Definition: Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold [him] guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 5:11. It’s a really important verse about how we should treat the name of God. Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it means: Don’t use God’s name as a joke or to be disrespectful. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain…” – This is a direct command. “Thou” means "you." It's telling you you are responsible for how you use God’s name. “Take” means to use, to put something into use. “In vain” means wrongly, carelessly, or without respect. "...for the LORD will not hold [him] guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” – This is a bit more poetic and speaks about consequences. The Lord (God) is saying, "I won’t let you get away with disrespecting my name." It implies that using God's name carelessly or with malice will lead to something bad happening. It suggests a judgment if someone uses the name in a way that shows they don’t respect it. What does this mean practically? This verse is about: Respect: Showing reverence and honor to God. Humility: Recognizing that God is powerful and great, and not to be treated as less than that. Responsibility: Understanding that using the name of God carries a responsibility to treat it with care. Why is this important? This verse is often cited as a reminder to: Pray respectfully: Avoid being boastful or arrogant in your prayers. Be mindful of what you say about God: Don’t use his name in a way that could be offensive or disrespectful. In short, Deuteronomy 5:11 is a warning against misuse and disrespect towards the name of God – it's a call for reverence and responsibility. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some examples of how to use the verse in your daily life?