Deuteronomy 5:11 - Honor God's holy name

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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 Eloheicha 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׃ {ס}

Parasha Commentary

The Prohibition Against Taking Hashem's Name in Vain

The verse (Exodus 20:7) prohibits taking the name of Hashem in vain, which is understood by Orthodox Jewish tradition as a serious transgression with far-reaching implications. Rashi explains that this refers to swearing falsely or unnecessarily using Hashem's name in an oath, even if the statement itself is true. The Rambam (Hilchot Shevuot 1:4-6) elaborates that this includes any oath that is meaningless, false, or made about something already known.

Three Categories of the Prohibition

False Oaths (Shevu'at Shav): Swearing falsely about a matter, such as denying a debt one owes (Talmud Shevuot 29a).
Vain Oaths (Shevu'at Shav): Swearing to something obviously true (e.g., "I swear the sky is blue") or impossible (e.g., "I swear I will not sleep for three days"), which cheapens the sanctity of Hashem's name (Rambam, Hilchot Shevuot 1:4).
Unnecessary Use of Hashem's Name: Casual or frivolous invocation of divine names, even without an oath, which diminishes reverence for Hashem (Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 30).

Severity of the Transgression

The verse concludes with a stern warning: "for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain." The Talmud (Shevuot 39a) teaches that this sin is so severe that even repentance and Yom Kippur do not fully atone for it—only suffering completes the atonement. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 61) compares it to denying Hashem's existence, as it misrepresents His holiness.

Practical Halachic Implications

Halacha (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 215) strictly regulates when and how divine names may be uttered, particularly in blessings or Torah study. One must avoid:

Mentioning Hashem's name without a valid halachic reason (e.g., in casual conversation).
Writing divine names (e.g., on amulets or notes) without proper intent and respect.
Failing to treat written divine names with reverence (e.g., proper disposal via genizah).

Spiritual and Ethical Lessons

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 30) explains that this mitzvah trains us to recognize the sanctity of speech and the gravity of invoking Hashem's name. By guarding our words, we cultivate yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) and ensure that divine language remains sacred. The Chofetz Chaim (in Shemirat HaLashon) extends this principle to all speech, teaching that careless words—even without divine names—can violate the spirit of this commandment by eroding spiritual sensitivity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shevuot 21a

The verse is discussed in the context of oaths and the prohibition against taking God's name in vain, particularly focusing on the severity of false oaths.

📖 Sanhedrin 56a

The verse is referenced in the discussion of the Noahide laws, where it is considered one of the commandments given to all humanity.

📖 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: 'לא תשא') refers to using God's holy name unnecessarily, frivolously, or for false oaths. The Talmud (Shevuot 21a) explains this includes swearing falsely, using God's name for trivial matters, or making insincere promises in God's name. Rashi emphasizes that this applies even when speaking truthfully if the oath is unnecessary.

Q: Why is this commandment so serious?
A: This commandment is serious because God's name represents His essence and holiness. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 6:7) teaches that disrespecting God's name shows a lack of reverence for God Himself. The verse warns that God 'will not hold guiltless' those who violate this - meaning there are serious consequences for misusing His name.

Q: Does this only apply to the Hebrew name of God?
A: According to Jewish law, this commandment applies to all names of God in any language. The Mishnah (Shevuot 4:13) states that all divine names are holy and included in this prohibition. This includes names like Hashem, Adonai, Elokim, and even descriptive titles like 'The Merciful One' when used in vain.

Q: How can we be careful not to violate this commandment today?
A: We can avoid violating this by: 1) Not using God's name casually in conversation, 2) Being truthful when making commitments in God's name, 3) Treating all references to God with respect. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 215) gives guidelines for proper use of God's name in blessings and prayers.

Q: What's the difference between this commandment and cursing?
A: While cursing using God's name is certainly forbidden, this commandment is broader. As the Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 30) explains, it includes any unnecessary or false use of God's name - not just curses. Even saying 'I swear to God' casually about something trivial could violate this commandment.