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?"
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My father recently told me of a speech her heard on talk radio (not sure by whom) about how “taking the Lord’s name in vain” was actually a reference to an ancient Jewish custom. Apparently, people could contractually bequeath their land, property or inheritance to God in order to avoid bequeathing this inheritance to their rightful relatives. This was considered “taking God’s name in vain,” and this is the true meaning of the commandment, according to this speaker. Somehow the interpretation changed over time as this cultural custom (or breach thereof) fell into antiquity.
I believe this statement is definately referring back to the 3ed commandment(as Mr. Patton says):
“But the prophet who arrogantly(or daringly) speaks a word in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.”
Now the phrase “which I have not commanded him” is actually a Hebraic idiom that states a negative to affirm a positive(e.g. Leviticus 10:1, Jer. 7:31; 19:5; 32:35).
What God was saying is that anyone who daringly claimed to represent(Yahweh in which they did not) were liers(false witnesses) and thus were guilty dragging his name in the mire(Jer. 14:14, Zach. 13:3). Breaching the third commandment!
Now notice God uses the word “zud” or “zid”. Which translates as “boiling, seething, arrogant, insolent, daring, rebellious”. So this is not to be aimed at sincere naive folk. But more towards those who craftily push for church fund-raising for God’s cause(but sneakily pick-pocket all the dough)-leaving a sour tasted to prospective converts!
To this, Zacharia’s message still rings true:
“You must die, because you have told lies in the LORD’s name.”
Thanks, and God bless.
I SO think your article is misguided and will only serve to make people sloppier Christians with even more license to be irreverent, tacky, and unbridled with our emotions. This whole issue is so entangled with flesh that you can’t leave it where you’ve left it. I have a few points.
1) While it is true that the word “god” is just a noun meaning lord or overseer, when it is capitalized–even in the mind–it means Yaweh God, Jehovah, Creator. Your name is C. Michael. So when people call you Mike, or Patton, or Daddy or Son, you respond. God is known by many names, and to the majority, He is known only as God. And He DOES care about this issue, if only for the following reasons.
2) If you aren’t really asking God to damn, then WHO are you giving power to do the damning??? That, in itself, is a problem for your soul. Only God has power to condemn to hell. So…if God isn’t Yaweh, who is he??? Who are you talking to???
3) If you ARE asking God to damn, then WHAT or WHOM are you asking him to damn (to hell) when you stub your toe, are cut off in traffic, when you spill hot coffee on yourself, when you’re angry, etc., etc. Just sayin’.
4) We are to account for EVERY IDLE WORD.
It is significant that in the 105 comments and the body of the exegesis by CMP that the only two occurrences of the third command being “broken” were not used, referenced or discussed:
Agur tells us in Proverbs 30:7-9 that the dying prayer he had was to not be poor lest he steal AND TAKE THE NAME OF MY GOD IN VAIN. So apparently stealing is a form of taking God’s name in vain. Or stealing at least evidences a heart that lacks trust in his God to provide for him (which attacks Gods character and word) doubting the veracity of God and his integrity. Notice that contextually, this passage follows a great section regarding the word of God being PURE! (Pr 30:5-6)
The second definition of denying Gods name in vain, is “speaking against him wickedly” as found in Psalms 139:20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
Although the common thread of “taking his name in vain” is to speak against God; a better understanding of violating the 3rd commandment is to speak against his character and to doubt his integrity and veracity.
In summary, CMP your are correct that saying “God Damn” is not the violation of the third commandment (the prohibition for that kind of talk is clearly denounced by Paul in passages such as Eph 4:29-31 ) But you missed the exegetical boat by failing to compare scripture with scripture to let the Bible give you the definition of the third commandment.
I don’t thinki so. At least not the boat. Maybe the ferry you are riding! 🙂
It was common in the Old Testament history to have idiomatic reflection on the law. I think that the above references by you are simply idioms, not representing original intent. The easiest examples of this come as the first and the second commandment get blurred during the Monarchial times. If you were to follow the methodology (and rise your boat) you would probably become Cathilic in you understanding of the first and second commandments as “idolatry” was eventually identified with having other gods, yet the second commandment does not have to do with having other gods (already stated in the first commandment) but to make a likeness (controlling) YHWH.
Therefore I would be careful with you assertion that my exegesis fails to take into account all the evidence. I see what you are saying but I would prefer to stay in my boat. 🙂
Thanks for the insight on this. This has been on my mind about where the phrase gd damnit comes from. I think that most people do use it to vent frustration at a situation, so it is not necessarily geared towards God. To me, it’s a knee-jerk reaction most of the time.
I think that most people don’t give a lot of thought or even know what the Third Commandment means. It’s not just about taking the Lord’s name in vain, but also lying or deceiving when using his name. I, unfortunately have seen a lot of (christian) people do this in order to manipulate or make people feel guilty when they don’t need to.
One thing that I do find a bit ironic with people who are offended by the phrase, they are often the people who instigate situations that would make people say it. Sometimes when people pressure or instigate someone, sometimes saying it or some other forms of profanity is a way to make people realize that you are serious about wanting to be left alone or not pressured. So, for those who don’t like hearing it, maybe take a step back and don’t be an instigator. It kind of goes with the saying, if you are going to talk the talk, you should walk the walk.
[…] gods in order to get a response (e.g., 1 Kgs 18:26). This kind of prayer is to be avoided (cf. taking God’s name in vain ). INTERESTING NOTE: The Rosary is not the only ancient prayer recited by Christians. The Jesus […]
I love this…just today @ work we were discussing this…I had similar views to what you have purported but all my colleague said was that I needed enlightenment and perhaps need to go read a book written by Ellen G. White…smh
How can you say so confidently that “But, as we know, there is no Baal or Marduk.” yet ultimately believe that your god does exist? Did the people that believed in Baal not fully believe as much as you with as little proof?
Josh, great question.
First you must realize that pantheistic and polytheistic world view argue about their “god” using categorically different definitions for God than theistic worldviews (nearly all monotheism included). It’s comparing apples and oranges. Our God is the trancendant necessary being. Their are just really powerful creations that rule over a certain delighted aspect of creation. From their standpoint anything could be called “god” if it was really really powerful. In the ant world, himans are God. But it is not the same. None of the gods you spoke of possess the necessary properties to canidate for thei deity Osince they are not transcendent, simple, a se, beings. So the comparison does not work.
might it also mean not to hide behind a collar to do evil. that is to present yourself as a Godly man, a religious man to obtain power in the church and to present a certain image to the public. “Everyone knows Gar*h is in church, so he isn’t capable of evil.” I know of such a man. I used to think he though himself cloaked in good so any evil he did would be excused by church on sundays. I now believe he does not believe in God at all. He hides behind this image he has created so no one suspects him excepts those who are his victims. This is the ultimate of using Gods’ name in vain.
I think that using god’s name in vain disrespect to God as a christian manner is a serious matter.
It is a negative attitude and is very bad thing to say to God and His only Son that he is Holy.
It is a insult to God. PRAISE THE GOD HEAVENLY FATHER FOR HE IS LOVE AND BE HOLY AS HE IS.
If you feel in your heart it is disrespectful don’t say it. No it is not His real name. Yes, to most GD and OMG are disrespectful. As Christians wwjd? Lol why say it anyway? Saying and realizing what you have said and repenting and trying to stop is what I think He would like us to do. Do I think it offends HIm in the same way it may have back when it was made a commandment if you as a Christian know you could be offending another? Yes. You could take the time to express this passage with that person. Cool. Or you could just not say them at all. I would like to think our God is above such comments and would consider them foolish? It’s just like having to learn a new language to be able to communicate. If it’s something that Is offensive to others why can we learn not to utter them and walk away and be ok with just that. Do we honestly feel as Christians they are ok things to say? I would hope not. Are we here to look down on those that do? Nope. Gods job. I enjoyed the point of…
I disagree with your post. If I say ‘God’ carelessly, who do you think others are going to think I meant? Allah? Buddha? Nope. There is only ONE God, and I bet in most places of the world, if you say ‘God’, they would immediately think of God, my Father in Heaven.
And the thing about cursing and swearing, the Bible says to bless and curse not. It also says not to swear by anything on heaven and earth. I hold in reverence the name of God, and Jesus Christ. If I say I swear by another god, then I am idol worshiping, as I have invoked their name. Say what you mean, mean what you say, don’t be careless, and you can argue all you want and try to look for loopholes, but I’d rather be careful and honor God. As far as not finding certain words in the Bible, you are splitting hairs. Swearing is swearing, you can ask a 3 year old, they know what swearing is and that you shouldn’t do it. We should not speak the Lord’s name without purpose. When we say God, we better be discussing him or praying. God is definitely bothered by words. They can destroy people or encourage tehm. God created the world by His WORDS. So don’t trivialize it or minimize it. Gen 1:3 – 26 “And God said…” First off, we call Him ‘God’ all through the Bible, Old and New Testament, and refers to Himself by this name also. Next, He ‘said’. His words were SO POWERFUL that He created the entire world with them. Proverbs 18:21 says there is LIFE and DEATH in the power of the tongue. Prov talks a lot bout the tongue. (prov 12:13, etcl) I am passionate about this subject, as people just say anything without aforethought, and much damage is done. Words are important. They tell others about you more than your outward appearance. They console, speak love, are tender, or hateful, spiteful, start fights, insult, deceive, slander, ruin self-esteem. You get the idea. Never ever underestimate the power of your words.
First off, Mary Josephine, “GOD” is not “GOD’S” holy name. “YAHWEH,” is.
Besides, Virgin Ears Mary, 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 judgment 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 who they feel are ripe for His judgment. In this sense, saying “God damn _____” is as biblical as saying “God bless _____.”
Maybe you should stick with the Teletubbies, they seem to be on your emotional and intellectual level. This “SMART” show just “ain’t” for you…
Oh, that’s right, either are the Teletubbies… They’re gay…
Onward, Christian soldier! Aren’t there withes you need to go burn ?
i read that the word lord was baal in OT times and meant false god
one of the reasons, I subsribed to this site is the refreshing and practical approach you have to myths (that are so deeply entrenched in churches we think it is truth) and practices. I have always had a problem with people saying “the Lord says to tell you….”. I do wonder if they donot fear the Lord, if they do not understand and realize who he is. I appreciate your candor in explaining what you believe this commandment means.
I actually can’t belive some of the posts I have seen on here. Really? It is easy to rationalize behavior that has become every day. We tend to look at others and compare ourselves then we look pretty good. Well narow is the gait and not following the example of Christ and not following Christs teaching will have repurcussions. We might talk ourselves out of it but one day every knee will bow and we will know Christ is Lord and we will answer.
According to the Bible sins are not seen as one is worse than the other. If you have hate in your heart, you are gossiping, causing others to fall is just as bad as murder. God’s name is Holy…..it is “the name above all names” satin shudders when His name is spoken and it’s ok to use it in slang and as a curse word. really …then to say God won’t bat an eye…..my heart breaks when I hear how often the holy name of our God is used. I think there will be a day when even that action requires an answer.
Good points here. I have a different way of thinking about it, though. To keep this short, i will simply say that taking the Lord’s name in vain is to claim you belong to him, but do not act like it. You talk the talk but do not walk the walk.
[…] “God bless America” at the end of speeches to score points with believers? I found an old blog post from the Credo House of Theology on this topic that has a good explanation of what the Third […]
Best article ever on commandment 3 – thanks
*sigh* so many.. uneducated, false christians out there bible lawyering to make it say what they “feel”.
It’s actually a pretty clear proscription against claiming to speak for god/commanding god. It’s not complicated folks. Most “religious leaders” break it regularly and with zeal.
“Whoever blasphemes agains the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit is guilty of an eternal sin.”
I personally always took this passage to mean that obeying the Father through the works of the Holy Spirit was more important than utterances you make regarding The Lord, which are easily forgiven. However, I do personally believe that someone who is Born Again and believes the Good News will work to glorify God and the Kingdom which means being as respectful as possible with their words.
I just don’t think a little “Jesus Christ!” every now and then is going to “God damn” anyone to hell.
WOW, I just vented about this very thing on Facebook. I have a lot of religious “pentecostal christian” family and sometimes their interpretations drive me up the wall. They mean well, but I honestly get tired of seeing one politician condemned because he doesn’t use words (differentiated from unchristlike actions through entire political career) to claim he’s a candidate “of God” or at least “goes to church” but then leap to the defense of a pastor clearly breaking the third commandment and getting called out for it (I’m referring to that pastor who used God’s share of her entire earnings to justify her very poor math in stiffing her server).
Sometimes I want to yoink out my hair for how they seem to think every single thing evil does is thinly veiled and easily pointed out (and can never use God or good people to perpetuate it).
Thanks for this post, let’s me know there are still some sane people out there representing good spiritual character without breaking far worse in ignorance. Yes, imo “God damn it” is nothing compared to attaching his name to miserly, uncompassionate, unloving, hateful, apathetic, ignorant, etc. behavior.
I’m actually agnostic because of all the “Christians” I grew up around. Not all of them were bad, true, but many of the good ones were easily led down false trails that sounded good (I almost was), such as zero tolerance themes for Christian youth concerts…Christ was certaintly never a zero tolerance person unless you were a church up to some serious nonsense in his father’s name.
I probably ought to reclaim the “Christian” title, I really do believe in the things Christ advocated. It amazes me these days how many “Christians” I see that don’t realize, if Jesus ran for political office under the exact same ideals he stood for in history, many of them would be right at the forefront to crucify him all over again (but this time as a socialist, poor-homo-loving communist).
*head-desk*
Sorry for the lateness of the comment (and I wasn’t able to go through all of them, so if this is repetition, my apologies).
My response to the post is that it is very good – as far as it goes. That is to say, one could be left with the impression that oaths that include “God” are not as big a deal (at least not direct violations of the 3rd Commandment). But as He is wont to do, Jesus takes the letter of the Commandments and expands it. Just as He convicted all men of the sins of adultery (with lust) and murder (with secret hatred), so does He make the issue of this commandment broader :
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Matthew 12:36
This appears to cover everything from simply “silly talk” to vulgarity to lies to gossip to….you name it. This should be more sobering than the original commandment! And there is no doubt it should include any expression used in anger that isn’t explicitly meant (and man can say some awful things in anger!). If there’s any doubt, just look at the verse before :
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Matthew 12:35
So the issue, admittedly, is not “Did you say X?” but rather, “Is X pertinent to the issue…is it true…and is it (ultimately) edifying or at least corrective?”.
Very nice article!
I think the 3rd Commandment refers to using G-d’s name in the various forms of Hebrew. G-d’s many names have different connotations and numerical values that all have significance. There are certain names that I will not spell out here that shouldn’t even be read out loud; they should only be scanned with the eyes.
Wondering if there is a study on how many people worldwide say “G-d D.I.”? I believe a pretty large percentage of people have used this phrase when angry, as do many Jewish people gather wood on the Sabbath. Both are wrong so we believe from G-d’s stance. My point is that in biblical times people were punished to the law almost instantaneously, but today our punishment is more spread out.
wow…… this is so true… thank a lot.
The Jews would not even say His name because they did not feel worthy to and they did not want to use it in a disrespectful way. Why would anyone want to say the name of the Almighty in a way that does not bring glory to Him? We are all going to give an account for what we do and say. We are to fear The Lord God and we are to guard our tongue. Do you really think, taking in to consideration everything that the Bible says, that it is ok and more importantly, that God is ok, with the use of His name in a way that does not bring Him glory? Look at it from a different angle. What would be the fastest, shortest, and easiest way to break the third commandment? (And I am by no means asking you to say this, I am only trying to prove a point to show that what you are implyimg is ok is actually wrong!). Your answers to this question cannot be anything close to what you are saying is ok to say. Satans first words of deception were did God really say…
Glorify God in all that you do and say.
For it is written, worship The Lord your God, and serve Him only. I hope that God will bless all who choose to live for Jesus and not conform to the ways of this world.
Well done, although I would have been much happier if you had used LORD, instead of Lord during your explanation.
I appreciate this article quite a bit, but there is something wrong with your third contention: the word you use, naqa, is not the correct word, which is in fact שָׁוְא, or shav.
Voila, for what it’s worth.
Ok i didnt get half way reading before i was inflamed and couldnt read on. You contradict yourself.. Sayin that in bible people use to say dam this person but turn and say saying gd is not to dam something how? Your asking god to you know what the d word. I cringe hearing people saying it and or wording that. My dad told me to stand back with him because his friend was gd everything it wont take long for god to answer and sure enough my dads friend broke his oh for the life of me cant think of word the stick =) sorry. And a gmc truck ramed backwards in my dads lincon the gmc smashed a dent in my dads car. Yes im not saying the damage cars are buildt one way and another big deal. That wasnt many situations he would point out to me. Just one i would share. So i believe in gd is saying his name in vain at a price of daming a person, object whatever. The fact is is it ever wirth risking and your opinion is wrong? If my opinion is wrong then no consequences if your wrong you shall pay a price. Another view about his name thats when i stopped reading… His real name is this saing his name in vain be yew( whatever) he is a god. He wants us all to look at him as a god not another fellow by using his real name. In the bible he is telling everyone i am the lord ect.., just something to ponder if you will
Hey, so I really enjoyed reading your blog post Michael.
I would just like to mention a side point.
Since we now know that saying Gods name in vain means basically using it in an empty way, or saying that he said, did, feels, or will do something that he didn’t actually say, do, feel or will do; is what it really means to break the third commandment of using Gods name in vain.
Would God be petty enough to be angry with us or condemn us because we can’t pronounce his name right, which is really the fault of the superstitious Jews in Jesus day?
Or is he the kind of just and merciful God who would see that those who use the version of his name in their own language are just trying to draw close to him. Just as we use each others personal names, to show that we have a close personal relationship with each other.
If he didn’t want us to use his name, why did he inspire men to write it, all throughout the Hebrew scriptures over 5000 times?
If Jesus spoke Gods personal name and made it manifest, or known, than wouldn’t it make sense that we should be using Gods name?
John 17:6 (NWT)- Jesus said to God “I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have observed your word.”
Psalms 83:18 (OKJV 1611)- “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.”
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=Psalms&chapter=83&verse=18
Jehovah is the English way of saying Gods name, just as Yahweh is the supposed Hebrew way of his name.
In Spanish it’s pronounced Yehovah, Filipino it’s Dyihobe, in Indonesian it’s Yehuwa, and in Italian it’s Geova, and so on and so forth.
Could the Pope himself be breaking the third commandment by going against what the scriptures say (example Acts 15:12-14, Romans 10:13), when he declared that priests are not to say the name Jehovah?
I liked the post, was just agreeing with your original idea, started getting caught up in the replies to it…then Thank God I stopped about 15 posts down and now wonder if we are talking VEIN or VAIN as all seem to be using both rather recklessly. The 2 spellings have very different definitions no matter how old you are correct?? Really took away from the power of the subject for me
135: appreciated the post as it placed some things in perspective. Jesus mentions that they worship God in vain-make the word of God of no effect- by preaching doctrine the commandments of men or tradition of the elders. Some by products:
(Jude) Men having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof. People who hold to advantage the admiration of men.
(Luke) that which is highly esteemed by man is abomination to God
and so on. So in a class i asked if they thought praying for healing in which none occurs was taking the name of God in vain…quiet…And, while the whole thing brought some concerned looks, my own prayers did change–(Jesus) that my words sink down in their hearts and I should convert them and heal them–to heal the broken hearted…
I have been studing a book by Beth Moore on breaking free from spitual strongholds. I was a drug addict. Since 1993 I have been going from getting clean and then relapsing. I saw this scripture Exodus 20; 4,5,6. I really wanted to know what this phrase reallymeant. I enjoyed it very much.
Leviticus 24:16
“Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.”
Blasphemy (OED): a. Profane speaking of God or sacred things; impious irreverence.
Impious (OED): 1. Not pious; without piety or reverence for God and his ordinances
Irreverence (OED): a. The fact or quality of being irreverent; absence or violation of reverence; disrespect to a person or thing held sacred or worthy of honour.
Reverence (OED): a. Deep or due respect felt or shown towards a person on account of his or her position, status, or relationship to oneself; deference. Now rare.
Since blasphemy is defined in terms of speaking of something or someone without due reverence, I would suggest that speaking about God without truly meaning God in any context is sinful. I apologize if this has already been discussed in the comments; I chose not to take the time to read all of them thoroughly.
[…] Q. (29:6): So, Achish acknowledges the Lord here. Are the Philistines just fickle and go back and forth between following the true Lord and idols? Or, was he just simply acknowledging the Lord’s power, even though the Lord is not his God? Another question this brings up is swearing. We may have talked about it before, but it’s worth exploring again. We have read about many of God’s followers — most recently, Jonathan and David and Abigail — swear by God. One of the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:7 says, “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.” I certainly don’t think any of the three I mentioned are misusing God’s name. But, I thought it was a great time to bring the subject up. I have the feeling that whenever I mention the Lord, I have to make sure he would approve of it. I don’t say He said something He didn’t, nor do I use his name casually in blame or whatever. It jabs me when I hear someone say, “God this” or “Jesus that” or “Oh my God,” especially Christians. As I pull the knife out of me, I would like to call the person on it, but never do. What do you say about this, Rob? I found a great paper on this subject. See if you think it’s worth mentioning. http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2007/06/what-does-it-really-mean-to-take-the-lords-name-in-vei… […]
[…] Q. (29:6): So, Achish acknowledges the Lord here. Are the Philistines just fickle and go back and forth between following the true Lord and idols? Or, was he just simply acknowledging the Lord’s power, even though the Lord is not his God? Another question this brings up is swearing. We may have talked about it before, but it’s worth exploring again. We have read about many of God’s followers — most recently, Jonathan and David and Abigail — swear by God. One of the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:7 says, “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.” I certainly don’t think any of the three I mentioned are misusing God’s name. But, I thought it was a great time to bring the subject up. I have the feeling that whenever I mention the Lord, I have to make sure he would approve of it. I don’t say He said something He didn’t, nor do I use his name casually in blame or whatever. It jabs me when I hear someone say, “God this” or “Jesus that” or “Oh my God,” especially Christians. As I pull the knife out of me, I would like to call the person on it, but never do. What do you say about this, Rob? I found a great paper on this subject. See if you think it’s worth mentioning. http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2007/06/what-does-it-really-mean-to-take-the-lords-name-in-vei… […]
Gods namy is actually unpronouncable. It is spelled with the hebrew letters Yud Hay Vav Hay. It means I am or I will be. We use the word Adonoi to mean God. I agree with your explanation of the 3rd commandment.
Thank you! A girl recently once told me that a believer does not say the lord’s name in vain and called me a “disgusting atheist”! Just looking for something to explain to her- and I don’t even say god d*mn it, I say oh my God! D:
Using god’s name in vein is like when some one stole some some thing from you and when he wants to lie about it, he says to you; I swear the god I didn’t stole any thing from you. Or when he says, god is my witness, I didn’t do it. The person is already guilty of a sin and he is condamning more sins by using god’s name to save himself and his selfish act.
Americana…
Gee, Golly, Gosh, Jeez, Gad, Gadzooks, Gol, Gee whiz, Jeepers, Jimminy Christmas. These are all examples of classic Americana; they are the accepted ways in which we skirt the simplistic notion of violating the Third Commandment.
When I was 10 years old I recall my curiosity about god, my numerous and probably precocious questions regarding all sorts of aspects of him that I couldn’t fathom. I also recall the answers I was given, by mom, pop, teachers, etc. What’s god’s name? He doesn’t have a name. Well it’s Yahweh. Well that’s just a translation of sorts; He who creates, i.e. just another term for god, The Divine, The Holy One, The Lord . This bugged me, because I knew the Commandments, don’t take the lord’s name in vain… What name!?!? This stuck in my brain for years. All of the other commandments were self-evident, don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t be jealous, etc. Why was this singular commandment so unlike the others?
Swearing and such were simply unacceptable for me and my sisters at that age. We had a piggy bank for when mom or dad broke their own rules. I remember praying for dirty words. Money had no value to me yet, but it was clinky and shiny, and I already knew it was the penultimate desire of most. “Hope dad spills something again!” That’s a Quarter word! Haha! Clink, clink, clink.
I got older; then came the Americana. When kids get together in school, they start trading. I had a good stock to trade, and shared eagerly with my friends. But it was not just the words we traded, we also traded the ideas. The authorities in our lives traded with us as well… when we got caught. I learned all of those nice euphemism for god and Jesus, and I learned why we use them, or at least why many people thought we used them. Then the bug came out of me. I argued. I questioned. I had “temerity” I was told. My grandmother explained it best, “You don’t ask god to hate. God is love.” That worked…
…for a bit, but goldang that bug!
I think for most of my adolescence, I had an idea forming in the back of my mind that didn’t take shape or fill out until I had some more experience.
I got even older. Cousin and friends started to marry and phrases like “take his name” started to come up in other contexts. She’s taking his name. She is sacrificing her name in union with a man.
Then it hit me, and I have done my best to spread this idea, that we as a culture have the third Commandment all wrong, and this somehow imperils us.
When you take the Lord’s name, you sacrifice yourself. The entire religion revolves around sacrifice, complete giving in love. Vanity has no place in love. It’s a false love of one’s self.
How can one sacrifice himself completely and utterly to god, and love himself more (his personality, his ideas, his ideals, his goals, his plans)?
It became clear all at once. Do not attribute your human actions to god. Do not attribute your human emotions to god; these are yours.
By then I knew the history. Most religion was spread at the point of a sword back then. In many places it still is. Indeed we have to deal with our own spawn doling out god’s will at bombpoint. But even at home we are chastised by those who claim to know god’s will better than we.
Christianity is about love and sacrifice. The imposition of will is absent in the Christian heart. The imposition of will is strong in man, as is the desire to steal, murder,covet, commit adultery. The commandments are what to strive for, the ideal. Jesus’ teachings all reflect this message to us. Turn the other cheek, love thy enemy as you love yourself; this is the path from bondage (both real and spiritual). Then acts! This is how to act. This is how to change minds. Not at the point of a sword.
Do not commit your silly frail human acts in my name; I am Love.
[…] 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. (from here) […]
I’ve asked myself the same question many times, and pondered on the answer.
It would seem to me that when someone claims to be Christian without behaving in a Christian manner would be included under taking the lords name on vain.
Think of American politics. It is hard in the United States to be elected without being Christian. Almost every political claims to be Christian, yet we consistently hear of adultery and lies. This, to me, is evolking the Lord’s name in vain.
In a similar manner, when one takes the word of God and perverts it for their own personal agenda, using it to promote hate and do evil, would also qualify as taking the Lord’s name in vain.
I cannot fathom The Lord, our father, caring more about swearing than us envolking his name in the justification of behaving sinfully.
[…] Find out more here. […]
Very well done. However in my own opinion I would have to say that this subject would be better understood if you had spoken on the name of God first and brought the essence of the power and authority of His name into context first instead of breaking down the attributes of the worldly term “god damn it.” Many times the word “god” was used to express “God” in the Word, such as, in 1 Kings 18:24 “Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD, and the God who answers by fire, He is God.” And all the people said, “That is a good idea.”
My point is that God is God and can be expressed this way as proven in many places. And God is expressed as “God” in this passage. I guess a word study is in order. So here it is. ‘Elohiym” is the Hebrew word for god and it is a word that is plural to the root word elowahh which is the singular word god. So the Elohiym is plural and describes when spoken the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When saying Elohiym we are describing the Trinity itself! Wow!~ However I agree with you just I thought you could bring more substance and expression to your blog concerning who and what is “Elohiym” or God! For those who have never met God who is the Lord Jesus Christ we know they say this slang in ignorance. However for those who have met God, this word is without description offensive even out of its context. We know that this may not be taking the “name” in vain however it sure feels like it. Because the word Elohiym is all encompassing and describes the Lord in His fullness! So boiling my statement down. Using this profanity is not by ignorance a mortal sin because of the commandment, however it is a statement as to the spiritual health to the one who uses this term on a regular basis to express themselves in their worldly condition. God bless them because the Lord became a curse for them and fulfilled the law and we are not bound by it. We can fulfill the law by allowing the Lord to write this…
Thank you very much for your post. It brought a lot of insight into my life.
I am Catholic and I had to learn the Ten Commandments in Bible school. What I learned is that “Thou shall not take the name of the Lord, your God in vain” is the second commandment, but you called it the third commandment. I learned the third commandment to be “Remember to keep holy the Sabbath Day”. Is this a mistake or is it just different in Catholicism?
It is just different for Carholics.
This came up for me prior to finding your post and I too, believe that when I have used the term it is me asking Him to damn something–I just don’t believe that praying for somethings/people works and some just don’t deserve it. I would prefer He not give everyone the option of forgiveness and use the saying accordingly, but try to refrain from saying it on Sunday and in front of small children. Last weekend I was kind of upset to find that the term is now acceptable on television–shark week I think was the first time I heard it during some b rate movie. My kids have also noticed that the radio is pretty free with the “four letter words” although I have yet to hear this term. I now have to rethink my use of it at all–I may have ever scoffed at DJ’s being fined for swearing on the air or watching some old movie on cable and having to deal with all the bleeping–but deep down I think I was glad it was censored and grew to rely on that. We truly are going to hell in a handbasket aren’t we.