---
title: "Question 53: Which is the third commandment? | Westminster Shorter Catechism"
description: "Westminster Shorter Catechism, question 53: Which is the third commandment? 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 "
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-53-which-is-the-third-commandment/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=165"
---

# Question 53: Which is the third commandment? | Westminster Shorter Catechism

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.

Scripture proofs: Ex. 20:7.

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=165)

## Related reading

- [What does “Reformed” mean?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/what-is-reformed/)
- [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-19-law-of-god/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 39: What is the duty which God requireth of man?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-39-what-is-the-duty-which-god-requireth-of-man/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 91: What is the duty which God requireth of man?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-91-what-is-the-duty-which-god-requireth-of-man/)
- [Question 52](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-52-what-are-the-reasons-annexed-to-the-second-commandment/)
- [Question 54](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-54-what-is-required-in-the-third-commandment/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-53-which-is-the-third-commandment/