Overview
The Bible addresses swearing, profane across 23 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Psalms and Leviticus. Closely related themes include Oaths, Oath, Malice and Adultery. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses, Elisha, Naaman and Gehazi.
Key Bible verses about swearing, profane
Old Testament
Leviticus
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:)
And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.
And Moses spake to the children of Israel, that they should bring forth him that had cursed out of the camp, and stone him with stones. And the children of Israel did as the LORD commanded Moses.
Psalms
His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. deceit: Heb. deceits vanity: or, iniquity
For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.
As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.
As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones. into his bowels: Heb. within him
Hosea
Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. blood: Heb. bloods
Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.
New Testament
Matthew
But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.
And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
Then began he to curse and to swear, saying,3754 I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
People in the Bible and swearing, profane
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying swearing, profane for yourself
- Begin with Exodus 20:7, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Matthew, Psalms and Leviticus each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Moses, Elisha and Naaman and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Oaths, Oath, Malice and Adultery.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about swearing, profane?
The Bible addresses swearing, profane across 23 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Psalms and Leviticus. Closely related themes include Oaths, Oath, Malice and Adultery. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses, Elisha, Naaman and Gehazi.
How many Bible verses are about swearing, profane?
The Bible references swearing, profane in 23 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention swearing, profane?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Exodus 20:7: “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.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with swearing, profane?
Moses, Elisha, Naaman and Gehazi.
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