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Exodus 20:7 - Honor Divine Name always

Exodus 20:7 - שמות 20:7

Hebrew Text

לֹא תִשָּׂא אֶת־שֵׁם־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לַשָּׁוְא כִּי לֹא יְנַקֶּה יְהוָה אֵת אֲשֶׁר־יִשָּׂא אֶת־שְׁמוֹ לַשָּׁוְא׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain.

Transliteration

Lo tisa et-shem-Adonai Elohecha lashav ki lo yenakeh Adonai et asher-yisa et-shmo lashav.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹ֥א תִשָּׂ֛א אֶת־שֵֽׁם־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ לַשָּׁ֑וְא כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יְנַקֶּה֙ יְהֹוָ֔ה אֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר־יִשָּׂ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ לַשָּֽׁוְא׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
לֹ֥א תִשָּׂ֛א אֶת־שֵֽׁם־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ לַשָּׁ֑וְא כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יְנַקֶּה֙ יְהֹוָ֔ה אֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר־יִשָּׂ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ לַשָּֽׁוְא׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Taking Hashem's Name in Vain

The verse "לֹא תִשָּׂא אֶת־שֵׁם־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לַשָּׁוְא" (Exodus 20:7) is the third of the Ten Commandments and establishes a strict prohibition against misusing the Divine Name. Rashi explains that this includes swearing falsely, swearing needlessly, or invoking Hashem's Name for trivial matters. The severity of this transgression is underscored by the warning "כִּי לֹא יְנַקֶּה יְהוָה"—Hashem will not absolve one who violates this commandment.

Rambam's Explanation in Mishneh Torah

In Hilchot Shevuot (Laws of Oaths 12:1), Rambam elaborates that this prohibition applies to any oath—whether true or false—that is taken in vain. This includes:

  • שבועת שווא (Shevu'at Shav): A false oath, such as swearing that an object is something it is not.
  • שבועת ביטוי (Shevu'at Bitui): An unnecessary oath about a known fact (e.g., swearing that the sky is blue).
  • Using Hashem's Name casually in conversation, even without intent to swear.

Talmudic and Midrashic Perspectives

The Talmud (Shevuot 39a) teaches that the prohibition extends to causing others to swear falsely, as one who does so shares in the transgression. The Midrash (Mechilta on Shemot 20:7) emphasizes that this commandment safeguards the sanctity of Hashem's Name, which must be treated with reverence at all times.

Practical Halachic Implications

According to Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 276), one must be exceedingly careful not to:

  • Swear by Hashem's Name in everyday speech.
  • Use phrases like "I swear to G-d" without genuine halachic necessity.
  • Write Hashem's Name (e.g., in notes or digital messages) without proper intent and respect.

The severity of this sin is such that the Talmud (Nedarim 7b) states that the punishment for שבועת שווא affects not only the individual but also their family and community.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shevuot 21a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding oaths and the severity of taking God's name in vain.
📖 Sanhedrin 56a
The verse is referenced in the discussion of the Noahide laws, which include prohibitions against blasphemy.
📖 Temurah 3b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the sanctity of God's name and the consequences of misusing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to take God's name in vain?
A: Taking God's name in vain (Hebrew: 'lo tissa et shem Hashem Elokecha lashav') refers to using God's name unnecessarily, falsely, or disrespectfully. This includes swearing false oaths in God's name, using His name casually in conversation, or making promises in His name that you don't intend to keep. The Talmud (Shevuot 21a) explains this prohibition in detail.
Q: Why is this commandment so important?
A: This commandment is fundamental because it teaches us to have proper reverence for God's holiness. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in his Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 6:1-2) that God's name represents His essence, and misusing it shows a lack of respect for the Divine. Proper use of God's name maintains the sanctity of our relationship with Him.
Q: Does this only apply to saying God's Hebrew name?
A: No, according to Jewish law, this prohibition applies to any of God's sacred names in Hebrew (like Hashem, Elokim, etc.), as well as titles that refer to Him. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 276) discusses which names are included in this prohibition. Even in other languages, we must be careful not to use God's name lightly.
Q: How can we apply this commandment in daily life?
A: We can apply this by: 1) Avoiding casual use of God's name in conversation, 2) Being careful when making promises or oaths, 3) Using respectful alternatives like 'Hashem' when referring to God, and 4) Teaching children the importance of reverence for God's name. Rashi emphasizes that this commandment teaches us that words have spiritual weight.
Q: What does 'God will not hold guiltless' mean?
A: The phrase 'for the Lord will not hold him guiltless' means that misusing God's name is considered a serious offense that requires atonement. The Talmud (Shevuot 39a) explains that while other sins might be forgiven through repentance, misusing God's name affects the fundamental relationship between a person and God, making it particularly severe.