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Leviticus 19:12 - Truthful oaths honor Hashem's name

Leviticus 19:12 - ויקרא 19:12

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־תִשָּׁבְעוּ בִשְׁמִי לַשָּׁקֶר וְחִלַּלְתָּ אֶת־שֵׁם אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֲנִי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And you shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.

Transliteration

Ve-lo tishav'u vishmi la-sheker ve-chilalta et-shem Eloheicha Ani Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹֽא־תִשָּׁבְע֥וּ בִשְׁמִ֖י לַשָּׁ֑קֶר וְחִלַּלְתָּ֛ אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
וְלֹֽא־תִשָּׁבְע֥וּ בִשְׁמִ֖י לַשָּׁ֑קֶר וְחִלַּלְתָּ֛ אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of False Oaths

The verse (Vayikra 19:12) contains two prohibitions related to swearing falsely in Hashem's name. Rashi explains that the first part, "And you shall not swear by My name falsely," refers to swearing about a known falsehood (e.g., swearing that a stone is gold). The second part, "Neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God," refers to swearing to nullify a mitzvah (e.g., swearing not to put on tefillin). Both constitute a chillul Hashem (desecration of God's name).

Severity of Chillul Hashem

The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 5:10) teaches that profaning Hashem's name is among the gravest sins, as it damages the sanctity of God's name in the world. Even if one transgresses other mitzvos under duress, one must allow oneself to be killed rather than commit a public desecration of Hashem's name (Sanhedrin 74a).

Types of False Oaths

  • Shav: A vain oath—swearing about something obviously true or false (e.g., swearing that a man is a woman).
  • Sheker: A deceitful oath—swearing falsely about a matter that could be believed (e.g., denying a debt).
  • Al hatalui: An oath to violate a mitzvah—such as swearing not to eat matzah on Pesach (Sefer HaChinuch 227).

Divine Authority Behind the Prohibition

The verse concludes with "I am the Lord," emphasizing that Hashem, as the ultimate authority, forbids the misuse of His name. The Sforno explains that since God is truth, invoking His name falsely is a direct affront to His essence. The Ibn Ezra adds that this phrase serves as a warning that Hashem will hold accountable those who violate this prohibition.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shevuot 39a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding oaths and the prohibition of swearing falsely by God's name.
📖 Nedarim 8a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of making false oaths and the sanctity of God's name.
📖 Sanhedrin 56a
The verse is cited in the context of the Noahide laws, specifically regarding the prohibition of blasphemy and false oaths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to swear by God's name falsely?
A: According to Orthodox Jewish tradition, swearing by God's name falsely refers to making an oath or vow in God's name that is untrue or that you don't intend to keep. This is considered a serious sin because it disrespects God's holiness. The Rambam (Hilchot Shevuot 1:1-3) explains that this includes both lying under oath and making unnecessary oaths.
Q: Why is it so serious to profane God's name?
A: Profaning God's name (called 'Chillul Hashem' in Hebrew) is considered one of the most severe sins in Judaism. Rashi explains that when someone who appears religious acts improperly, it causes others to disrespect Torah and God. The Talmud (Yoma 86a) teaches that profaning God's name damages the sanctity of the world and is hard to atone for.
Q: How does this commandment apply in daily life today?
A: This verse teaches us to be extremely careful with our words, especially when invoking God's name. The Chofetz Chaim explains that we should avoid casual oaths altogether. In business dealings especially, we must be truthful to avoid any appearance of dishonesty that could profane God's name. Even when not swearing, our behavior as Jews should sanctify God's name (Kiddush Hashem).
Q: Why does the verse end with 'I am the Lord'?
A: The Sforno explains that adding 'I am the Lord' emphasizes that God is always aware when we swear falsely - nothing is hidden from Him. The Ramban adds that this reminds us that as our Creator and the One who gave us the Torah, God has the authority to command us in these matters of truth and holiness.
Q: What's the difference between swearing falsely and profaning God's name?
A: Rashi and the Talmud (Shevuot 39a) distinguish between the two parts of the verse: Swearing falsely refers specifically to making a false oath, while profaning God's name includes any action that brings disrespect to Torah and God's reputation. The Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 5:10) explains that any behavior by a Torah-observant Jew that causes others to speak badly of Judaism constitutes profaning God's name.