In the context of expressing ourselves in terms of words that are false, empty, deceptive, or even just spoken in ignorance, the power is to harm. Words matter to God because of their ability to harm as well as heal. The subtle difference between the two renderings of the words for false illustrate a depth of meaning that transcends mere false witness and points to the incredible power of words in the human community. It is the same word used the Commandment calling us not to make “wrongful” use of God’s name or to never use the Lord’s name in “vain.” Although such empty use of language may contain explicit intent, it can also be a sin of sheer ignorance. In this case, “false” is more correctly understood in terms of empty, shallow or without power. It assumes a deliberate desire to mislead or distort information, presumably for one’s own selfish gain or profit.ĭeuteronomy, on the other hand, uses a different Hebrew word.
In Exodus, the word translated as “false” is a Hebrew word implying intentional falsification or deception. Yet the power and rich meaning of this simple commandment reaches far beyond the simple admonition to tell the truth.Īlthough the English translation of the ancient Hebrew texts are generally rendered the same in saying not to “bear false witness,” the two texts are slightly different in their original wording.
It is typically understood as a command not to tell lies. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” This Commandment is recorded in Exodus 20:19 and Deuteronomy 5:20.
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