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. With all the talk about cursing pastors and the evolution of swearing going on in the blogsphere, I thought that I would try to contribute once more 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 (most of the time!). 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.)
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 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 _____” is as biblical as saying “God bless _____.”
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. For these people, if you say it seriously, fine, but if you say it casually, then you have used His name in an empty way and thereby broken the third commandment.
But there are three major problems with this line of reasoning:Â
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.
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 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 damn it” and not meaning it should be just as bad as saying “God bless 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 what it means 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 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.
What does this mean for us? Well, for starters we understand that the third commandment is certainly 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 means that you do damage to His reputation and character through false and unsure claims. Think again before you say “God said . . .” Make sure that He has really said it. 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.
As an aside, I think that this misunderstanding of the third commandment is not only sad, but tragic. If I were Satan (and I am not 🙂 ), 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 this phrase 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. While it is not a violation of the third commandment necessarily, it is offensive speech that must be used with wisdom and discretion.
168 replies to "Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain: What Does it Really Mean?"
Has anyone considered that when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and all the other extreme number of laws His followers were adhere to that He was intentionally setting things up for the coming of Yeshua the Messiah thus letting the people know that NO ONE other than Yeshua could follow all the laws set forth thus Adonai’s birth on Earth as Yeshua, God Incarnate….Immanuel and thus the only person to walk the earth and not sin? And that He did this to prepare everyone from the dispensation of the law to the dispensation of Grace under Yeshua and His sacrifice on the cross for us as the FINAL sacrifice for sin.
Also, Scripture states the only unforgivable sin is blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
I believe we all should step back with the “I’m right and you’re wrong” legalistic stuff and check first on our salvation and state of our spirituality and that includes our speech and how we present ourselves as Christian witnesses to unbelievers.
No we shouldn’t cuss. However, we are all sinful by nature because of the fall thus everyone sins. We all drop the ball from time to time. The point is that we repent, ask to be forgiven (already done all ya gotta do is ask) and be humble when this is done.
If you’ve made a mistake in front of an unbeliever and you believe this has made you a “stumbling block” to that person go to that person and explain that you are sorry, however, you are not perfect but are forgiven by the Grace received from the blood of Jesus Christ.
Same could be said of a Christian who carries on about drinking and is seen out in a restaurant having a glass of wine with dinner. That is a damaging witness for that Christian, whereas, if that same Christian has said the only admonition in Scripture I can find about drinking is where God told the Levite priests not to drink and rest is about excess, excess, excess to the point of becoming drunk etc. or drinking for the wrong reasons and to remember Jesus drank wine and turned water into wine then that Christian’s witness is not damaged.
Bottom line……if you’ve offended one point of the law you’ve offended the whole meaning we’re all sinful by nature and we cannot go one hour or one day without sinning. All sin is an abomination to God but thankfully we have Jesus to bridge that gap from sin to God and it’s ONLY through Christ Jesus we can do this because no one and I mean no one comes to the Father except through Jesus the Son. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. End of discussion.
Y’all can argue with me, call me out whatever.
Nuff said.
Goodbye and truly God Bless……….”Yahweh, Yeshua Adonai, Ruach Hakkodesh I truly call upon You to bless my brothers and sisters in Christ who participated in this discussion. I ask this as always in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and as always the Name Above All Names Yeshua and not my will but Your will be done. Amen”
Very Good, Now if people learn to live by the other 9 also, they will be blessed. Possibly saved and go to heaven.
The New testament tells us to live by the 10 commandments as well as the old testament.
Do you live by the ten commandments. . . .
I look at it this way taking anything dealing with God and making it vain is taking his name in vain. Example: You use an obsure verse that may mean many things but to that particular verse it means the total opposite of what you are portraying it to mean. In doing that you have taking his words in vain and in taking his words in vain you have taken his name in vain.
I heard Dr. Vern Steiner (www.miqra.net) say recently that understanding the context will never impoverish, but only enrich the text. I don’t have much else to add to what has already been said, but thanks Michael for your helpful thoughts. I believe that what you are saying enriches my understanding of this text. Contrary to the accusations of some here, I do not hear you prescribing cursing as a normative lifestyle for Christians. The fact remains that if we honoring the Name & reputation of the LORD, we will be careful how we use His Name. However, there is more on the line here!
And Rob… go back to church, bro. You need the body, and the body needs you, even if they’re all hypocrites.
I think the real meaning of the 3rd commandment is this: Love, i.e. honor, your god YHWH with all your heart and mind and soul and strength. I’m not sure what exactly is in mind with that one, but I AM sure I don’t do it on a consistent basis.
That being said: Lots of food for thought on that one. Thank you, CMP.
Since to me all ten commandments boil down to some basic morality issues ingrained in humans. Id say taking his name in vain would be to use it to do damage to others as c michael patton implied. Having the power of god over people is a responsibility just like any of the sins work. They all give you power over your fellow man a or imply that you want the power your fellow man has. They all give one man/woman power over another for ones benefit. So if your going to use his name it should be to spread love and peace and not for any personal benefit which is a basic principal which you can always trace through history. Selfishness. The third commandment for me is the ultimate test of faithfulness of one that commands the power of god. Such as a priest or pastor. All you have to do is turn on some of these religious programs on TV and see some guy preaching to people that god wants there money and then he walks out the back of the building puts on his suite and jumps in his Mercedes. That to me is pretty basic as are all and should be all the 10 commandments. Why would god complicate morality. its simple. Be kind and caring in everything you do and pay it forward. Selflessness. Test this if you want read each commandment and consider why you would do it. Pretty much they all boil down to selfishness. Or maybe im just crazy. Sorry if this is out of context with some of the more recent post I tried to read them all but there is a lot of stuff. Also if you look on Wikipedia they list the third commandment as “You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your God”
Wow! Great discussion…two years and going! So, just to redirect a little bit here, I agree with Mr. Patton to a point, but let me explain. And first, let me say that I will try to not fail in eisigesis (which I agree is rampant and wrong) nor a achronistic fallacy (love this new term!). I will stick to the Text.
It seems based on the commandments themselves, that the command is totally concerned with G_d’s holiness. Being the “third” command, it comes just after “I AM the only God” and “don’t you dare worship anything/one but Me…’cause remember: I AM.”
The word “take” or “use” means many things, including bear, lift up (btw, great connection to NASA here!), carry, use, take, etc. He does self-refer here again to Himself as I AM (YHWH), so He doesn’t just say “god” but “YHWH your God”. And the third word in question means in emptiness, vanity, falsehood, worthlessness.
With that in mind, we could reasonably restate the command as:
I AM your God (remember the one who delivered you from Egypt?!!?) so don’t lift up/use/carry around my Name/Reputation/Glory/Fame in any empty, vain, false, worthless ways.
So while I 100% agree with Mr. Patton’s assertion that it doesn’t mean ONLY cursing in a worthless manner, it does, as I read it, mean that TOO. In other words, the Israelites may have (and as has already been stated DID) had the prerogative to call an ACTUAL CURSE down from YHWH, they should NEVER do so lightly. I would think then, in our context, that stubbing our toe, or spilling milk, may not warrant a curse from G_d.
Also, and interestingly, by my reading this command would only be binding on those whose God WAS YHWH (YHWH YOUR God), so for anyone who did not know Him, or who had not (yet?) been delivered by Him from slavery, the curse they “request” is to a false god, which is no god at all, and therefor of no consequence. So Christians ought to stop wagging our finger at those who are following false gods and spouting meaningless curses (or blessings for that matter) all the while ceasing our wagging tongues from meaningless chatter that defames our Holy and Righteous God and guarantees our punishment according to His command. (That’s the third one, in case you’ve lost track.)
G_d help us.
“Vain”
Not to utter “…in vain…” is one of the Ten Commandments. There are Ten Commandments, but they are not of the Covenant. There is a Covenant, but it contains no Commandments. The Covenant commands nothing of men, it is pure. The Ten Commandments are of men and its cunning way of getting its desires etched across the unblemished Covenant itself which is in fact, two wonderful blank ivory tablets (Hippo Ivory, “hip” huh?), each authenticating the other’s content’s…which is nothing.
The Ten Commandments are best defined as graffiti penned by man at the behest of the the pig because the beast is eternally penned himself and cannot write, it is hoofed. It must deceive man therefore into authoring for it, penning and penciling for it, understand?
I hope that doesn’t sound kooky or radically out there, I don’t mean it that way and it isn’t being written in that tone or intent. It is simply true.
There was/were and are no “Commands” made, only mutual promises between two parties. Each party being a part of the whole. When the tablets were presented, there was no reason to write anything upon them, it had been written. The beast’s most wanton desire is to command, which he can never do, he can only deceive. This is why they are entitled as a whole, “Commandments.”
Never, ever, would the party responsible for the Covenant blemish the two tablets representative of pureness and goodness with writing of any kind, especially writing defining that which is the most wicked. Writing and words can be erased, altered, misinterpreted and changed. But love, goodness and caring remain the same and cannot be written down and is defined by the individual him or herself. The party responsible for the Covenant writes nothing, it had been written already; And certainly, would never write anything on stone or in it, stone like a mountain, eventually withers, decays and is washed to the sea. Stone is meant to be walked upon, not to base a life upon.
Nothing needed to be said or written, both parties knew what was being promised and what needed to be kept. They both know the pig needed and needs to be kept in a pen to prevent it from deceiving men into penning and penciling for it. That is the purpose of the Arc itself, to pen the pig within it for eternity. The gold is the best conductor of electricity on Earth. Two poles are to go through “it.” Not the Arc, through “it,” the beast. “It” can be carried and led that way, not lead men. “They are never to be removed.” If they are removed, the beast might or will be able to move or make eye contact, which is how it moves around from one to another. Furthermore, to ensure no eye contact is made by the beast with either of its two heads, each upon its two rears, two cherubim will be positioned upon the lid with wings outstretched blocking each head’s view.
“VAIN” mean…don’t call unless you really are in need, call for a reason, not in vain.
“
Great post, answered my question. But what about people who say “Oh My God!” Is this taking the Lords name in vain? I know that God’s name isn’t “God”, but still. Is this the same as saying “God Damn It”? It is a pet peeve of mine.
I totally agree I don’t understand its not like god is going to strike you with a thunderbolt or something
All you need to do is spend a little time with a devote Jewish believer and it will shock the disrespectful North American culture out of you. They have such a strong sense of the holiness of God that they will not even write his full name on paper. I think that the phrase “Oh my God” is a sign of the general lack of respect that people have for God. Firstly they don’t really know who God is any more and if they did they would fear and love him and respect his name. Secondly I really believe that the use of Gods name is connected directly with the God of heaven not just some generic mother earth. It’s a slur plain and simple…a sign of not caring or believing he is real.
Even if you believe it’s okay, I just have to ask why is it necessary? Do not conform to the habits of the world rather be transformed by the renewing of your minds.
interesting post. i’m muslim, and in Islam taking God’s name in vain means making false oaths, (eg: I swear to God…), or swearing to God frivolously, (i think).
I’ve always wondered why Christians seem to disapprove of using God as an exclamation. to me, it’s just another way to remember Him. btw, do i have that right, or is it just the phrase God d*** that’s disliked?
I don’t think taking the name of God has anything to do with vocabulary. I don’t think even God could keep track of all the GD’s and JC’s. Yeah, He created the universe and all but where would he get all that ink?
When the Israelites left Egypt to do their wandering they were the looting and plundering Vikings of the time. Their self justification takes God’s name in vain. All this sleweth mine enemies stuff makes me furious. God is a participant , advocate and supporter of murdering other ancient people? I think not. And when we read the OT about this we think it’s OK behavior for the chosen people to act this way. That’s God’s name in vain big times.
And the Crusades and the popes and their decrees for war. All that is taking the name of God in vain.
I think it’s the hypocrisy in action not vocabulary words that is the issue.
Shalom,
Let’s our conversation continue. Appreciate your wonderful thought-provoking article on this third commandment.
Two things have to clear: (1) KJV English ‘in vain’ gives wrong sense of something of vanity. It’s amazing to find this word still adopted by NET, ESV, RSV, NRSV, NKVJ, etc. (2) As the phrase was quoted the readers would start to look for the name itself elsewhere, but actually the text has it. It should read ‘Taking the name of YHWH your God in unworthy manner.’ Here, the name = YHWH. It is not about utterance of the word ‘God’ or ‘god’ as in everyday English. Phrased as a counterpart positive command = ‘honor, sanctify His name’ (cf. Mt 6:9).
A. I don’t think this would be something to serve as a sound rationale of going too far as a historic Judaic ‘superstition’ of avoiding the pronunciation of the very name of God.
B. That one shall not swear falsely (Lev 19:12; Mt 5:33) is just only one example.
c. That one should avoid general swear word ‘God damn’ etc. is our own problem which we can find in our everyday English, but the text does not really concern with. If someone did that then, he would be stoned right away.
C. This phrase ‘take the name in unworthy manner’ may be ‘our turning His name worthless by attributing Him to whatever Lord has in reality nothing to do with, so often we hear lay people or pastors do on the pew and on TV media.
My own thought: it may simply and fundamentally refer to ‘invoking God by calling His name’.
I’m not knowledgeable about Hebrew Bible, but at the least in NT, ‘invoking’ is something mentioned as in pagan practices (Act 19:13). It reminds us of a picture of ‘conjuring up spirits’ (Deu 18:11. Cf. 1Sa 28:11). Our communication in faith to God is prayer, direct for that matter (Cf. Heb 4:16; 10:39 – no need of intermediary of priestly class). There is no invoking God, no invoking by calling His name. Yeshua Himself is sufficient; He is the only true and living Way…
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Michael,
Wonderful (original) post! I never really looked at how one “takes the Lords name in vain” quit this way, so thank you for the insight. I do not think I could (even if I wanted to) break my old habits, but I will certainly add this to how I teach my child on this commandment.
Cindy
[…] 14. God D*%n: The only phrase that you can use that will immediately let others know that you are not a Christian and the only exception to the once-saved-always-saved doctrine (despite the fact that it is not really taking God’s name in vain). […]
Wow, this is a popular post!
My own view on God’s name goes like this:
* god was referred to as EL
* then, he announces that his name is YHVH
* rather than risk taking it in vain, Jews refused to speak YHVH and just said ADONIA
* now they say hA SHEM
* NT Christianity was spawned from the LXX and other Greek apochryphal texts, and never knew that name. They only knew KURIOS;
* Paul says that God conferred that title (which is above every title) upon Jesus
* so post Jesus, God is, to the NT Christians, “the father.”
* the Catholics didn’t catch on to the subtlety described above, and just called him “God.”
* about the 4th Century, they invented “The Trinity” and began all manner of titles, such as “The Blessed Trinity” and “God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost”;
* Subsequent generations couldn’t figure out when to use “God the Father” etc so they just used “God” and Jesus” interchangeably.
So, I have no idea what the NT had in mind when it says “separate be your name.”
Oops, I forgot to subscribe to followup comments…
I am exhausted,been reading all the post on a blackberry all. I agree with the original post,u have to know Gods name before you can use it in vain/improperly.love all the post and the use of our messiahs true name “yahshua” He is the king of kings,Lord of lords ,AND GOD over all gods. But His name is YAHVEH. It really doesn’t offend me to hear all the use of god in the manners that people use it because they are dumb to the fact. We need to pray for those who don’t know the truth and as yahshua did on the cross. Forgive them for they know not what they do. Let’s just be thankful that they don’t know how to use his true name as fluently as they do god. May yhvh bless u and keep u all.may he make His face shine upon u.. Gnight.. such good post,so exhausted.. Lol
Woops me too,forgot to sign up for followups .lol and correct a typo up there. Was suppose to be “been reading all the posts on a blackberry all night”. Now shalom and gnight.
i totally disagree. The Lord’s name is sacred, and not to be used
in any way except sacred. Would you use a Church for any purpose but worship ? Whether Christian, Jew or Muslim, the santicy of the Lord’s
holy name applies. If a book has the Lord’s name in vain, put it down, or better still, burn it. If a movie uses the name in vain, leave.
There is no time, no situation, where it would be justified to use the Lord’s name in vain
>>>…If a book has the Lord’s name in vain, put it down, or better still, burn it. If a movie uses the name in vain, leave….
There is an interesting irony here…
As I pointed out before, the term “lord” (or, in the Greek, KURIOS) has, in scripture, two different referents at different times. That is, to Hellenistic Jews, “the lord” or “ho KURIOS” refers to God. To post-resurrection christians, “the lord” or “hO KURIOS” refers to Jesus. Post-Augustine “Christians” use the term (*unscripturally) to refer to God and to Jesus.
So, when you refer to “the Lord’s name” – to whom do you refer? And what is that name?
When was the last time you heard the name of God (YHVH) used in a movie or a book?
The prohibition does not apply to the name of Jesus.
[…] first site (http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2007/06/what-does-it-really-mean-to-take-the-lords-name-in-vei…) Google gave me denied that this commandment forbade cursing in God’s name; the author said that […]
There is one spot of truth in this and that is “He did [does] not want them [us] to use His name to invoke false authority behind pronouncements [any acts (verbally as well)].” Feeding the masses what you have fed them and handing them an interpretation of God’s word that is not spoken by God Himself is thereby invoking false authority behind this pronouncement which is not His word. Have you not heard that the God of all the universe is the everlasting God who is the same yesterday, today and in the future? If you do not believe this, then why do you fear an ancient god? If you believe this, then why do you speak of the God of Moses as different today? Is this letter not to promote your own beliefs and feed others in disobedience with what they want to hear? It is so true what Paul (of the New Testament) wrote that people will become lovers of selves and promote false doctrines. For those who want to know the truth, read 1 Corinthians 2:6-16. You do not have to take my word for it–ask God yourself. Read James 1:5-8. Do not take my word for it–ask God yourself. Do not bet your life and soul on what another human being says. God is my Father in heaven, and my Lord and Savior is Jesus Christ, and I am here to tell you that I know my Father, and you do not need the Holy Bible to know Him (John 5:39-40). You need God through Jesus Christ to obtain life, and only through Him will you understand why you read the Bible and what the written words truly mean. Praying for us all! Bless each and everyone of you.
To Luis #75
You wrote …..God is my Father in heaven, and my Lord and Savior is Jesus Christ, and I am here to tell you that I know my Father, and you do not need the Holy Bible to know Him (John 5:39-40).
You are wrong on two counts:
(1) God is ‘OUR’ Father, not ‘my’.
(2) You do not need the Holy Bible to know Him – whether did you get this b.s. idea? How did you come to know Yeshua to begin with? Did some light-bolt from heaven tell that?
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?
Because He calls Himself GOD. That is the only reason needed.
You are right in that there are other ways to take God’s name in vain. The millions of people around the world that call themselves “Christian” but are not that, are taking God’s name in vain by placing it on themselves and living and speaking and thinking willfully with no sense of a need for repentance are taking God’s name in vain. When we say “God bless you” but we don’t mean it… when we ask God to bless something that we know we are doing for entirely selfish reasons, we are taking God’s name in vain… The ways are many. However, this truth does not undo the fact that uttering God’s name — GOD — which He refers to himself as the only one of (because throughout scripture He takes great pains to point out that other “gods” are no gods at all but creations of our hands or imaginations) in an unworthy or wasteful way as is done millions of times a day on FB alone, is taking God’s name in vain. It is. One of many.
Freedom in Christ is one thing. But God’s law is to be our delight.
97 Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,8
for I keep your precepts.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
Why should we try to make one another feel more comfortable in small breakages of God’s heart which He gave us in his…
Michael-
Thanks for a thoughtful, practical reflection on the Third Commandment.
Best,
Pat
C M Patton,
Very well said. Where did the expression “God damn it” originate anyway?
Nancypants,
One flaw with you’re reasoning – God never calls Himself “God”. He calls Himself numerous Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic words which we translate as “god”, but God never once in the entirety of Scripture referred to Himself as g-o-d. The proper name of the Lord, His actual proper name printed in Scripture is YHVH and even this isn’t His true name, but rather an abbreviation of sorts which omits the vowels because the ancient Jew’s considered God’s proper name to holy to be written down. Modern scholarship believes the proper pronunciation to be “Yahweh”, but no one is completely certain.
On the other hand the more generic word often translated as “god” is “Elohim”. This word is used not just to refer to the God of Israel, but Pagan deities as well (Baal, Asheroth, etc.). Thus saying “oh my Elohim” is equivalent to saying “oh my god” because it is a generic term, rather then a proper name.
Still all this misses the point of CMP’s article which is that in Hebrew culture the “name” of God has nothing to do with the name itself, but rather the reputation that goes with that name. This jist of the commandment is equivalent to someone telling you not to sully their good name.
>>>…which is that in Hebrew culture the “name” of God has nothing to do with the name itself…
I used to think that, but…
Exodus 6:3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
I totally agree that this commandment not to take God’s name in vain is not referring to the use of the G-D word. However, I too believe it means something different than common belief. I believe we must divide the word of God “rightly” by using keyword study. Each time the word “vain” is used in the KJV new testament it is referring to those who follow the works of the law. Those who do so are trusting in their own works of righteousness in the flesh. However, we know that salvation is by grace through faith, not works lest any man should boast. Therefore, those who say they are Christians (taking God’s name on them, his branding as his children, representing God), but trust in the works of the law (their own righteousness), will not profit. For those who trust in their own righteousness as the Pharisees, are evil in the sight of God. We must trust in Jesus alone for salvation. When we do this, we will be new creatures that do not walk in sin any longer. I hope this interests you. God bless all who share his word in spirit and in truth.
I’m sorry, “Bible Study” but your comment springs more out of fanaticism for your Calvinism than any exegetical effort. That was not “exegesis” but rather “eisegesis” (pronounce “I-See-Jesus”)!
Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s comment about “GD America” no longer means what I thought, dang it. LOL
I always thought using the Lord’s name in vain was someone stating God was behind a certain event or cause (e.g. that is why something bad happened to you) and he may not have been. hmmm?
I think the idea of the post is really good; however, modern application is certainly worthwhile. We do this all the time. It is likely that the original idea did have the sense given in exegesis above. There are plenty of examples of false prophets trying to invoke God’s name, or Jesus’ name in the case of the sons of Sceva, as a means of gaining power or authority. As was mentioned earlier, I doubt the Jews were going around flippantly using God’s name when the hit their finger with a hammer, etc. This has likely developed over time, but that doesn’t mean Ex 20.7 has nothing to say about this flippant use of God’s name. The whole “God” is a generic term is a pretty lame argument as well. Since people put a premium on intent, as opposed to letter of the law, doesn’t what we mean by what we say matter? As someone already said, the Bible refers to our Creator as “God.”
The reality is this should deepen our understanding of the 3rd commandment, not totally uproot it! People today (ie., TV evangelists) who claim to speak in God’s name, yet often deny Scripture, break the 3rd commandment (Although we are no longer under the 10 commandments anyway, since we are under the law of Christ, but anyway…). They misuse God’s name. Similarly, saying “OMG,” or “GD,” when one slams one’s foot into a table is a miss-use of God’s name. It is hypocritical to claim to have fellowship with God, yet walk in darkness (1 John 1.5-6). Therefore, claiming to be God’s child, yet living like a heathen may even be an application of this concept.
Yes, the primary application might be the false invocation of God’s name on a prophet’s own words, but that does not mean there are no secondary applications. Don’t over-contextualize so much that you miss other vital applications from a text.
didnt God Damn Sodom and Gomorah ? didnt God damn the Fig tree?Didnt God damn Esau?didnt God say he who doesnt believe in Jesus shall be damned? taking Lords name vain is using God damn out of context like g-ding someone for something that God is the only judge for its really means playing God and trying to send people to hell , that is a sin .People who dont believe in Jesus are God damned until they become believers Mark 16:16
The phrase “in vain” means not successful. As in “I searched in vain for my lost watch.” Look at the biblical excerpt carefully: “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Note that is says “take” not “use” the name of the LORD thy God in vain. To TAKE the name of the LORD means to accept what He stands for, the Ten Commandments, etc. If you take His name in vain, it means that you are not living up to what His name represents. It’s kind of like being a false follower, and not a true believer.
I love how in your text, you make an argument against yourself saying: “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 . . .'” You could say the same of the whole Bible. It is written by men. Furthermore, Jesus never wrote anything and therefore never “sayeth” anything. You also point out that you don’t believe in false gods. Neither do I.
I’m going to say that i disagree with this. God tells us in
Psalm 12:6-7 (King James Version)
6The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
7Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
or ESV
Psalm 12:6-7 (English Standard Version)
6(A) The words of the LORD are pure words,
like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
purified seven times.
7You, O LORD, will keep them;
you will guard us[a] from this generation forever.
The Bible cleary states that we are not to use the Lords name in vain. But yet his words are pure and right? His scriptures have preserved for generations? He assures us that we’ll always have it? What does this mean. Does this mean hmm.. well Gods words were written when? Well it was really long ago so the meanings of the words are completely different now! No thats absolutely incorect. He clearly states we are not to question Him. God says in
2 Thessalonians 2:15 ESV /
So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.
It’s not our right to sit here and nit pick verses and there meanings. If your going to say that God is not really his correct name than it would be okay to say Jesus Christ if you don’t mean it in a derogatory way because in actuallity it’s not God’s name. That’s what your saying. I have never heard someone say “God damn it” and not mean it in a derogatory way. I guess when my brother stubs his toe and yells “God damn it”! I should think that he was daming the corner of the wall? If your going to think this way than you are going to become a very confused christian. Where does cursing come into this? and how God says First Peter 3:10 “For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.” Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come…
Mr Ptton seems to have arrived at a point of resonable intellectaul consideration of the scriptures. However he seems to be more interested in “proofing” his perspective from a “carnal intellect” (historical) than allowing the Hol spirit to bring forth some wisdom and insight to the Commandment. Scotti, in my estimation and descernment, you have it quite correct, to the point of proofing Mr Pattons very observation. since the Church is the Bride of Christ(God) taking the name of God or Christianity and giving that name a bad reputation would be compatible with both the “historical” and “spirtitual ‘descernment”.
Much ado about nothing. Given Xians just pick and choose what they want to accept as hard law from the buybull, what’s the value in debating anything? I don’t see the cry out for supporting the plethora of Laws as commanded in Deut. So unless you are ALL IN, it is worthless to discuss what is meant by any of it. Hilarious little cult.
What is in your heart when you say the phrase you claim is not wrong? Does your heart call upon you to attach His name to a vulgar statement? Does your heart not convict you when you say this, or when you hear it constantly in movies, shows, or music? You go to great lengths to reason distinctions. We must all pray about this.
Steve, the question being raised by the original post is not whether blasphemy is condemned, only whether the commandment is referring to God’s proper name (YHVH) or to word’s like “God” or names like “Jesus” which it is not.
Just as the believer is not “under the law” and yet must not, for other reasons, commit perjury (give false testimony at someone’s trial), doesn’t mean that the believer is beholden to the Sinai covenant.
Wrong
19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[a] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[b
2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
Outstanding explanation.
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Very well said! However, I wouldn’t go as far to say “God damn” is something to be taken lightly. Asking God to damn anything should not be a quick thought, I hardly think that when the authors of the bible used this phrase that it was merely words used out of anger as we use them today.
Very good article/post.
So . . . does the phrase “In God We Trust” on American money, even license plates in Indiana, violate the third commandment?
Dan
So, would the recent incident at a Xavier football game where the Xavier fans taunted the losing team by chanting, “We’ve got Jesus” be an example of taking the Lords name in vain?