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- Prohibition

29

Do not swear in vain.

 

 “Do not take the name of God in vain” Shmos 20:7

 

A vain oath is divided into 4 categories.

 

  1. If he swears to a change in something known, for example, if he swears regarding a man that he is a woman or that a stone is gold.

  2. If he swears for no purpose, for example, he swears that a stone is a stone

  3. If he swears not to observe a Mitzvah

  4. If he swears to do something that is impossible to fulfil, for example that he will not sleep for 3 consecutive days or eat any food for 7 consecutive days.

                                                                                           

Regarding these oaths if he swore intentionally he is liable to receive lashes.

If done accidently he is free from punishment.

 

Saying a benediction needlessly or uttering the name of Heaven for no purpose is a violation of the prohibition “do not take the name of God in vain”

 

This applies in all places at all times for men and women.

Do not swear in vain.
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