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“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” — Luke 23:42

Third Commandment

“You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God” (Ex. 20:7; Deut. 5:11).


Heidelberg Catechism

Heidelberg Catechism Question 99. What is required in the third commandment? That we must not profane or abuse the name of God by cursing, by perjury, or by unnecessary oaths. Nor are we to participate in such horrible sins by keeping quiet and thus giving silent consent. In a word, we must not use the holy name of God except with fear and reverence so that he may be rightly confessed and addressed by us, and be glorified in all our words and works.

Heidelberg Catechism Question 100. Is it, therefore, so great a sin to blaspheme God’s name by cursing and swearing that God is also angry with those who do not try to prevent and forbid it as much as they can? Yes, indeed; for no sin is greater or provokes his wrath more than the profaning of his name. That is why he commanded it to be punished with death.

Heidelberg Catechism Question 101. But may we not swear oaths by the name of God in a devout manner? Yes, when the civil authorities require it of their subjects, or when it is otherwise needed to maintain and promote fidelity and truth, to the glory of God and the welfare of our neighbor. Such oath-taking is grounded in God’s Word and has therefore been rightly used by God’s people under the Old and New Covenants.

Heidelberg Catechism Question 102. May we also swear by the saints or other creatures? No; for a lawful oath is a calling upon God, as the only searcher of hearts, to bear witness to the truth, and to punish me if I swear falsely. No creature deserves such honor.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Shorter Catechism Question 54. What is required in the Third Commandment? The Third Commandment requireth the holy and reverent use of God’s names, titles, attributes, ordinances, Word, and works.

  • Ps. 29:2 “Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name; worship the LORD in holy splendor.”
  • Matt. 6:9 “Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
  • Rev. 15:3–4 “And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb: ‘Great and amazing are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, King of the nations! Lord, who will not fear and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your judgments have been revealed.’”
  • Mal. 1:14 “Cursed be the cheat who has a male in the flock and vows to give it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished; for I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name is reverenced among the nations.”
  • Ps. 138:2 “I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything.”
  • Ps. 107:21–22 “Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.”


Shorter Catechism Question 55. What is forbidden in the Third Commandment? The Third Commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of anything whereby God maketh himself known.

  • Mal. 2:2 “If you will not listen, if you will not lay it to heart to give glory to my name, says the LORD of hosts, then I will send the curse on you and I will curse your blessings; indeed I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart.”
  • Isa. 5:12 “whose feasts consist of lyre and harp, tambourine and flute and wine, but who do not regard the deeds of the LORD, or see the work of his hands!”


Shorter Catechism Question 56. What is the reason annexed to the Third Commandment? The reason annexed to the Third Commandment is that, however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.

  • Deut. 28:58–59 “If you do not diligently observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, fearing this glorious and awesome name, the LORD your God, then the LORD will overwhelm both you and your offspring with severe and lasting afflictions and grievous and lasting maladies.”

Study Catechism

Study Catechism Question 98. What do you learn from this commandment? I should use God’s name with reverence and awe. God’s name is taken in vain when used to support wrong. It is insulted when used carelessly, as in a curse or a pious cliché.

  • Ps. 29:2 “Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendor.”
  • Rev. 15:3-4 “Great and amazing are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, King of the nations! Lord, who will not fear and glorify your name?”
  • Ps. 138:2 “I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything.”
  • Eph. 4:29 “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.”
  • Ps. 103:1-2 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits.”


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