What does it mean to use the Lord’s name in vain? This is a question that might seem self-evident to most people in western society. Whether you are religious or not, you would not even hesitate with your answer, “It means to say ‘G D’.” I am sure that there are more people that can answer this than there are who can list the ten commandments, name the Gospels, or tell you the difference between the New Testament and the Old Testament. For this reason, I thought that I would try to contribute to this discussion by asking the question “What does it really mean to take the Lord’s name in vain?”
Obviously, I am going to say something that is at odds with the common conception among those of us who grew up in the context of our western Judeo-Christian culture, otherwise I would not have included the word “really,” and put it in italics! The reader must also be warned that I am going to use a phrase that is very offensive to many. I am assuming that I am dealing with a mature audience who understands the intentionality that I bring to this blog. If what I am proposing here is correct, we all need to hear this in order to overcome a serious issue of folk theology that damages the character of God and misrepresents what it means to talk in a “Christian” manner.
For most, the ultimate violation of the third commandment, “You shall not take the Lord your God’s name in vain,” 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 would believe that you have crossed the line. You might even be charged with blasphemy. Some people will stand before God and when asked “Why should I let you in to heaven?” will proudly say, “Because I did not murder, commit adultery, and I never said the ‘G D’ word.” (Please note, I don’t think God is going to ask that question. Don’t go there.)
I believe we have this wrong. In fact, from a purely objective standpoint, I don’t believe that this phrase causes God to bat an eye whatsoever. Think about it this way for a moment. 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 imprecatory Psalms, who call upon God to bring judgement on their enemies. In other words, they are asking for God to damn those who they feel are ripe for His judgement. In this sense, saying “God damn you” can be as biblical as saying “God bless you.”
Some may say to me the reason why 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 in a biblical sense. For these people, if you say it with the biblical meaning, fine, but if you say it casually, then you have used His name in an “empty” way and thereby have broken the third commandment.
But there are three major problems with this line of reasoning:
1) “God” is not the name of God, but a common phrase used to refer to deities in general. How can a generic classification 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. This demonstrates that it is a cultural thing taboo more than anything else.
2) If the principle that we are going by is that we are not to use God’s name and not really mean it, then I believe that we are very inconsistent in what we take offense to as a culture. 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 really talking to God, beseeching on your behalf for a blessing? 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, then 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 anyone who is honest with themselves can say that they are consistent in this regard. Saying “God bless you” and not meaning it should be just as bad as saying “God damn you” and not meaning it.
3) This is the most important so I have saved it for last. In fact, if what I am about to say is true, then the first two 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 is hard to tell from a simple word study on the Hebrew term naqa (vain). As well, 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. What we have to do is to try to understand what it meant then, so that we can understand how it applies now. 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).
Briefly, here is what I believe your studies will show. The nations to which the Israelites were going had many gods. They were highly superstitious. Their prophets would often use the name of their god in pronouncements. The usage could be in a curse, hex, or even a blessing. They would use the name of their god to give their statements, whatever they may be, authority. To pronounce something in their own name would not have given their words much weight, but 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. Since this is the case, they did not really make such pronouncement and therefore the words of the prophet had no authority and should neither have been praised or feared.
God, I believe, was attempting to prevent the Israelites from doing the same thing. God was saying for them not to use His name like the nations used the names of their gods. He did not want them to use His name to invoke false authority behind pronouncements. In essence, God did not want the Israelites to say that He said something that He had not said. This makes sense. God has a reputation to protect. He does not want anyone saying “Thus sayeth the Lord” if the Lord had not spoken. All of you have experienced this. You have had people say you said something you did not say. This can be very damaging to your character. It is very destructive to your name. Why? Because it makes you out to be something that you are not. How much more important is it for God to protect His character? It is fitting that God would have put this as one of the ten most important commandments as the nation of Israel moved towards Canaan. It is his name (i.e. reputation) that is at stake.
What does this mean for us? Well, for starters we understand that the third commandment is not focused on something so trivial as saying “God damn it!” The funny thing is that 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 sayeth the Lord . . .” “God told me to tell you . . .” “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. Using the name of the Lord in vain, I believe, means that you do damage to His reputation and character through false and unsure claims.
Therefore, think deeply before you say “God said . . .” Make sure that He has really said it. Don’t be flippent by trying to encourage a friend and say, “God is telling you . . .” If you are unsure, make your statement reflect your uncertianty. 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.
I think that this misunderstanding of the third commandment is not only sad, but tragic. If I were Satan, I can’t think of a better way to trivialize such an important commandment and misrepresent the character of God than to make people focus its essence on the phrase “God damn it.”
Does this mean that I believe that we can now say the phrase “God damn it” and not worry about it? Not exactly. I think that using this phrase in a colloquial way is offensive in many (if not most) contexts. We don’t want to be offensive. It all comes back to being intentional with everything we say (Eph. 4:29). While it is not necessarily a violation of the third commandment, it is offensive speech that must be used with wisdom and discretion.
30 replies to "What Does it Really Mean to Take the Lord’s Name in Vain?"
This is a repost. I will be doing a blog on each one of the commandments, God willing (and I meant that!).
I stumbled on your site while I was looking for the answer to whether or not that derogatory phrase is blasphemous. Being Catholic, I find myself saying it when I’m really aggravated followed by “Sorry Lord”. I find it humorous and hypocritical. But your points are all very valid, and your last one of “it may not be blasphemous, but doesn’t mean one should use it” just wraps everything in a neat bow. Kudos.
I’ve never seen “the GD word” spelled as “G-D.” For a second there I thought you had become Jewish or something. 🙂
You are right Eric. I changed it.
One more “G-D” needs changing: 🙂
Some people will stand before God and when asked “Why should I let you in to heaven?” will proudly say, “Because I did not murder, commit adultery, and I never said the G-D word.”
Good post.
I didn’t want to get the last post this was mentioned off track, but I don’t think this interpretation is tenable. I think what is said is true, but not as an application of this verse. Literally, the phrase in the Hebrew reads “You will not lift up the name of YHWH your God for shaw’.” The word in Exodus and Deuteronomy is not naqa, but shaw’ and just means “nothing.” It can refer to prophecy in some contexts, but it also refers to people, attempts to save oneself, to work for nothing, etc. I would think there would need to be more here to nuance it the way that you want to use it (i.e., the mention of idols and false prophecy specifically connected to this command).
The word naqa is in the subordinate clause, “for YHWH will not naqa ’empty’ him [of guilt] who lifts up His name for nothing.” So it’s a play on the concept, yet in order to do so, it does not repeat the word shaw’, which has a different meaning.
So I think the exegesis is lacking there.
Second to this, I think it’s problematic to say that we ought not use God as a curse word because it’s offensive. It seems clear that cursing is a sign of demonic presence in the Scripture, and even in my own experience, I continually witness those who are falling back into the world as picking up cursing more and more. If the term “God” has become a curse word, therefore, it ought to never be used this way: (1) Because it is offensive to God to use His name as a curse word; (2) because cursing evidences a mind that is perverted by the demonic; and (3) because by speaking in an unclean way we invite more uncleaness into our lives, as bad practice makes perfect.
So it’s not an either/or situation. I think Christians ought not to claim to speak for the Lord when they often don’t (something covered by the law elsewhere), nor should they lift up his name for nothing.
I think you make some great points about the actual intended application of the commandment, but I’m not sure that this would make me feel any better about using the term ‘god’ (or ‘God’) casually and dismissively…or especially in a way that does not reflect the actual God, Yahweh, or my duty to Him.
Maybe its not actual blasphemy to say “Oh my God” in any situation save those that have you actually and sincerely crying out to God for mercy or peace, but would it qualify under the exhortation in Ephesians (I think) for no idle words?
As Christians, shouldn’t any reference we make regarding the words “god”, “hell”, or especially “Jesus” or “Christ” be with care, respect and intention (rather than flippant remarks)? Am I a legalist because I think this?
Casey,
As Christians, shouldn’t any reference we make regarding the words “god”, “hell”, or especially “Jesus” or “Christ” be with care, respect and intention (rather than flippant remarks)? Am I a legalist because I think this?
I agree with you 100%. I think using the word “God” flippantly as part of a casual exclamation of excitement, etc. is certainly not using it with respect. How can we say, “Oh my God,” as such an exclamation when God to us is completely holy and righteous, the supreme ruler of the universe, the creator, our redeemer, and the judge of all? It seems totally inappropriate to me.
C Michael Patton said: “He does not want anyone saying “Thus sayeth the Lord” if the Lord had not spoken.”
C Michael Patton said: “Therefore, think deeply before you say “God said . . .” Make sure that He has really said it.”
to those reading, what method do you use to determine the difference between someone accurately repeating something that Yahweh said, and someone incorrectly saying that Yahweh said something?
Excellent post!!! Wish I had this about 30 years ago when I was talking with a fellow who was convinced he was permanently damned because he had said GD many times and thereby taken the Lord’s name in vain. I argued from the forgiveness angle but couldn’t get past the vain thing.
— Ishmael
I liked your slant on things, Michael. This post was very thought- provoking. I have also heard that in a modern context, taking the name “Christian” and then behaving like a heathen is also an example of taking the Lord’s name (actually Jesus Christ) in vain. We are acting as if a follower of Christ (and thus God) is nothing, and our behaviour hurts God’s reputation (name). The world, in looking at us as a sample of a Christ-follower, may become disappointed or disgusted in Christ because of us. Also, saying “Jesus Christ” glibly is in the same category as saying, “Oh God.” Though technically speaking, “God” isn’t a name, since many people call him God (beginning prayers with “Dear God,”), we who grew up with Christian traditions, do use the word “God” as a name. Also, saying “Lord” glibly because we are thinking of it as meaning God or Jesus’s name, is using the name in vain. I mean, we could say “Sir” or “Man” or “Mister” and it wouldn’t carry any connotation of God in the English language, though in many languages the word translated “Lord” is simply the equivalent of “sir” or “mister.” I think that English speakers saying “Lord,” “God,” “Jesus Christ” are really thinking about the Christian God and Jesus and are belittling him or putting themselves above him, in my opinion, and belittling (not valuing) God, Christ, or Christianity.
Reading the early comments about making a change to the G-D usage, I’m reminded of a believer and friend who blogs about various things. He’ll freely use every offensive word he can think of but when he talks about God, he will never say God–he turns it into “G-d.” It’s interesting how we use our words in light of how we understand the Bible.
Because it is no longer God you worship (Matthew 5:43-48), but Mars and the Furies (Colossians 3:5).
I agree with the distinction you’re making here, we actually talked about this in OT104 last spring semester.
If you look at Exodus 21-24 and Deuteronomy 12-15 as unpacking and showing specific ways to apply the 10 commandments (which some scholars have argued for, including Dr. Johnston here at DTS) then this would exegetically support the distinction you are making. Deuteronomy 14 is the corresponding passage for the third commandment and basically is prohibiting practices commonly associated with surrounding nations. (If this is at all interesting, I posted similar ideas here: http://nathanielclaiborne.com/biblical-studies/the-3rd-word/)
I think from that standpoint though, more of the thrust of the command is on taking God’s name for yourself, and living in a contradictory way. It seems like an admonishment against hypocrisy, but it probably could be argued (as Hodge did) that we shouldn’t use God’s name flippantly either. But I guess the question is whether or not this passage in Ex 20/Dt 5 is aimed at telling the original audience to avoid flippantly calling out “Yahweh.”
Good thoughts though, thanks for sharing, I’ve enjoyed several of your posts lately.
Nate
It’s also of note to point out that the main reason for this command had to do with court.
In the U.S. We no longer swear by our gods regularly in court to make vows. “I swear by Yahweh to make restitution for not sacrificing properly at the temple.”
But still we put our hand on the Bible and swear to –tell the whole truth–… asking *help* of God. “so help me God.”
If you think about it, this ritual, is a bit odd for a post-Christian culture…
Perhaps outdated (from a secular point of view)
It brings up the point… Should we swear on the State? Without a Supreme Being, to what authority do we call on in a solemn vow in the sort of environment we have currently?
In the times the Bible was written–
Pagans would swear by their god/s, a vow to do some such thing. To make it official, it was done in court; and it was so common as to be meaningless. God (Yahweh) was setting apart his people, and wanted to not be used the way people commonly used (literally) their gods for their own gain.
The word “God” (said in English) comes from Germanic tribes; It was the name of their most powerful deity.
A good idea, Michael,—a ‘Really’ series on the ten commandments!
God told Moses the name ‘I am what I am.’ Is that really a name? It’s something like one of us calling ourselves ‘I am what my parents named me.’ But ironically, by refusing to use the God-approved name Yahweh, the Israelites were missing the point of the commandment. It seems that God did want them to use the name, but not in vain. They could never call on His name, only on a circumlocution. And if they used a circumlocution in vain, that would seem to break the commandment as well.
As for our use of God’s name, I think in vain means using ‘God’ as an emotional expression (an oath) when angry or shocked. Even though ‘God’ is just a generic term, it counts because it’s what we use in lieu of a name.
When exactly is an example of a “wise” and “discreet” use of the phrase “God damn it”?
[…] C. Michael Patton argues that “God damn it!” isn’t the only violation of Exodus 20:7: http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2010/09/what-does-it-really-mean-to-take-the-lords-name-in-vai… […]
The bible tells us “there are many “unruly” and vain talkers, especially those of the circumcision. The circumcision claims to be God’s people, but they teach the works of the law for salvation. They take God’s name to no profit because they do not trust in faith in jesus alone. They are taking God’s name in vain. Many times in scripture the bible speaks of believing in vain, it usually comes after someone has started trying to keep the works of the law. This is to show us what taking God’s name in vain really means. When we say we are saved, or we are “christians”, we have taken the name of Christ on ourself. However, we may be claiming to be God’s but not worshipping him according to faith. This religion is vain, or will not profit. We can call ourself the people of God all we want, but if we are not in the faith, it will not profit.
Bible Study, your remarks are somewhat ambiguous and I will certainly give you the benefit of the doubt in love. I would like to ask whether you are differentiating between all law keepers in general, those who believe obedience to the commandments given by God are an expression of love and honor to the King, OR are you referring to those who, like many of the Pharisees and non-Messianic Jews think obeying the law has merit with God (legalists)? Many translations of Bible have an anti-Jewish slant and by reading (and teaching) ” the Jews” are seen in a less than honorable light. So the tendency is to think that all the NT believers were other than a sect of Judaism that trusted solely in the atonement of Christ for salvation, faithfully trusting Him as Messiah. Because of the hatred and animosity toward Jews, many of the “church fathers” have superimposed this hatred in their teachings and it comes as a surprise to many of the “Jewishness” of the early church. I do, however, agree with you that we take God’s name in vain when we do not worship Him according to faith. Faith is not some esoteric concept, it is a verb just like love. We live faith and it is seen through actions. He has given us His Word, His Spirit and the example of Christ to show us what pleases Him. He has told us very plainly that we can do all things through Christ who loves us and if we will take some time to look at King Yeshua’s lifestyle and know He kept the law PERFECTLY, why are we above following Him in this way? We have made modern Christianity into a lightweight lifestyle, although the Word tells us in 1 John 5:3 His commands are not grievous. No wonder we do not know how to live as Christ followers. No rules, just right??? Oops, I forgot about the 2 laws. I do not see many working out their salvation with fear and trembling. To me THAT is taking His name in vain. Shalom
Those who walk in vanity are those who believe the works of the law are necessary for salvation. Hey, if a Christian wishes to live as a Jew and keep the works of the law, he is free so long as he doesn’t believe it is necessary for salvation. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone, we must not add to or take away from Jesus, otherwise we wouldn’t have Jesus at all. A Christian is free to go to those under the law as under the law and those without law as without law. I believe one will keep the commandments of God due to the new nature, but the works of the law in the flesh is not what is required for salvation as the legalist proclaim and/or follow. I believe one will keep the spirit of the law after they receive the spirit of God through faith alone in JEsus. Once we are in Jesus, we are new creatures, old things are passed away, and behold all things are made new. We are to walk in the newness of the spirit, not the oldness of the letter. This is what I meant.
“A Christian is free to go to those under the law as under the law and those without law as without law.”
Not sure what you mean here. Are you saying we can pick and choose to “be” either/or and still be right, holy, set apart?? I don’t think Rabbi Paul was talking about getting drunk with the boys and going to get a tatoo here. I do think he was conveying that he could be among them and have a relationship in true Godly love so he could minister the gospel, the good news that Christ came to redeem all men, Jew or Gentile…Israel and the nations. Christ followers are not chameleons who act one way depending on who they are with. Recall that Jews and Gentiles did not keep company with one another. In fact, Gentiles were to convert to the ways of Israel. It was idolatry to convert to the ways of the Gentiles. This was known as lawlessness, the spirit of anti-Christ.
I think we are somewhat in agreement. I view the law more as the constitution of God’s Kingdom. The reason for the judges was to view actions/grievances/occurrences according to the statutes. In view of final judgment, this will be the deciding factor when the lawless ones stand before Him. Those outside the shelter of Christ will be judged according to His holy statutes. Those who bear the Name, the children of God will receive/lose reward (not salvation) by these same Words.
I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart. Psalm 40:8
The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7
[…] “Jesus H Christ”, “Goddamn it”, etc)(although the argument can be made that “God damn” is not taking the Lord’s name in vain). But I’m one of the (many, just not in America) Christians who doesn’t believe that […]
this is an interesting perspective on ‘Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain,’ Michael, however, as my post below will state: common sense should prevail over interpretation of the verse. God’s name is much more than JUST a name
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DO err on the side of caution, just because the third commandment does not NECESSARILY say that saying the Lord’s name in vain like ‘Oh my God,’ is a sin of the commandments do still realize that God’s name is to be treated ‘hallow,’ as the Lord’s prayer states and nowhere in scripture do I see anywhere where a curse of God is even allowed God-breathed into scripture in Paul’s books, or anyone else’s. Do you see any? Job was asked by his wife to ‘curse God and die,’ but Job did not. Did anyone else visibly do cursing in verses of the bible? I do not think they did. I don’t think ‘God’ is used flippantly in ANY verses of the bible. I don’t know this true answer, I just wonder if He did.
Regardless of if you do or not think cursing of God is literaly said in bible or His name said in vain quoted somewhere, the bottom line is that just because you think something says something else, like 3rd commandment interp, that STILL does not mean you cannot use common sense to realize that something is still NOT to be done. So, even if saying ‘Oh My God,’ is not right interpetation of the 3rd commandment, do you really want to think you can, or, even, want to go around and just irreverently throw God’s name into all your exclamations of things that do NOT show an appreciation of God?
Like I said too, the wedding bed, that bed is a sacred place of a husband and wife and ‘Oh my God,’ can indeed be said praisingly, reverently, honorably there, I think. The Lord leads I pray I do NOT preach this, any of this, glibbly, lightly, nor falsely.
God does say we will be accountable for our actions but also our words that are used to sway others to our opinions of what we THINK God is saying, and, even who we think God is. I try always to base my answers on God speaking to me and on what I read in scripture. I have not truly studied God’s word for vocation, even though I have studied it a lot, by my own opinon.
Of course, we are forgiven for our actions and words by forgiveness when we confess our sins to God, asking Him to forgive us our sins. Grace & mercy God freelly will give all people.
So, say YOUR words and exclamations and proclamations, your good and bad ones, knowing that God will judge you (not me) on their being said in the right frame of mind to not be hurting God, this back up by this scripture below.
Matthew 12:36
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.
The next verse 12:37 says more: For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
HARSH realities, not said by me, but by God, or, Jesus, rather, when Jesus was on Earth, these verses, Matt. 12: 36-37, are red-letter words (Jesus speaking directly) too . There can be NO misinterpretation of what is being said by God the Faither, God the Son, and, God the Holy Spirit. 🙂 They are one, these verses speak of their oneness of thinking.
Also, in conclusion, we are to have our mind unsullied as well as our heart, body, and, soul, and to love God above all else with an unwavering passion and persistence and power.
For perspective for below 2 verses, remember that the lawyer is asking Jesus a question , testing Jesus.
From Luke 10: 25-28, I quote from the bible…
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”
28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
——
See there, love the Lord your God with all your strength, heart, soul, and…..
mind.
I ask you this: If you are choosing to believe that it is OK to say ‘Oh my God,’ then are you at peace, or, are you at war, with your heart (how you REALLY feel inside).
The Lord leads, and, I will leave you with that, God bless you, all, on here that have posted, this is a FINE discussion . Great thread, Michael, blessings
LOL. I thought of all the politicians who say “God has called on me to become…”, then quit 2/3 way thru cos they can’t get enuff vites…
You misspelled “flippant” in the 3rd-to-last paragraph. Otherwise, this is an interesting, thought-provoking article. Thanks.
It is the common belief (false) that ANY profanity is “taking the Lord’s name in vain.” This quite a leap from the original meaning which, when correctly translated, is “mis-use”
So, when anyone who becomes self-righteous and says to me after I swear (without any reference to the Diety) to not use the lord’s name in vain, I tell them to “Go to Hell.”
Doesn’t this cause one to wonder what other “mis”interpretations/applications may be in error to promote an agenda/personal convictions? @Stevmg, your response I found to be funny and with a great deal of merit with regard to “self righteous”, however, followers of Christ must make it a point to refrain from “corrupt communication”. Anyone care to take this one on?
I have become so angry with feeling that GOD has foresaken me that I have actually said GD towards him….on multiple occasions…and it scares me for my salvation. I feel very lost and alone. I feel numb and anger sometimes makes me feel as if I am in control. But I know this is not true. I know that Jesus died for my sins, and I can’t seem to shake the devils temptation and attacks on me.