You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Leviticus 19:12
What does Leviticus 19:12 mean?
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Leviticus 19:12
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This verse isn't just about avoiding lies in court; it warns against any misuse of God's name, emphasizing that even casual or rash oaths profane the holy name of the Lord. It reveals that God's name carries such weight that even thinking of it in a dishonest or trivial way is a serious offense, tying our integrity directly to our reverence for Him.
You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage appears in Leviticus chapter 19, a chapter that delves into various laws and ethical commands for the Israelites, emphasizing holiness and treating others with justice and respect. The verse is part of a list of prohibitions that protect the sacredness of God's name and uphold integrity in relationships, immediately following instructions about honesty in business dealings and preceding commands about respecting elders and the vulnerable. It reinforces the principle that how we treat others and speak about God directly impacts His reputation.
Why does the Bible connect false oaths so directly to 'profaning' God's name? It's more than just telling a lie.
This verse serves as a direct echo of the Third Commandment: "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7).
Is God only concerned about false oaths in a courtroom? This verse calls for a broader understanding of honoring His name.
The prohibition here extends beyond formal, legal perjury. It encompasses any misuse of God's name that treats it lightly or disrespectfully.
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Understand the original words
shebu'ah · Hebrew Noun
An oath taken in the name of God; swearing falsely involves invoking God's name to support a lie, thereby violating the third commandment.
chalal · Hebrew Verb
To treat something holy as common or unclean; specifically, using God’s name in a way that dishonors His character or causes others to despise Him.
This verse directly echoes the Third Commandment, highlighting that profaning God's name through false oaths is a serious offense against His very character and authority.
Matthew 5:33Jesus expands on this prohibition in the Sermon on the Mount, teaching that true righteousness involves not just avoiding false oaths, but speaking truthfully in all circumstances, letting our 'yes' be 'yes' and our 'no' be 'no'.
James 5:12The book of James reiterates this principle, warning believers against taking oaths altogether, emphasizing that honest and upright speech should make oaths unnecessary.
Proverbs 6:1This passage in Proverbs illustrates the immediate danger of carelessly becoming surety for a neighbor's debt, a situation that can easily lead to false oaths and serious consequences, underscoring the practical risks of irresponsible promises.
ellicottLeviticus 19:12: "And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD."
(12) And ye shall not swear. —This corresponds with the third commandment of the Decalogue ( Exodus 20:7 ).
gillLeviticus 19:12: "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,.... 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 him so much money, when he does not, or any other false thing. Stealing, dealing falsely, lying, and false swearing, are mentioned together, as following one another, and as ten…
This verse isn't just about avoiding lies in court; it warns against any misuse of God's name, emphasizing that even casual or rash oaths profane the holy name of the Lord. It reveals that God's name carries such weight that even thinking of it in a dishonest or trivial way is a serious offense, tying our integrity directly to our reverence for Him.
This passage appears in Leviticus chapter 19, a chapter that delves into various laws and ethical commands for the Israelites, emphasizing holiness and treating others with justice and respect. The verse is part of a list of prohibitions that protect the sacredness of God's name and uphold integrity in relationships, immediately following instructions about honesty in business dealings and preceding commands about respecting elders and the vulnerable. It reinforces the principle that how we treat others and speak about God directly impacts His reputation.
This passage appears in Leviticus chapter 19, a chapter that delves into various laws and ethical commands for the Israelites, emphasizing holiness and treating others with justice and respect. The verse is part of a list of prohibitions that protect the sacredness of God's name and uphold integrity in relationships, immediately following instructions about honesty in business dealings and preceding commands about respecting elders and the vulnerable. It reinforces the principle that how we treat others and speak about God directly impacts His reputation.
"You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the LORD." — This verse isn't just about avoiding lies in court; it warns against any misuse of God's name, emphasizing that even casual or rash oaths profane the holy name of the Lord. It reveals that God's na…
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Last reviewed October 2026