Leviticus 19:12
Leviticus 19:12 in Multiple Translations
You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.
¶ And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, and profane the name of thy God: I am Jehovah.
And do not take an oath in my name falsely, putting shame on the name of your God: I am the Lord.
Don't swear oaths in my name that are not true, otherwise you defame the character of your God. I am the Lord.
Also yee shall not sweare by my name falsely, neither shalt thou defile the name of thy God: I am the Lord.
'And ye do not swear by My name to falsehood, or thou hast polluted the name of thy God; I [am] Jehovah.
“‘You shall not swear by my name falsely, and profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.
And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
Thou shalt not swear falsely by my name, nor profane the name of thy God. I am the Lord.
‘Do not show that you do not respect me by using/saying my name to falsely promise that you will do something. Do not forget that I am Yahweh, your God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 19:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 19:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹֽא
תִשָּׁבְע֥וּ
בִ/שְׁמִ֖/י
לַ/שָּׁ֑קֶר
וְ/חִלַּלְתָּ֛
אֶת
שֵׁ֥ם
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ
אֲנִ֥י
יְהוָֽה
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תִשָּׁבְע֥וּ
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
V-Niphal-Imperf-2mp
בִ/שְׁמִ֖/י
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לַ/שָּׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
Prep | N-ms
וְ/חִלַּלְתָּ֛
châlal
H2490
to bore
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 19:12
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִשָּׁבְע֥וּ
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
V-Niphal-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
בִ/שְׁמִ֖/י
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
לַ/שָּׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
וְ/חִלַּלְתָּ֛
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Leviticus 19:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 19:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 19:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 19:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 19:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 19:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 19:12
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 19:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 19:12
- Sermons on Leviticus 19:12
Context — Love Your Neighbor
10You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God.
11You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another.
12You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.
13You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand. 14You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 5:11 | 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. |
| 3 | Leviticus 18:21 | You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. |
| 4 | James 5:12 | 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. |
| 5 | Leviticus 6:3 | or finds lost property and lies about it and swears falsely, or if he commits any such sin that a man might commit— |
| 6 | Matthew 5:33–34 | Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; |
| 7 | Leviticus 24:15–16 | And you are to tell the Israelites, ‘If anyone curses his God, he shall bear the consequences of his sin. Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death; the whole assembly must surely stone him, whether he is a foreign resident or native; if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death. |
| 8 | Leviticus 24:11 | The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name with a curse. So they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.) |
| 9 | Jeremiah 4:2 | 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.” |
| 10 | Malachi 3:5 | “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
Leviticus 19:12 Summary
[This verse is saying that we should not use God's name to make false promises or statements, because it shows disrespect for God's character and nature. We should always use God's name with reverence and respect, as encouraged in Psalm 138:2. By being truthful and honest, we can show our love and respect for God, and follow the example of Jesus, who always spoke the truth, as seen in John 14:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to swear falsely by God's name?
To swear falsely by God's name means to make a promise or statement that is not true, using God's name to back it up, which is a serious offense against God, as seen in Leviticus 19:12 and Exodus 20:7.
Why is it important not to profane God's name?
Profaning God's name, or treating it as common or unimportant, is a sin because it shows disrespect for God's character and nature, as stated in Leviticus 19:12 and supported by Psalm 138:2, which says God's name is exalted above all else.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by being truthful and honest in all our interactions, and by using God's name with reverence and respect, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17 and Matthew 5:33-37.
What is the consequence of swearing falsely by God's name?
The consequence of swearing falsely by God's name is that it profanes God's name and can lead to spiritual harm and damage to our relationship with God, as seen in Leviticus 19:12 and Ezekiel 36:20-23.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I use God's name with reverence and respect in my daily conversations?
- How can I ensure that my words and actions align with God's character and nature?
- What are some situations where I may be tempted to swear falsely or use God's name carelessly, and how can I prepare myself to respond in a way that honors God?
- How can I cultivate a deeper respect for God's name and character in my heart and mind?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 19:12
And ye shall not swear by my name falsely,.... Or "to a falsehood" (x), to any of the above cases; as that a man has not the deposit of another's in his hands, when he has; or that such a man owes
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 19:12
Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. Ye shall not steal ... neither lie one to another , [ 'iysh (H376) ba`ªmiytow (H5997)] - a man by his neighbour.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 19:12
Ye shall not swear by my name falsely: this is here added, to show how one sin draws on another, and that when men will lie for their own advantage, they will easily be induced to perjury. Neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God, by any unholy use of it. So it is an additional precept, thou shalt not abuse my holy name by swearing either falsely or rashly. Or this may be a reason of the former prohibition, because in so doing thou wilt profane the name of thy God.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 19:12
Leviticus 19:12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.Ver. 12. Neither shalt thou profane the name.] By presuming rashly and lightly to blurt out this reverend name in an oath, or otherwise. The Grecians, as Suidas observes, when they would swear by Jupiter, out of the mere dread and reverence of his name forbear to mention him, breaking off their oath with a õá ôïí, as those that only dare to owe the rest to their thoughts. And Clinias the Pythagorean, out of this regard, would rather undergo a fine of three talents than swear.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 19:12
(12) And ye shall not swear.—This corresponds with the third commandment of the Decalogue (Exodus 20:7).
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 19:12
11, 12. Precepts analogous to those in the Decalogue and expressed in 2nd pers. plur. (except the last).
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 19:12
12. Not swear by my name falsely — The principle of the oath is incidentally laid down in Hebrews 6:16, as an ultimate appeal to divine authority to ratify the assertion.
Sermons on Leviticus 19:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Compromising Church by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life free from compromise as a Christian. He urges believers to carefully and prayerfully expose their hearts to |
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Sermon on the Mount: Deceptive Speech by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in the lives of believers. He highlights that as subjects of Christ's rule and kingdom, Christians s |
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Homily 9 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of refraining from swearing oaths, highlighting the seriousness of invoking God as a witness in trivial matters and the need to show r |
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Humble Thyself by Gbile Akanni | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and avoiding pride in our actions and achievements. He warns against seeking personal glory and attention instead |
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Jacob by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life of Jacob and his journey from a man who began well but ended up in a state of spiritual degeneration. The preacher emphasizes that t |
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Kirk Cameron Testimony by Kirk Cameron | The video begins with the speaker introducing a gospel track that serves as an icebreaker and a tool for sharing the gospel message. He explains how the track uses an optical illus |
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Change Our Heart's - Part 3 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining God's glory before the people. He warns that neglecting to do so will result in God bringing judgment upon thos |