Exodus 20:7
What does Exodus 20:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 20:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 20:7 means
This commandment prohibits the misuse of God's name, meaning it should not be treated lightly, falsely sworn by, or employed in pagan practices. To take God's name "in vain" implies emptiness, falsehood, or irreverence. The seriousness of this command is underscored by the declaration that God will not hold such a person guiltless, indicating a certain judgment for desecrating His holy name. This command protects the sanctity and honor due to God Himself, reflecting His character.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thou 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You are not to make use of the name of the Lord your God for an evil purpose; whoever takes the Lord's name on his lips for an evil purpose will be judged a sinner by the Lord
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`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.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thou shalt not idly utter the name of Jehovah thyGod; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that idly uttereth his name.
Context
This verse introduces the third commandment, flowing directly from the preceding commands concerning exclusive worship and rejection of images. Having established who God is and how He is to be worshipped, the natural progression is to address how His name, which represents His character and presence, is to be treated. This command emphasizes reverent respect for God's identity and authority, setting a standard for how His people are to speak of and relate to Him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 5:11
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.
- Hebrews 6:16
For men swear by the greater: and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation.
- Psalms 50:14
Offer unto God the sacrifice of thanksgiving; And pay thy vows unto the Most High;
- Jeremiah 4:2
and thou shalt swear, As Jehovah liveth, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.
- Leviticus 24:11
and the son of the Israelitish woman blasphemed the Name, and cursed; and they brought him unto Moses. And his mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.
- 2 Samuel 21:1
And there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David sought the face of Jehovah. And Jehovah said, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he put to death the Gibeonites.
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