What does it mean to take the name of the Lord in vain?

[BWSmith]

Here's a typical "internet question" (but a valid one nonetheless):

The 2nd Commandment reads from Exodus 20:

"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name."

What does this mean exactly? Is it a specific reference to the name "Yahweh"? Is saying, "Oh my God" a violation of it?

 

[ZiSunka]

"Vain" means empty, or empty of meaning. So, to use the Lord's name in vain means to use it in an empty or meaningless way.

"Oh my God," might be taking it in vain, if you mean it as a careless exclamation, but not if you mean it as a prayer.

"Name," also means, "authority" so if you use God's authority in a vain way, you might also be taking His name in vain. Like, if you use God's authority to impress your friends, or make yourself seem superior to unbelievers, you might be in risky territory.

 

[Reformationist]

Good job Lambslove! I would like to add my take on it.

God's name was a gift of grace to Israel. Not through an idol, but in the name, Israel had access to God in worship. God's name is therfore to be revered. This command forbids the use of God's name in false worship, for incantations or divination, as well as for attesting falsehood or speaking blasphemy (Deut. 28:58). Jesus taught His disciples to pray that God would hallow His name, and Jesus hallowed the Father's name on the Cross (Matt. 6:9; John 12:27, 28).

God bless.

 

[ZiSunka]

Good points Reformationist!

 

[Andrew]

Just look at the movies or TV programmes or people who go:

"OH MY GOD!"
"JESUS CHRIST!"
"GOD DAMN IT!"
"JESUS!"

using it as a punctuation for just about everything bad. Throw in a "holy cow!" or the F word there, and for them, its the same expression.

 

[rookie]

Just another thought here. In a sermon one time, our pastor said that his thoughts were not only the above, but also those people who "talk" God but don't "live" God.

I've seen a lot of people in life do that.

rookie

 

[ZiSunka]

Interesting.

So, if you claim Christ, but live carnally, you are taking the Lord's name in vain.

Sounds right!

 

[Kristen]

That makes sense to me!