Introduction
The answer to this question might seem self-evident, especially to those of us who grew up in a western Judeo-Christian society. But it may not be as evident as you think. In fact, this commandment may hide a deep understanding of what it means to be a Christian, a depth many of us never really knew—at least not in this way. The truth is that the contents of this post have brought more people to this blog and, possibly, affected the discipleship of our community more than any other things we have done from The Theology Program to the Credo House. Let’s get started, shall we?
The Commandment Itself
Exodus 20:7, Deuteronomy 5:11 – You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.
Please be warned, I’m going to use a phrase that is offensive to many.
For most, the ultimate violation of the third commandment is to say “God damn it.” You can use just about every other word or phrase, no matter how bad, but when your vulgarity includes the utilization of this phrase, many believe you’ve crossed the line. You might even be charged with blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
In fact, more people would confidently answer this question than could list the Ten Commandments, name the gospels, or explain the difference between the New and Old Testaments.
At Odds with the Third Commandment (As Some Define It)
I’m going to take a stand that’s at odds with the most popular understanding of the third commandment. That’s why I used the word “really” in the title of this article. With all the talk about cursing pastors, the evolution of swearing in the blogosphere, and the general confusion around this issue (even in Christian circles), I thought I’d take a stab at explaining what it really means to take the Lord’s name in vain.
If I’m right about the third-commandment, we have a serious issue of folk theology that’s damaging the character of God by misrepresenting what Christian speech is.
The question that must drive the understanding of any biblical passage is:
What did the author intend for his audience to understand by his writing?
The third commandment was given to a specific people, at a specific time, in a specific place, with a specific purpose. We’ll never know what it means today if we don’t first know what it originally meant.
What About the F-Bomb, S-Word, etc?
The third commandment has nothing to do with what we commonly call cursing. Use of the F-word, S-word, etc. is a separate issue. The Bible certainly has a lot to say about speech:
Proverbs 10:32 – The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.
Colossians 3:8 – But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
You won’t believe the scholars you can sit under today!
The third commandment is specifically addressing the use of God’s name. It isn’t meant to address the use of words, phrases, and even gestures that may be socially uncouth or vulgar.
When Calling on God to Damn Someone Is Biblical
We have this wrong. In fact, from a purely objective standpoint, I don’t believe that this phrase causes God to even bat an eye. Why would calling on God to damn something be so bad? What does the verb “damn” mean? The American Heritage Dictionary defines the verb “to damn” as “the act of pronouncing an adverse judgement upon.”
To call upon God to damn something is neither sinful nor unbiblical. In fact, you can find people throughout Scripture, especially in the Psalms, who call upon God to bring judgment on their enemies. In other words, they are asking for God to damn those whom they feel are ripe for His judgment. In this sense, saying “God damn _____” is as biblical as saying “God bless _____.”
Some say the reason this is a violation of the third commandment is because people are using God’s name in a “vain”, “worthless”, or “empty” way. In this case, to say, “God damn it!” in our colloquial tongue is not the same as seriously calling upon God to damn something or someone. For those making this claim, if you say it seriously, fine. If however, you say it casually, you’ve used His name in an empty way and broken the third commandment.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not advocating that we should take the Lord’s name in vain, but that our understanding of what this commandment means is mistaken. There are three major critiques I’d offer to our common understanding:
1) “God” is Not the Name of God
“God” is a term used to refer to deities in general. A generic classification can’t be considered a formal name. It would be like you saying that my name is “person”. God gives His name to Moses in the book of Exodus. His name is Yahweh. Would you have the same offense if someone were to stub their toe and say “Yahweh damn it!” I doubt it.
When Christians use words like “God” or “Lord” we’re typically referring to the God of the Bible, Yahweh. And after all, if you’re not calling on the God of the Bible to damn something, whom are you calling on? Therefore, although the word God isn’t a formal name, because we use it as such, saying G-D may test the limits of what many consider taking God’s name in vain.
2) Selective Outrage at the Use of “God”
If the principle in question is that we’re not to use God’s name unless we really mean it, then we’re pretty inconsistent in our outrage. Why don’t people get offended when others say “God bless you?” Do you think that every time someone says this that they really mean it? Do you think that in their mind they are talking to God, beseeching Him on your behalf?
Just about every email I get ends with the phrase, “God bless.”
Just about every email I get ends with the phrase, “God bless.” I seriously doubt that that person actually said a prayer for me before he or she hit send. If this is the case, why is saying, “God bless you” not just as much a violation of the third commandment as saying “God damn you?”
Is it more biblical to ask for God’s kindness or judgment? I don’t think almost anyone who is honest with themselves can say they’re consistent in this regard. Saying “God damn it” and not meaning it should be just as bad as saying “God bless you” and not meaning it.
It true that both uses of “God” could be wrong, or both could be right. But, without modifying our principle (i.e. not using God’s name unless we really mean it) we can’t differentiate between the two.
3) What Does “In Vain” Mean?
I’ve saved this point for last because it’s the most important. In fact, if I’m right, the first two points don’t really make a difference. The question is this:
What does it mean to use God’s name in an empty or vain way?
What does the third commandment really mean? It’s hard to tell from a simple word study on the Hebrew term שָׁוְא (vain). Also, our understanding of a “name” and what it signifies is much different than what it meant in the context in which this commandment was given. First, we must try to understand what it meant when it was written. Second, we can then work out how that applies to us.
It does us no good to anachronistically impose our understanding upon an ancient text. This is eisegesis (reading into the text what we presuppose), not exegesis (letting the text speak on its own terms).
How the Canaanite Nations Invoked Their Deities
Briefly, this is what I believe your studies will show. The nations to which the Israelites were going (in Canaan) had many gods. They were highly superstitious. Their prophets used the name of their god in pronouncements all the time. The usage could be in a curse, hex, or even a blessing. They used the name of their god to give their statements, whatever they may be, authority.
To pronounce something in the name of a god meant that people would listen and fear. They may have said, “In the name of Baal, there will be no rain for 40 days.” Or “In the name of Marduk, I say that you will win this battle.” This gave the prophet much power and authority.
But, as we know, there is no Baal or Marduk. Those gods couldn’t have made such pronouncements. Thus the words of the prophet had no authority and didn’t need to be praised or feared.
Israel’s God Instructed the Proper Use of His Name
God was commanding the Israelites not to do the same thing. God instructed them not to use His name like the nations around them used the names of their gods. He did not want them to use His name falsely to invoke authority. This can be seen even today as the name Jesus means very little because of its constant misuse.
In essence, God didn’t want the Israelites to say that He’d said something that He, in fact, had not. This makes sense. God has a reputation to protect. He doesn’t want anyone saying, “Thus saith the Lord”, if the Lord has not spoken.
We’ve all experienced this. We’ve had someone say we said something we didn’t. This can be very damaging to our character and destructive to our reputation. Why? Because it makes us out to be something we’re not. How much more important is it for God to protect His character?
Application of the Third Commandment Today
What does this mean for us? Well, for starters we understand that the third commandment is focused on something more foundational than simply saying “God damn it!”
While some people may never think of using that phrase, people all over the Christian religious landscape are breaking the third commandment every day, damaging the Lord’s reputation:
- “Thus saith the Lord…”
- “God told me to tell you…”
- “I have a word from the Lord…”
- “God says that if you send in this much money, you will be blessed.”
I could go on and on, but you get the point.
If all one needed to do to keep the third commandment was to avoid saying certain socially unacceptable words or phrases, it would be the easiest of the Ten Commandments to keep!
Using the name of the Lord in vain is a serious matter. It damages His reputation and character through false and unsure claims. Before you say “God said…” make sure He really said it.
If you are unsure, make your statement reflect your uncertainty. Saying “I think God is telling you to…” rather than “God is telling you to…” may not be as authoritative, but it will keep God’s reputation safe and keep you from breaking the third commandment.
If I were Satan, I couldn’t think of a better way to trivialize such an important commandment.
As an aside, I think that this misunderstanding of the third commandment is both sad and tragic. If I were Satan, I couldn’t think of a better way to trivialize such an important commandment than to fool people into thinking it’s focus is on the phrase, “God damn it.”
A Final Caution
Does this mean that I believe that we can now say this phrase and not worry about it? No. Using this phrase in a colloquial way is offensive in many (if not most) contexts. It all comes back to being intentional with everything we say. While it is not a violation of the third commandment necessarily, it is offensive speech that must be used with wisdom and discretion.
Objections and Q&A
Shouldn’t Christians Avoid Every Form (Appearance) of Evil?
Because, in our culture, saying certain words is considered offensive, crude, or crass, Christians should avoid using them so as in order not to violate 1 Thessalonians 5:22. Dan Wallace’s article Avoid Every Appearance of Evil, addresses this very topic.
But What If Cursing Violates My Conscience or Someone Else’s?
No one should violate their conscience. Who would deny that we must do what we think is right? While it’s true that we could follow our conscience and be wrong, we can never violate our conscience and be right. Going against what we think is right (even if we’re wrong) is always wrong. We would be a law unto ourselves maybe even antinomian (against the moral law).
That being said, we should beware of professional weaker brethren who use their scruples to dominate others.
So I Should Start Swearing, Right?
No. Not if you mean “swear” in the sense of cursing left and right. Don’t imagine this article is a license to use vulgarities in the name of Christian liberty. The gospel frees us from the bondage to sin so we can live righteous lives not so we can be rude.
You’re Just Looking for Loopholes!
It’s true that scriptures have been used to excuse the pet sins of many people.
Wonderful things in the Bible I see. Most of them put there by you and by me.
However, the conclusions we come to must rest upon textual exegesis. If the Bible calls something sinful, let God be true and every man a liar. But if it doesn’t, we dare not heap upon others a yoke of bondage.
68 replies to "Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain – What Does it Really Mean?"
you forgot the famous:
“oh my god”
“oh my f….. god”
“jesus christ!”
“jesus f….. christ”
that everyone is saying these days….so many times per day and for everything…u see it in tv shows, movies and real life………
everyone is breaking this commandment every day..its sad..
Thank you for this article. It gives me a nice basis of understanding for explaining to my young children as we teach that phrases like these are not to be used in our family, even dang it or heck or O, my god (or gosh), which they hear it’s going on the playground all the time. Am I being to harsh? I explained to them they are slang or “more respectable ” words than using the real thing. I now feel more comfortable telling them the word (the real words) that these slang words replace and represent because I have an understanding of the meaning.
Thank you for the explanation. Do you have any references as to the concept of how “Canaanite Nations Invoked Their Deities?” Other than that, I really appreciate you explaining this. This helps tremendously.
we cannot ask God to damn anyone. We do not have that right. It would be permitting vengeance and that solely belongs to God. It is a very offensive phrase because we are suppose to love our enemies, to forgive them, and to ask for blessings to enrich them. The Bible is not one verse, one law, or one anything else. God is the only one but the Bible is read, is practiced, is lived in the whole of it! Every word, every verse, every page, every book is one, a whole , a guide to live a Life God has given us. None of the phrases mentioned by you or the gentleman who mentioned those you left out should ever be used. They are in vain. When I say God bless you, I mean it. Because when I pray blessings on everyone it’s not phony or fake to me. This world can be a harsh place and if my prayer brings God’s light to me that is something I do not take lightly.
I respectfully disagree with you Jill. We can ask God anything we want, but it doesn’t mean He will acknowledge the request. Many biblical figures requested God to smite their enemies. I don’t see how this would be different if you meant it, however as Don pointed out most people say it when frustrated or not thinking clearly. It’s not the belief behind the words, but the offensive nature and stigma of the phrase that endures. Also, the Bible is the Word of God… not a guide so much. Christians use it as a guide, but whether someone uses it as a guide or just light reading doesn’t change the fact it is the Word of God. It is like citing the difference between a sword and a knife. They are both cutting instruments, but we both know the true purpose of each. I personally take offense when someone refers to the Bible as a book or a guide, because it is unequivocally The Book of All Books. The whole reason I brought this up is because as you can see, based on the simple word you used in relation to God offended me, but I’m not judging you based on it. I’m only making you aware of the offense taken. Just as what you’ve said is offensive to you (as well as me), but you cannot judge a person for speaking it. It’s not within your realm to judge a person for their acts. God knows the fate of a man’s heart and will judge each man accordingly. Remember… judge not lest ye be judged.
The bibles say that we should bless others and not curse them. If you are obedient to god’s word, then you will not ask Him to damn anyone, but you will ask Him to bless them, and let God make the decision on what to do. Jill is not judging anyone. Some people are too quick to say don’t judge. Correcting is different from judging! May God bless you and give you understanding to His word!
Jill is judging everyone!!! We can ask God any single thing we want. God just say’s no a lot.
Billy and Alfred,
Nope Jill is NOT judging everyone. Do people even know what is the meaning of “judge”? To judge means, pass a sentence for others to be caned, to go on death row, to be imprisoned, etc. That is what a judge does. How has Jill judged? These days, people just love to tell others they are judging, because they feel uncomfortable that they are being **corrected** so they use this excuse to shut people up so that they don’t have to be responsible for their actions.
Billy,
Yes we can ask God anything we want, question is, , is what you are asking pleasing to God? Do you care if what you say or think or act pleases or grieve God? Remember, when we ask God to damn this or that, we ourselves aren’t perfect which means we would also be asking God to damn ourselves. If we want God’s mercy, then give mercy to others first.
If we all know what it means to damn anything, which is to condemn and cast to hell FOREVER, please use a minute to think of this word FOREVER. It is not even just a trillion year! It is a length of time we cannot even phantom. It is a one-way ticket with no way to return! I would not ask God to damn even a single thing to hell forever.
I agree with you, not that we *cannot* ask, but that it is not right to ask God to damn others (because in my mind the meaning is clearly eternal damnation). I feel differently about asking God to rebuke someone who has done evil, but when it is said it should be meant, and hopefully followed with a prayer that God will change their hearts.
I too mean it every time I say “May God bless you” and consider that a prayer/request to God in itself.
If we should not ask God to damn those who have hurt/offended us/done evil unto us though – it is because God knows our hearts and this is done with hatred and anger and judgement in our hearts. Therefore if this IS done colloquially, it is not the same sin. God sees inside our hearts and minds, and knows what we mean – so if someone were to say “Gd damn IT”, colloquially, He would know that we were not asking him to condemn anyone to eternal damnation.
However, as written in the post, there are several scriptures which tell us that we must govern our speech and rid ourselves of obscene talk. Also that not everything is profitable, even if it is “allowed” by the law.
Very nice comment I really appreciate it
Amen Jill, Amen!!!! I think the author might be a Jesuit!!!! Who would even believe this rubbish!!!!? This made me SICK because I saw myself in the article. Lord forgive me.
Jill,you seem to be on the right course ,And I agree its not our privalage to ask god to harm folks ,I want that what he preaches BE NICE ,even when its hard to do!
Have you actually read the Bible???
Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Vengeance is Gods alone that is why we pray to it. We want it to balance what was done to us.
“Vengeance is mine Saith the Lord” Only meant don’t take S***e into your own hands. It never meant don’t ask me to kill the devils in your life. There is no passage in the Bible that says hate the sin not the sinner. We’ll just call that modern propaganda.
By your reasoning I can set and watch a person being raped (Witch happened to me) and just pray to God to bless the POS that is raping me right now to be blessed.
Your right, the bible isn’t one verse or one law. There are over 200 laws in the bible. Way more than the 10. The 10 were the laws of Moses. I’m not a Jew so I don’t live under the law. I live under Grace.
Wonderful article! I would like to add that God doesn’t damn anyone or (certainly) anything. People can damn themselves. There is no condemnation in God.
Thank you, Tina.
That (most importantly your last sentence) was my personal and most important feeling triggered by this very informative article.
Hmmm…did God not condemn the people of Soddam and Ghamorra(sp?)?
Amen!
I have never believed that the use of “g–d— it” was the meaning behind the Third Commandment. I would suggest that the meaning would cover the taking the identity of Christian while not really living a truly Christian life, just for appearances–vanity–rather than to love God and serve To advance His Kingdom and be an example for others in need of the Grace of salvation. By being a fake Christian, we potentially mislead possible newcomers into incorrect ways of thinking and acting, rather than displaying the fruits of a life led by the Holy Spirit.
Of course, if I am wrong, I will be the first to admit it. I just feel that when the eternal destiny of human souls is at stake, it is egregiously wrong to pretend to be a child of God when you’re not.
Bingo, Don!
While during the childhood of God’s elect, we were given concrete commands not to become like the Egyptians, Caanites, etc.; as adults we should understand that we can not belong to both God and the world. I expect that my Father will punish me far more harshly for an impulsive blurt of gossip than a mantra of…effn god.
I search the internet from time to time trying to find out if anyone has a clue about what our creator expects from us, and, sadly, your seemingly no brainer comment is profound wisdom compared to everything I have EVER read on the internet. Though never in a Western country, I have met circles of people in person that understand and proclaim Truth. They do suffer for it, just as our Savior promised, yet they have been my only breathing source of joy and hope until your posted comment.
I agree with Don. Looking up “vain” in the dictionary, all the definitions seem to align but one:
1. Not yielding the desired outcome; fruitless: a vain attempt.
2. Lacking substance or worth: vain talk.
3. Having or showing excessive pride in one’s appearance or accomplishments; conceited.
4. Archaic Foolish.
Idiom:
in vain
1. To no avail; without success: Our labor was in vain.
2. In an irreverent or disrespectful manner: took the Lord’s name in vain.
Almost as if the misinterpretation was forced in by Christians.
I feel dragging yourself out of bed earlier than you would like, whining the whole time you put on your best, crispest uncomfortable clothes, sharing disgruntled awkward smiles and handshakes, spending the whole service thinking of yourself or the game or the lawn, etc. Absently reciting words and prayers on cue, bored out of your mind, is saying the Lord’s make in vain.
That form of “worship” lacks substance, is fruitless, conceited in thinking you have better things to do and does not successfully rejuvenate your passion for your saviour.
Without passion in your heart and dedication in your mind you are taking the lord’s name in vain and you are only worshipping the routine, the obligation for certain people to see your face at a certain place at a certain time.
There is only one who knows why you are there.
You are only fooling everyone else… And that is probably in vain, too.
Jeff, I’d like to use your post to raise the bar — please don’t take it personally.
You said:
>>>There is only one who knows why you are there.
>>>You are only fooling everyone else… And that is probably in vain, too.
You seem to perceive the emptiness of it all. So why do you bother to go then? Your meetings with others should make you a more fruitful person and visa versa. That is the SOLE purpose other than the power of unified prayer. Whatever reasons/excuses you have for going, I challenge you and everyone to remember that sometimes problems are perpetuated because “When two walk together, one will become like the other.” Which could be construed as a warning for most people to not “go to church.” Or, if you try to influence as the minority, “You will be persecuted.” And that is the wisdom to another question that will probably never be heard on the internet.
Very well said Jeff. After reading the daily bread which captioned “mention his name” led me to google, what is meant by taking God’s name in vain….. I first wanted to see if any site would first mention that the word God is a title and not a name and only one broke it down the way you did. It’s not just saying vulgar things from your mouth, but actually acting in such a way as a believer that brings dishonor to our Father in heaven. Which brings me to His name….. YHWH or Yahweh. Why not use His name that is almighty and all powerful rather than His title? This is a subject that people tend to shy away from and mostly Christians. I would lover to hear your take on it Jeff.
You’re right. The Hebrew word used “shav” doesn’t mean “vain” like the author thinks. It means something akin to “deception.” The sin is pretending to be speaking for the Lord when you’re not, such as telling people falsehoods as to what the third Commandment means to make into a profanity ban rather than a prohibition against, in my personal opinion, people like ol’ Reverend Joel, who just use God to profit.
I think this is an excellent analysis of the third commandment, and I couldn’t agree more with this. Many christians are condemning people for coarse language and perhaps rightly so, but they are doing so as if it were a violation of the third commandment when it is not. Meanwhile they often claim to have “a word from the Lord” and directly violate the third commandment while thinking that their sin is super spiritual. Kinda messed up. Thanks for writing this I think it provides much needed clarity.
I have read articles leading to the same conclusions in the past, but my (aging) memory was a bit fuzzy on details.
I heard a minister I respect state that Hebrew, the language, at some point lacked vowels, increasing the difficulty of precise translation. I have not researched this further yet. I am grateful for this article clarifying the spiritual intent of the writers in the texts referring to this commandment.
I would like to ask about something that really offends me. I will be teaching the Ten Commandments and the third one should fall somewhere in November of 2015. I hear preachers, especially emotionally inclined preachers, pray enthusiastically but it seems that every other word or phrase begins and concludes with forms of God’s name, ie: Father God, Lord Jesus, Holy Father, etc. In the model prayer that Jesus taught his Disciples to pray Jesus initiated the prayer with, “Our Father which art in Heaven …” He did not throw in a lot of interjections and fillers with God’s name. It may sound spiritual to pray that way but I believe it is a frivolous use of God’s Holy name. It seems to me that we should so revere and honor God’s Holy Name that we use it only in its proper grammatical place. Even the Bible transcribers would stop and wash, etc. before writing the name of God. What do you think about these types of prayers.
Thank you very much for your help!!
Gary Elfner
[email protected]
And we don’t want to cause others to stumble
I feel that if you use God’s name in any form and you are not talking to him or telling someone about him, it is in vain.
When I was in the Navy, I was falling into the bad habit of using foul language. I was given the gift of an almost-out-of-body experience during which I say myself using this language and felt genuine regret and remorse. It was made known to me that this was the language of the low class and uneducated segment of civilization, which I was not. Furthermore, the Third Commandment, I learned later, could better have been translated to “Thou shalt not CARRY God’s name in vain.” The intent in the original context was that no Hebrew should commit any evil act in the name of God, such as a man abusing his wife and children because he was the man of the house because it was God’s will that he be man and lord of his house. This commandment also included swearing an oath, in the name of God, to do something evil. This was a bad habit the Hebrews got into while in Egypt.
Imagine talking to someone who attempts to justify the horrific crimes against humanity committed by Adolf Hitler or Joseph Stalin. What would you think of such a person? Even if they condemned such behavior today, their justification of brutal crimes committed in the past would not be excusable. You would look upon such a person with disgust and contempt and consider them incredibly immoral.
So let’s take a look at Christianity. Practically every version of Trinitarian Christianity, from fundamentalist to liberal, sees Jesus as the God of the Old Testament. To deny that Jesus is the God of the Old Testament is to deny the Trinity. If Jesus is the God of the Old Testament he is guilty of some of the most barbaric, horrific acts of infanticide and genocide known to man. Yet Christians of all stripes pray and worship this mass murderer of men, women, and little children.
Any Christian who refuses to condemn and denounce the God of the Old Testament is immoral.
1.) You’re judging God. No one gets to judge God. He is the judge. We don’t get to put God on trial. We can ask Him questions when we don’t understand something, especially when it comes to passages in the Bible that are difficult to reconcile, but we absolutely do not get to put Him on trial.
2.) Our failure or inability to grasp God’s perfect holiness and absolute wisdom does not grant us the right to deem anything He has done as heinous, wrong, immoral, etc. If God did something, then He has a sufficiently wise and moral reason for doing so. The natural man does not get to impose limited and biased understanding of morality in an effort to somehow qualify or nullify God’s perfect and holy morality.
3.) God commands that we shall not murder/kill/cause death by negligence. Why? There are myriad reasons we can recite for honoring this Commandment, but there is one that is ultimately important and relevant; God is not a murderer. He doesn’t kill indiscriminately or cause death because of negligence. Murder is ultimately a sin because we are image-bearers of God and when we murder, we misrepresent our Father. Our actions make a false claim on who He is and what His character is like. In this light, murder breaks numerous Commandments, not just one. God doesn’t call us to obey anything that He hasn’t already set the standard for. If God commanded us not to murder, it is ultimately because He is not a murderer. Therefore, the acts of genocide we read about cannot be murder and therefore cannot be judged by the natural man’s limited understanding and comprehension of morality.
5.) All are under the curse. All are guilty. All are worthy of death. There are none righteous. These are foundational Biblical truths about who we are in light of who God is. We rejected Him, not the other way around. God is therefore morally upright and fully righteous to annihilate whomever He chooses. This makes the incomparable gift of Jesus Christ crucified and risen all the more relevant, powerful, humbling, and utterly life-changing.
6.) We may not understand everything we read in the Bible. We may not understand everything God has done. We know from Isaiah that His ways and His thoughts are not our ways and our thoughts; His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. This is the position of the natural man. God’s wisdom frustrates the natural man because it does not align with the sensuality and falsehood of the natural man’s wisdom. However, we also know from Paul that the Spiritual man has the mind of Christ. Read 1 Corinthians 2, especially 14-16. The entire Bible ultimately needs to be read and filtered through the finished work of the Cross. When (if) you realize and comprehend your pre-Cross standing with God, and then accept and be utterly transformed by the finished work of the Cross, you will begin to see God’s perfect, holy wisdom, morality, character, and Word in a while new light; one in which He is never on trial.
I’d like to reply to Gary’s comment (even though it’s from so long ago).
I understand what you mean. Many Christians have the tendency to separate the Old and New Testament by the ‘character’ of God – that He was mean in the Old Testament, and nice in the New Testament, to put it simplistically. I’ve heard many comments about how God seems mean in the Old Testament. I think it’s offensive, misguided, and sometimes downright blasphemous to think this way.
I see God in the Old Testament as incredibly kind, gentle, reasonable, forgiving, understanding, patient etc.
The “barbaric”, “horrific” acts of the Old Testament, as they are interpreted, are a stumbling block to many people. But an easy explanation actually shows the very opposite.
Interestingly, you’ve answered your own dilemma, by bringing up Hitler and Stalin.
The peoples God instructed to be wiped out in the Old Testament were so disgusting, vile, evil and repulsive, they made the Nazis look like the Sunnybrook Farm welcome wagon, and, Hitler, Stalin, and Pol Pot look like Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, and Charlie Brown.
If these people had continued to live and spread out and be established, the world wouldn’t be what it is today, it would be so much worse.
The most amazing irony is that if these peoples had not been killed, people would say, how can a loving God allow such evil people to exist?!
So really, instead of being an example of “barbaric”, “horrific” acts, is this an example of how loving God is? That He wiped out part of the world in the Old Testament times so that the world wouldn’t be so evil now?
That analogy of someone blindfolded feeling an elephant describes how we think we know things, but really we don’t know the whole story; the person feeling the elephant thinks the leg is a tree, the ear is a palm leaf, the trunk is a snake, etc.
After certain personal experiences, I felt if evil was allowed to go rampant we’d all go insane. I think we don’t realise how much God holds back evil. Wiping out these really evil so called people was probably God doing just that, holding back evil.
Does that make you think about things differently at all? Maybe it’s just another perspective for you, but I’d feel remiss if I didn’t share it with you.
I was going to say God bless, but in the light of this blog, I better not. But I wish you truth, peace, and love.
Have you actually read the bible? Saying “god damn it” as an unthinking expletive is hardly a violation of the third Commandment or blasphemy against the holy spirit. I mean, I’m sure I’ve never intended to literally, and I doubt anyone else does either. Or do you suppose God cares about the gutteral sounds we humans make, rather than what’s in our hearts?
Further, blasphemy of the holy spirit has nothing to do with ANY of this. It is the rejection of the holy spirit. The failure to believe. Just saying “I blaspheme the holy spirit” ain’t gonna get you a one-way ticket to hell any more than if I yell “JESUS CHRIST!” when I almost get into an accident.
You and I have very different ways of looking at God, my friend. I don’t know where you got your biblical education but it doesn’t seem to be from any actual study of the bible and the context of the verses you cited. I hope you find someone to help educate you beyond this.
Hi everyone,
After reading all the posts and the lesson above, nothing has changed among Christians as far as coming to terms with what the Bible says and everyone agreeing with one another.
Though our speech is a reflection of how we may respect (or disrespect) God, I have always felt that God had a greater intent for this commandment than simply regulating how we use His name in our daily discourse. Here’s how I have read this: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” or “You shall not call yourself a Christian and fail to serve God and your fellowman.” It is much more of a dishonor to God to claim to bear His name, and yet fail to be Godly, than to simply utter His name without reverence or honor.
This is a nicely written post. I couldn’t agree with it more, except for one significant detail- GOD not our Creator’s name! God is a title. There are many gods in this world today. If we are to speak of the One True God, we need to use his personal name Jehovah! He inspired the Bible writers to include His name in His Word over 7000 times. Why? Because He knows to have a personal relationship with Him, we must know and use His name.
If you don’t find his name in your copy of the Bible, it would be good to ask yourself ‘Why not?’ His Word at Rev 22:18 specifically condemns making any changes to His Word. Speak to any of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They will gladly provide you with a copy that accurately restores His name to it’s proper place. (At no charge!)
I find it rather humorous, writers in preceding comments seem to find it necessary to abreviate god or God when is preceived by them as a sin, improper or what ever. You think it – therefore, what ever one thinks is so is he. You think it but write gd or GD and others, all is forgiven, just write it and pray for forgiveness for having the intelligence to not write what you think. Maybe some will get my point. I notice in Jewish writings, God is G_d or GD. I dont get the point of that, Is it offensive to The God to even write the word god or is less sinful to us GD or gd, etc??, Since it is not His name.
Wonderful article. I am new at being a Christian. Just need some help in under standing the 10 commandments . What does the first commandment mean?.
Interesting comments! Wonder whose right? I refuse to be offended because the Word says we won’t be, IF WE love.
Isn’t it more safe to just ask God to help us just not do it.
I want him to to make me holy in my heart in every crevice, and corner.
If I slip, and if I confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We must be consistent.
We were sinners, but now we are the righteousness of God.
( if we have confessed with our mouth and believed on him with our heard.
We are not called saints of God. Ephesians 5:8.says For you were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.
If We confess our sins, he is faithful…..
Believed with our HEART….
We are NOW called saints of God…..
I did not read all the responses but I do want to add a technicality. If you say a phrase, anything at all and you believe that you did not take the Lords name in vain, but your brother who heard you, thinks that you did, then you have failed. Even if you technically believe your phrase is innocent. You will be judged on how you affected others irrelevant of what you believed at that given point in time. If your brother fails because of you, then you have failed.
I think its pretty simple “vain” means vanity. if you say “Im a good Christian” you have just made yourself look good with the name of Christ. you have used his name for your own vanity. but people in positions of religious power who do this all the time I am sure over the years would try and change this meaning.
wow just wow
I agree 100 percent . Forgive me
Great analysts! Good job in writing 🙂
I did a lookup years ago of the meaning to say God d someone and came up with the same conclusion!
I think most Christians are clueless and mindless and don’t do their own research but just accept what others feel or say.
It’s using G-d’s name in vain because you are asking him to “Damn it” without damning anything. When talking to the Lord or of the Lord you must be respectful as possible. It is different if you say “Dear G-d, will you damn it.” He might.
Saying G-d’s name in vain is saying His name without actually meaning it. Hence “You will not take the name of your Lord G-d’s name in vain”
I don’t know what your agenda is but you are an idiot.
Joel
Just out of curiosity you say that when someone is talking to the Lord or of the Lord they must be as respectful as possible as if God is fragile or easily tempered. Like we must tread lightly in our approach. In Hebrews the Bible instructs us to come before his throne boldly. The third commandment is simply saying not to use God’s name by frivolously attaching his name to empty commands, uncertain promises or unfounded threats that mean nothing. When we choose to do that the value of his word and reputation stand the chance of becoming tarnished! For an example when my ex-husband decided to file for divorce he consistently said “Alison, God said for me to get a divorce.” or “Alison, this is what God told me to do.” Unfortunately that was using the Lord’s name in vain because scripture very plainly says in the book of Malachi that God hates divorce.
God hates divorce because of the pain; because of the mourning that goes along with it and the tearing apart of a sacred vow made before Him! So my ex husband used the Lord’s name in vain repeatedly because for the lack of a better statement…God never
co-signed his decision. When someone chooses to use God’s name In vain it could possibly damage another person’s relationship with Christ. I agree with the author an I think there are far bigger reasons as to why this commandment is misunderstood by so many. Satan is cunning.
I explained all this to say that I don’t think their was any kind of hidden agenda in this article and this person is definitely not an idiot! 😊
Joel, I couldn’t agree more.
Be careful what u say. All SCRIPTURES are inspired by the holy spirit. You can use the world’s tools to interpret scriptures and miss the Mark Or rely on the Holy Spirit. this democracy is far short from interpreting God’s word which is the word became flesh and Jesus is the word. That’s why we have so many politicians who like to quote the word, but quick to bash or deny the truth. Because of misinterpretation
I absolutely love this article. I have been raised in church my whole life and never understood this as you presented it! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! After reading this I have so many questions on others things that I want to ask you! LoL 😊
Ditto what you said.
The author of this is an idiot. You lead to believe it’s the technical meaning, not the word itself. Theoretically means the same as God Bless You?! Really?! I sure hope people don’t believe this….
Hey Ralph, you could be right. But you can’t expect me or anybody else to believe you are based upon mirror ascertains, can you? Can you tell us what the correct view is and how this article is wrong based on the correct view? Please provide step-by-step how to get there.
I want to personally thank you for this Article. It is “man” that gives power to words. In England to be told to bugger off is the same thing as saying the F-Bomb in America. After all didn’t the Bible say that the tongue was as sharp as a two edged sword?
Proverbs 12:18; Reckless words pierces like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Psalm 34:13 ; Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.
Proverbs 10:20; The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
Matthew 12:36: But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken.
Proverbs 12:19; Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
Psalm 19:14; May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Proverbs 15:4; The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
James 1:26; If anyone considers himself religious and does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion worthless.
Proverbs 15:2; The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes evil.
1 Peter 3:10; For whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue away from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.
Proverbs 18:21; The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat it’s fruit.
James 3:6; The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire and itself set on fire by hell.
It is not our words but the intent behind them that matter. Didn’t Jesus say in Matthew 5:28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Does that not prove to you that the intent of the heart is more important than mere Words. Is not God a judge of hearts not actions. Isn’t actually in the bible that God will judge your heart not your deeds. Isn’t it written that you can’t be saved by Works alone.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Galatians 2:21
I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
Romans 8:3
For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,
Romans 9:16
So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.
Romans 11:6
But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.
Galatians 5:4
You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
Romans 3:20-30
because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.
Romans 9:31-32
but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Galatians 2:16
nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.
Galatians 3:10-12
For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.” Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “The righteous man shall live by faith.” However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “He who practices them shall live by them.”
Galatians 3:21
Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.
Galatians 4:9-11
But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.
Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
Galatians 6:15
For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
Philippians 3:3-9
for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;read more.
Colossians 2:20-23
If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?read more.
2 Timothy 1:9
who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,
Titus 3:4-5
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
James 2:10-11
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
Romans 3:20
because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.
Luke 18:9-14
And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.read more.
I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Matthew 5:20
“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Psalm 49:7-8
No man can by any means redeem his brother
Or give to God a ransom for him—
For the redemption of his soul is costly,
And he should cease trying forever—
Psalm 127:1-2
A Song of Ascents, of Solomon.
Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early,
To retire late,
To eat the bread of painful labors;
For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.
Isaiah 64:6
For all of us have become like one who is unclean,
And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment;
And all of us wither like a leaf,
And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
I Keep reading these posts of self righteous elitist who are the reason for the decline of Christianity. They play word games like “I didn’t judge him I corrected him” (A person must make a JUDGEMENT before they decide to correct me. (Also known as JUDGEMENT)). I am not a Jew therefore i don’t live under the Law, I Live under grace. First to the Jew and then to the gentile. When I say GD when I smash my finger (I meant S**t that really hurt D***it) God knew exactly what I meant. Is he not Omnipotent? Doesn’t he know the past present an future. Doesn’t he know my heart and what I meant when I said it? When we set around and look down our noses at potential Christians all we do is give power to the enemy. This Article is articulate and true. Not a single thing that was said was untrue. I am Save by the grace of God and by the Lamb he sent me, By his sacrifice I am covered by the Blood of the lamb. By all means come back with the fact that Jesus said if you love me and my father who sent me you will keep his commandments. Please list the 200+ commandments that are in the bible. Then read your bible again and realize that Jesus said we can’t get to God Through Deeds. His Quote is I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” I Can say GD every day of the week and I will come to the father In purity and faith For I have never said Gods name in Vain. When I say Yahweh’s Name in Mean it. Lets be honest, its entirely possible that when I smashed that finger I was having a little prayer for God to intervene and help me with the pain. He might have even answered. Even though I didn’t use his actual name he saw my heart and saw I was in pain and decided to make the pain go away quicker. For all of you that want to hold on to Ideology and dogma, I’ll pray for you. Odin Dammit is not a bad word and he is a god. You shall not have any gods before me. The Author is very smart in sating that if you actually took Gods name in Vein. Nobody would notice.
I believe it’s totally disrespectful to God and it dishonors his blessed name. I warn my brother who uses it that way in vein. Blessed be God blessed be his holy name. I heard a woman once say gods last name isn’t damn. To truly love God is to respect him and his name. We must show reverence to God. A person being damned would be gods greatest punishment, so who wishes that on anybody and calls themselves a christian. Love your enemy it’s gods will. If you love only the ones who love you what reward shall you have that’s said by our loving Jesus. Think of him on the cross that’s a blasphemy against the crusixiction so people might not be truly damned. God bless you!
I appreciate the effort to provide some historical and theological context. However, it seems to me that people have indeed taken the name in vain by removing it from nearly all modern Bibles where YHWH is present nearly 7000 times. There is no scriptural authority for this action.
Furthermore, when people today talk about taking the name in vain, they associate it with Jesus rather than YHWH and are therefore guilty of Jesusolatory.
Would you prefer the name be tossed around so much that you go to Pizza Hut and get your order taken by someone with the same name? The true name of God was only spoken by very few and its intonement took time and was an event. Yhwh is not the name of God but more of a self-reference meaning “I am who I am”. When someone speaks those words it is intended to be along the lines of “You should already know who I am” when Jesus uttered these words that was the beginning of the religious Ire towards him. Be careful not to be caught up in such trivial things that you lose sight of what is truly important i.e. your personal relationship with the almighty and how the grace of such a relationship is felt by those around you. God can be felt by the lost through those who truly know him.
I’m sorry, but you are simply wrong.
YHWH was and remains the name of God(Exodus 3:15) and was widely used in everyday life in ancient Israelite society as the Bible and archaeological evidence reveals.
I’m sorry, but you are simply so wrong. YHWH was and remains the name of God. (Ex 3 :15) It was widely used in Israelite society as the Bible and archaeological evidence reveals. It was not a trivial matter to Jesus (Mat 6 :9)
YHVH is only one of many names given to God and the reason it doesn’t have any vowels is to prevent people from attempting to pronounce the name of God. To Jews God is usually referred to as El Shaddai, Adonai, Elohim, Elokaynu or Elokim. These names were used as abbreviations to avoid speaking the name outside of the temple. There are many names given to God in the old books all of them having a meaning as they are more of a praise or a description than names. YHVH was never used in the Torah though it does appear in psalms. Going back to the beginning of Judaism it is considered bad form to write name of God as it leads to an opportunity for someone to erase it or do harm to it. just as speaking it without extreme reverence is frowned upon. This is why there are so many abbreviated forms. At one point in the 16th century a German actually wrote YHVH as Jehovah and that particular pronunciation has stuck to this day.
With the greatest respect, you are talking nonsense. The name YHWH is in the entire Hebrew scriptures 6000 times and was used in everyday worship and conversation. YHWH is the only NAME of God , although he has many titles. You seem to be unaware of the difference.
Archaeology reveals the name was used in secular records and it was only after the exile to Babylon that extremists began to put a fence round the name. Down until the first century CE, copies of the Greek Septuagint still contain the divine name in Hebrew.
Many Jews had the divine name incorporated into their own, including a certain YEHOshua (Jesus).
Perhaps we will just have to agree to disagree in the end.
I would like to do an experiment, Ewan.
Is the book of Mark written in Hebrew, or Greek?
Let’s go back to…
Deuteronomy 6:4
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
What is the Hebrew here?
Hear, H8085 O Israel: H3478 The LORD H3068 our God H430 is one H259 LORD: H3068
That would be
Hear, O Israel, YHVH our ĕlôhîym is one YHVH
As you state, no problem there!
But now…THE GREEK of that SAME VERSE, as mentioned by…
Mark 12:29
And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
Hear, O Israel, kyrios our theos is one kyrios:
It is MARK’s GOSPEL that changes YHVH to “THE LORD”, and as such, we don’t have the right to change that. The KJV people didn’t change YHVH to The Lord…Mark did.
By the way, the word EXTREMISTS don’t mean anything anymore.
It is also my understanding that NO ONE, outside of the HIGH PRIEST had the AUTHORITY to PRONOUNCE YHVH, which is why it is NOT USED in Judaism. Now, you are probably not a Jew, so it doesn’t matter what you use. You can use Frank for all I care.
But the point is, Mark didn’t use YHVH. He used THE LORD. And since there is ONLY ONE LORD, and Jesus is it, Jesus is God, like it or not! Revelation 1:8-18 tells us that Jesus is THE Almighty, who was dead, but now alive forevermore! The FIRST AND LAST, and beside him, there is no God *(both from Revelation and Isaiah).
O dear. You don’t have a clue.
God is a filthy liberal scumbag.
The bible also says to take an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. There is also a prime example of wwjd When Jesus flipped over tables and beat people with palm fronds for selling merchandise in the temple. Therefore in righteous anger, I do not see harm in the use of the term gd, nor in beating people with palm fronds.
Michael,
I recommend the book “Bearing God’s Name (Why Sinai Still Matters), by Carmen Joy Imes. It’s an excellent treatment of the commandment to “Not take the name of the LORD in vain”. She translates it as “You must not bear (or carry) the name of YHWH your God in vain”. To rephrase, “Represent HIM well”.
Later, God tells them that they are to be a holy nation – a nation of priests to the other nations.
As are we…
It’s a great read.
Thanks Bob!
Just to be clear, this is written by some “preacher” who isn’t an ordained priest. So just another pretty heretic.