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.

◄ Exodus 20:7 ►

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 him unpunished 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 carelessly uses his name 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 are not to misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will not leave the one who misuses 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 shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold guiltless anyone who takes his name in vain.

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 acquitteth not him who taketh up His name for a vain thing.

Smith's Literal Translation
Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain: for Jehovah will not cleanse him who shall take his name in vain.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that shall take the name of the Lord his God in vain.

Catholic Public Domain Version
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. For the Lord will not hold harmless one who takes the name of the Lord his God falsely.

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 a false oath in the name of the LORD your God; for the LORD will not declare him innocent who takes an oath in his name falsely.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
You shall not swear in the Name of LORD JEHOVAH your God with a lie because LORD JEHOVAH does not declare him innocent 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 not acquit him that takes his name in vain.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Ten Commandments
…6but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. 7You 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. 8Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

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

Deuteronomy 5:11
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.

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 7:9-10
Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, / and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’?

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. ...

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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

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.

take

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.

Leviticus 24:11-16
And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:) …

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.

guiltless

Joshua 2:12,17
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: …

Joshua 9:20
This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them.

2 Samuel 21:1,2
Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites…

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Exodus 20

1. The ten commandments are spoken by Jehovah
18. The people are afraid, but Moses comforts them
21. Idolatry is forbidden
23. Of what sort the altar should be

Berean Study Bible

You shall not take
The phrase "You shall not take" is a direct command, emphasizing the seriousness of the instruction. The Hebrew word for "take" is "nasa," which means to lift, carry, or bear. This implies a sense of responsibility and reverence in how one uses the name of God. In ancient times, names were not merely labels but were believed to carry the essence and authority of the person. Thus, to "take" God's name is to invoke His presence and power, which should never be done lightly or irreverently.

the name
In Hebrew, the word for "name" is "shem," which signifies more than just a title; it represents the character and reputation of the individual. In the context of God, His name embodies His holiness, sovereignty, and divine nature. The name of God is sacred and is to be treated with utmost respect. Throughout Scripture, God's name is associated with His covenantal promises and His acts of salvation, making it a profound symbol of His relationship with His people.

of the LORD
The term "LORD" in this verse is the translation of the tetragrammaton YHWH, the most sacred name of God in the Hebrew Bible. This name is often vocalized as "Yahweh" and is considered so holy that Jewish tradition refrains from pronouncing it, using "Adonai" (Lord) instead. YHWH is the self-existent, eternal God who revealed Himself to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His covenant.

your God
The phrase "your God" personalizes the command, indicating a covenant relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew word for God here is "Elohim," a plural form that denotes majesty and power. It underscores the idea that God is not a distant deity but a personal God who has chosen Israel as His people. This relationship demands loyalty and reverence, as God is both the Creator and Sustainer of life.

in vain
The Hebrew word for "in vain" is "shav," which means emptiness, falsehood, or worthlessness. To take God's name "in vain" is to use it in a way that is empty of meaning, insincere, or deceitful. This includes using God's name in oaths or promises that are not kept, as well as in casual or disrespectful speech. The command warns against trivializing the divine name, which is to be honored and revered.

for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished
This phrase serves as a solemn warning of the consequences of misusing God's name. The Hebrew word for "unpunished" is "naqah," which means to be held guiltless or to be acquitted. The verse underscores God's justice and His commitment to uphold the sanctity of His name. It reflects the biblical principle that God is a righteous judge who holds individuals accountable for their actions, especially in matters concerning His holiness.

who takes His name in vain
The repetition of the phrase "takes His name in vain" reinforces the gravity of the command. It serves as a reminder that God's name is not to be used carelessly or without thought. In a broader sense, this commandment calls believers to live lives that reflect the holiness and integrity of God, as they bear His name in the world. It is a call to honor God not only in speech but in all aspects of life, recognizing that His name is a reflection of His divine character and glory.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(7) Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.--The Hebrew is ambiguous, as is to some extent the English translation. Most modern critics regard the phrase used as forbidding false swearing only; but some think that it forbids also "profane" or "vain swearing." Our Lord's comment in the Sermon on the Mount favours the view that false swearing alone was actually forbidden by the Law, since He proceeds to condemn profane swearing on His own authority: "But I say unto you" (Matthew 5:34). False swearing is among the greatest insults that man can offer to God, and, as being such, is naturally forbidden in the first table, which teaches us our duty to God. It is also destructive of civil society; and hence it is again forbidden in the second table (Exodus 20:16), which defines our duties to our neighbour. The laws of all organised States necessarily forbid it, and generally under a very severe penalty. The Jewish Law condemned the false witness to suffer the punishment which his evidence was calculated to inflict (Deuteronomy 19:19). The Egyptians visited perjury with death or mutilation. The Greeks were content to punish it with a heavy fine, and ultimately with the loss of civil rights. The Romans, in the more ancient times, inflicted the death penalty. It was generally believed, alike in Egypt, in Greece, and in Rome, that the anger of the gods was especially provoked by this crime, and that a Divine Nemesis pursued those who committed it, and made them suffer for their sin, either in their own person or in that of their posterity.

The Lord will not hold him guiltless.--Punishment will assuredly overtake the perjured man, if not in this life, then in another. Jehovah will vindicate His own honour.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 7. - Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. It is disputed whether this is a right rendering. Shav in Hebrew means both "vanity" and ,'falsehood;" so that the Third Commandment may forbid either "vain-swearing" or simply "false-swearing. It is in favor of the latter interpretation, that our Lord seems to contrast his own prohibition of unnecessary oaths with the ancient prohibition of false oaths in the words - "Ye have heard that it hath been said by" (or "to") "them of old time - Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shelf perform unto the Lord thine oaths. But I say unto you - Swear not at all" (Matthew 5:33-34). It is also in favour of the command being levelled against false-swearing, that perjury should naturally, as a great sin, have a special prohibition directed against it in the Decalogue, while vain-swearing, as a little sin, would scarcely seem entitled to such notice. Perjury has always been felt to be one of the greatest both of moral and of social offences. It implies an absolute want of any reverence at all for God; and it destroys civil society by rendering the administration of justice impossible. There has been a general horror of it among all civilised nations. The Egyptians punished perjury with death. The Greeks thought that a divine Nemesis pursued the perjured man, and brought destruction both upon himself and upon his offspring .(Herod. 6:86). The Romans regarded the perjurer as infamous, and the object of Divine vengeance in the other world (Cic. De Leg. 2:9). The threat contained in the words - "The Lord will not hold him guiltless" - may be taken as an argument on either side. If viewed as equivalent to "the Lord will punish severely" (Kalisch), it accords best with the view that perjury was intended; if taken literally, it would suit best a lesser sin, of which men ordinarily think little.

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: Exodus 20:7 You shall not take the name (Exo. Ex)