Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 53 of 107
Which is the third commandment?
A.The third commandment is, 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 Bible passages support this answer?
The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 53. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.
- Exodus 20:7
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold guiltless anyone who takes his name in vain. (NET)
What does this answer mean?
The third commandment is 'Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.' To take God's name in vain is to use it emptily, carelessly or falsely. The commandment carries a warning: the Lord will not hold guiltless the one who misuses his name.
What can we ask our children?
- Can you say the third commandment?
- What does 'in vain' mean?
- What are some ways people misuse God's name?
Can I print this question?
Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.
- Memory card for question 53 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 53 (trace, then copy)
- Memory cards for questions 51 to 60
- Copywork for questions 51 to 60
- All Westminster Shorter Catechism printables
Text: The Shorter Catechism, constitutional text of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Public domain (1647). Proof references: Scripture proofs added by the Westminster Assembly, as transcribed by The Westminster Standard. Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible; see permissions.
Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.