26

Not to blaspheme

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Speech – דִּבּוּר

We are forbidden from cursing G‑d's great Name (may He be exalted much, much higher than what the fools say). This prohibition is euphemistically called, "blessing the Name."

This mitzvah forbids cursing or speaking disrespectfully of Hashem. Blasphemy, even in thought or utterance, is among the gravest sins, as it denies His holiness and undermines the foundation of faith. The Torah demands reverence in all speech, ensuring that Hashem’s Name is honored and exalted.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 2:7): Blasphemy is a capital offense when uttered with Hashem’s Name, reflecting its extreme severity.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 69): Words express the state of the soul; therefore, degrading speech about Hashem corrupts one’s very essence.
  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 56a): Establishes blasphemy as one of the universal prohibitions binding upon all humanity.
(Source: Chabad.org)
אֱלֹהִ֖ים לֹ֣א תְקַלֵּ֑ל וְנָשִׂ֥יא בְעַמְּךָ֖ לֹ֥א תָאֹֽר׃ - פָּרָשַׁת מִשְׁפָּטִים
Exodus 22:27 - "You shall not curse a judge, neither shall you curse a prince among your people."

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Speech - דָּבָר

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Pertains to the power of speech—both positive and negative—including lashon hara, vows, and blessings.

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Faith - אֱמוּנָה

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Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

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Reverence - יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

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Signifies awe and reverence toward Hashem—living with awareness of His greatness and presence.

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