46

Not to swear in the name of an idol

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Idolatry – עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

It is forbidden to swear in the name of an idol, or to ask another (even an idol-worshipper) to swear in the name of a false deity.

This mitzvah forbids swearing or taking an oath in the name of an idol, even if one simultaneously mentions Hashem’s Name. An oath is an expression of loyalty and acknowledgment of power; to associate it with an idol is to give it legitimacy and diminish Hashem’s sovereignty. The Torah commands that oaths be reserved exclusively for Hashem, affirming His uniqueness and authority.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 5:10): Swearing by an idol, or causing others to do so, constitutes idolatry.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 86): The root is to preserve faith by ensuring that even speech does not confer honor or strength to foreign gods.
  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 63a): Declares that swearing in the name of an idol is a severe transgression, equal in gravity to actual service.
(Source: Chabad.org)
וּבְכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־אָמַ֥רְתִּי אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם תִּשָּׁמֵ֑רוּ וְשֵׁ֨ם אֱלֹהִ֤ים אֲחֵרִים֙ לֹ֣א תַזְכִּ֔ירוּ לֹ֥א יִשָּׁמַ֖ע עַל־פִּֽיךָ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת מִשְׁפָּטִים
Exodus 23:13 - "Be on guard concerning all that I have told you. Make no mention of the names of other gods; they shall not be heard on your lips."

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Idolatry - עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

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Mitzvot that prohibit worship of false gods and practices associated with idol worship.

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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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