misuse Misuses Purpose Unpunished Use Utter Uttereth Vain
Deuteronomy 5
1. The covenant in Horeb
6. The ten commandments
23. At the people's request Moses receives the law from God














You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain
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.

for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished
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 Leviticus 19:12 and James 5:12, 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.

who takes His name in vain
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 (Leviticus 11:44). It also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who perfectly honored the Father and whose name is above every name (Philippians 2:9-11). Believers are called to bear His name with integrity, reflecting His character to the world.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites who delivered God's commandments to the people.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving the Law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, including the commandment in Deuteronomy 5:11.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature.

5. The Promised Land
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Teaching Points
Reverence for God's Name
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.

Integrity in Speech
Avoid using God's name carelessly or in false oaths. Our words should reflect our commitment to truth and integrity.

Awareness of God's Presence
Recognizing that God is always present should influence how we speak and act, ensuring that we do not misuse His name.

Reflecting God's Character
As bearers of God's name, Christians are called to live in a way that reflects His holiness and love.

Consequences of Disobedience
The warning of punishment for taking God's name in vain serves as a reminder of the seriousness of this commandment.(11) Take . . . in vain.--Literally, Thou shalt not put the name of Jehovah thy God to vanity: 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.

Verse 11. - Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; literally, Thou shalt not take [or lift] up the Name of Jehovah thy God to vanity. 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 (Leviticus 19:12).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
You shall not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

take
תִשָּׂ֛א (ṯiś·śā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

the name
שֵֽׁם־ (šêm-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

of the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

in vain,
לַשָּׁ֑וְא (laš·šāw)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7723: Evil, idolatry, uselessness

for
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

will not
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

leave anyone unpunished
יְנַקֶּה֙ (yə·naq·qeh)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5352: To be, clean, to be bare, extirpated

who
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

takes
יִשָּׂ֥א (yiś·śā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

His name
שְׁמ֖וֹ (šə·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

in vain.
לַשָּֽׁוְא׃ (laš·šāw)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7723: Evil, idolatry, uselessness


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 5:11 You shall not take the name (Deut. De Du)
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