Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 56 of 107
What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?
A.The reason annexed to the third commandment is that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.
Which Bible passages support this answer?
The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 56. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.
- 1 Samuel 2:12, 17, 22, 29
12But the sons of Eli were wicked men. They did not acknowledge the Lord’s authority. 17The sin of these young men was very great in the Lord’s sight, for they treated the Lord’s offering with contempt. 22Eli was very old. And he would hear about everything that his sons used to do to all the people of Israel and how they used to go to bed with the women who were stationed at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 29Why are you scorning my sacrifice and my offering that I commanded for my dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than you have me by having made yourselves fat from the best parts of all the offerings of my people Israel.’ (NET)
- 1 Samuel 3:13
You should tell him that I am about to judge his house forever because of the sin that he knew about. For his sons were cursing God, and he did not rebuke them. (NET)
- Deuteronomy 28:58-59
58“If you refuse to obey all the words of this law, the things written in this scroll, and refuse to fear this glorious and awesome name, the Lord your God, 59then the Lord will increase your punishments and those of your descendants—great and long-lasting afflictions and severe, enduring illnesses. (NET)
What does this answer mean?
The reason attached to the third commandment is that people who break it may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord will not let them escape his righteous judgment. Misusing God's name is often ignored by others, but God takes it seriously.
What can we ask our children?
- Do people usually get punished for misusing God's name?
- Does God ignore it?
- What should we do when we have misused 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 56 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 56 (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.