Deuteronomy 5:11

Authorized King James 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.

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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