third commandment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Religious, Literary, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “third commandment” mean?
The third of the Ten Commandments in the Bible, which prohibits taking the name of God in vain.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The third of the Ten Commandments in the Bible, which prohibits taking the name of God in vain.
A principle or rule derived from the biblical commandment, often invoked to emphasize the importance of reverence, respect, and sincerity when referring to sacred matters, or used metaphorically to denote a fundamental, inviolable rule.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Usage frequency may be slightly higher in regions with stronger cultural ties to Judeo-Christian traditions.
Connotations
Carries strong religious and moral connotations in both varieties. In secular figurative use, it implies solemnity and absolute authority.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, higher in religious, theological, ethical, and literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “third commandment” in a Sentence
[Subject] breaks/keeps/violates the third commandment.The third commandment prohibits/forbids [action].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “third commandment” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His third-commandment argument was central to the sermon.
- A third-commandment violation was considered serious.
American English
- A third-commandment principle undergirds their ethics.
- He made a third-commandment case against profanity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in ethical training: 'Misrepresenting the company's values is like breaking the third commandment of our corporate culture.'
Academic
Common in theology, religious studies, ethics, and literature courses analyzing biblical texts or moral philosophy.
Everyday
Low. Used primarily by religious individuals or in discussions about religion, ethics, or history.
Technical
Specific to theology and hermeneutics (biblical interpretation).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “third commandment”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “third commandment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “third commandment”
- Using 'Third Commandment' without the definite article 'the'.
- Confusing it with other commandments (e.g., the commandment about the Sabbath).
- Capitalising incorrectly: 'Third Commandment' or 'third Commandment' are acceptable, but 'third commandment' in lower case is also correct in non-religious figurative use.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the King James Version (Exodus 20:7): '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.'
As a historical and religious text, its primary authority is within Judeo-Christian faiths. However, its ethical principle of respectful speech is often referenced in secular discussions about reverence and integrity.
Interpretations vary but commonly include: frivolous or empty use of God's name, using it to curse or swear, invoking it falsely in oaths (perjury), or using it for magical or manipulative purposes.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically to label any very important and seemingly inviolable rule in a group, field, or system (e.g., 'In this lab, calibrating your equipment is the third commandment').
The third of the Ten Commandments in the Bible, which prohibits taking the name of God in vain.
Third commandment is usually formal, religious, literary, figurative in register.
Third commandment: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθɜːd kəˈmɑːndmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθɝːd kəˈmændmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's like breaking the third commandment. (figurative: showing extreme disrespect)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'THIRD = THou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain; Remember the order: 1) No other gods, 2) No idols, 3) Don't misuse the name.'
Conceptual Metaphor
A FUNDAMENTAL RULE IS A DIVINE COMMANDMENT; IRREVERENCE IS A LEGAL VIOLATION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the core prohibition of the third commandment?