Question 99

What is required in the third command?

That we, not only by cursing or perjury,^a but also by rash swearing, must not profane or abuse the name of God, nor by silence or connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others:^b and, briefly, that we use the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and reverence;^c so that he may be rightly confessed^d and worshipped by us, and be glorified in all our words and works.^e

1. a. Leviticus 24:11; 19:12; Matthew 5:37; Leviticus 5:4

   Leviticus 24:11

   ^24:11 And the Israelitish woman’s son blasphemed the name of the Lord, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:)

   ^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.)

   Leviticus 19:12

   ^19:12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.

   ^19:12 You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.

   Matthew 5:37

   ^5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

   ^5:37 Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one.

   Leviticus 5:4

   ^5:4 Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these.

   ^5:4 Or if someone swears thoughtlessly with his lips to do anything good or evil-in whatever matter a man may rashly pronounce an oath-even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty in the matter.

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Isaiah 45:23–24

   Isaiah 45:23–24

   ^45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. ^45:24 Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.

   ^45:23 By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance. ^45:24 Surely they will say of Me, 'In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.'" All who rage against Him will come to Him and be put to shame.

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

3. c. Matthew 10:32

   Matthew 10:32

   ^10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

   ^10:32 Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven.

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

4. d. 1 Timothy 2:8

   1 Timothy 2:8

   ^2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

   ^2:8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension.

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

5. e. 1 Corinthians 3:16–17

   1 Corinthians 3:16–17

   ^3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? ^3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

   ^3:16 Do you not know that you yourselves are God's temple, and that God's Spirit dwells in you? ^3:17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible