Deuteronomy 5:11

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 1 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשָּׂ֥א Thou shalt not take H5375
יִשָּׂ֥א Thou shalt not take
Strong's: H5375
Word #: 2 of 17
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמ֖וֹ his name H8034
שְׁמ֖וֹ his name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 4 of 17
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֔ה for the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֔ה for the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ thy God H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ thy God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 6 of 17
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
לַשָּֽׁוְא׃ in vain H7723
לַשָּֽׁוְא׃ in vain
Strong's: H7723
Word #: 7 of 17
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 8 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֤א H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 9 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְנַקֶּה֙ will not hold him guiltless H5352
יְנַקֶּה֙ will not hold him guiltless
Strong's: H5352
Word #: 10 of 17
to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated
יְהוָ֔ה for the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֔ה for the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 11 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֵ֛ת H853
אֵ֛ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 12 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 13 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִשָּׂ֥א Thou shalt not take H5375
יִשָּׂ֥א Thou shalt not take
Strong's: H5375
Word #: 14 of 17
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 15 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמ֖וֹ his name H8034
שְׁמ֖וֹ his name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 16 of 17
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
לַשָּֽׁוְא׃ in vain H7723
לַשָּֽׁוְא׃ in vain
Strong's: H7723
Word #: 17 of 17
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object

Analysis & Commentary

The third commandment prohibits taking God's name 'in vain' (Hebrew 'la-shav'—emptiness, worthlessness, falsehood). This encompasses far more than crude profanity—it prohibits flippant, careless, or false invocation of God's name in oaths, worship, or daily speech. God's name represents His character, reputation, and covenant presence. Misusing His name dishonors Him and profanes holy things. The severe warning 'the LORD will not hold him guiltless' indicates certain judgment. This commandment demands reverence in all God-talk, prayer, worship, and oath-taking. Only those who fear God guard His name carefully.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures invoked deity names in oaths, curses, and business transactions. Israel was commanded to swear truthfully by Yahweh's name (Deuteronomy 6:13, 10:20), not falsely or by pagan gods. Violations included: false prophets claiming 'thus says the LORD' (Jeremiah 14:14), priests profaning God's name (Malachi 1:6), and people swearing falsely (Leviticus 19:12, Zechariah 5:4). Jesus extends this command, prohibiting oath-swearing altogether (Matthew 5:33-37), demanding simple truthfulness.

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