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

LEVITICUS 19:12KJV
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Leviticus 19:12 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 19:12 mean?

Leviticus 19:12 commands the Israelites not to swear falsely by God's name or misuse His name, because God is the LORD. This verse warns against making dishonest oaths or treating God's name lightly, emphasizing the seriousness of invoking God in promises.

In Leviticus 19:12, God speaks to the people of Israel through Moses, giving them specific instructions about honesty and respect for God's name. The context is a set of laws meant to shape Israel's daily life and community standards. The verse highlights that using God's name in a false or careless way is not just a personal matter—it affects the community's relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 19:12

  • "Swear" (שָׁבַע, shava): This word means to make an oath or vow, especially in a formal or solemn way. Here, it stresses that invoking God's name in a promise is a serious act.
  • "Falsely" (שָׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means falsehood or deception. The verse specifically forbids making oaths that are dishonest or untrue.
  • "Profane" (חָלַל, chalal): This word means to make something common or to treat it as ordinary. To "profane" God's name is to treat it without the respect or holiness it deserves.
  • "Name" (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, a name represents the character and reputation of a person. Misusing God's "name" means misrepresenting who God is.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) and "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): These words refer to the God of Israel, with "LORD" (YHWH) being God's personal, covenant name.

Why Leviticus 19:12 matters

  • Leviticus 19:12 clarifies that honesty is not just a social expectation but a spiritual responsibility when God's name is involved.
  • The verse shows that how people use God's name reflects their respect for Him, connecting daily speech to worship and reverence.
  • This command fits into a larger section of Leviticus that calls Israel to be distinct and holy, setting a higher standard for truthfulness and respect for God than surrounding cultures.

Where else these words appear

“falsely” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:
  • Jeremiah 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.

“profane” Hebrew H2490 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 20:39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.
  • Jeremiah 16:18 And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.