Exodus 20:7

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

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources