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What does the Bible say about name in vain?

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The Bible teaches that God’s name is holy and must never be used carelessly, falsely, or contemptuously, but honored with reverent faith, truthful speech, and worship. Exodus 20:7 and Deuteronomy 5:11 forbid taking the Lord’s name in vain, including empty religious words and false claims made in his name. Leviticus 19:12 warns against swearing falsely by God’s name, while Jesus in Matthew 5:33-37 and James 5:12 calls his people to such plain honesty that their yes and no are trustworthy. Matthew 6:9 teaches believers to pray, “Hallowed be thy name.” Since God makes his holy name known among his people, as Ezekiel 39:7 says, Christians should speak of him with humble love and holy fear.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Exodus 20:7 13 votes

    "You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

  • Leviticus 19:12 9 votes

    "'You shall not swear by my name falsely, and profane the name of your God. I am Yahweh.

  • Deuteronomy 5:11 6 votes

    "You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain: for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

  • Matthew 5:33-37 4 votes

    [33] "Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time, 'You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,' [34] but I tell you, don't swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; [35] nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. [36] Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can't make one hair white or black. [37] But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'no.' Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

  • James 5:12 4 votes

    But above all things, my brothers, don't swear, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath; but let your "yes" be "yes," and your "no," "no;" so that you don't fall into hypocrisy.

  • Ezekiel 39:7 2 votes

    My holy name will I make known in the midst of my people Israel; neither will I allow my holy name to be profaned any more: and the nations shall know that I am Yahweh, the Holy One in Israel.

  • Matthew 6:9 2 votes

    Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.

  • Psalms 139:20 2 votes

    For they speak against you wickedly. Your enemies take your name in vain.

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