Exodus 20:7 “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD…”

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.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

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.

World English Bible

“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless 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.

Geneva Bible 1599

Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vaine: for the Lord will not hold him guiltles that taketh his Name in vayne.

Darby Translation

Thou shalt not idly utter the name of Jehovah thy God; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that idly uttereth his name.

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.

Bible in Basic English

You 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

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Cross references

“take”

Deuteronomy 5:11 Leviticus 19:12 James 5:12 Matthew 5:33–37 Psalm 50:14–16 Jeremiah 4:2

Deuteronomy 5:11 · BSB

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.

Leviticus 19:12 · BSB

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

James 5:12 · BSB

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.

Matthew 5:33–37 · BSB

Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’

Psalm 50:14–16 · BSB

Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.

Jeremiah 4:2 · BSB

and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.”

“guiltless”

Joshua 9:20 Joshua 2:12 Joshua 2:17 1 Kings 2:9 2 Samuel 21:1 2 Samuel 21:2

Joshua 9:20 · BSB

This is how we will treat them: We will let them live, so that no wrath will fall on us because of the oath we swore to them.”

Joshua 2:12 · BSB

Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign

Joshua 2:17 · BSB

The men said to her, “We will not be bound by this oath you made us swear

1 Kings 2:9 · BSB

Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.”

2 Samuel 21:1 · BSB

During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites…

2 Samuel 21:2 · BSB

At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Sa…

Also

Deuteronomy 10:20

Deuteronomy 10:20 · BSB

You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

6but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.

8Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

Read Exodus 20