Deu 28:58 If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD.

In this chapter, Moses announced a series of blessings and cursing to Israel. The nation would be blessed if they obeyed God and cursed if they didn’t. God had given them the Law. The Law was for them to know God and how they should reverent Him: "You must obey all the commands and teachings that are written in this book. And you must respect the wonderful and awesome name of the LORD your God” (verse 58, ERV).

God’s name is glorious (KJV), fearful (KJV), wonderful (ERV) and awesome (ERV). Nations are to fear this name and not use it in vain. The third commandment given to Israel was: “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” (Exodus 20:7).

The word “vain” is the Hebrew word “shav” which means “emptiness, vanity, falsehood, nothingness, vanity, lying, and worthlessness” (BDB Hebrew Dictionary). Hence, to misuse God's name means literally, "to lift it up to or attach it to emptiness or worthlessness".

Here are various translations of Exodus 20:7:

(ERV)  You must not use the name of the LORD your God to make empty promises.

(YLT)   Thou dost not take up the name of Jehovah thy God for a vain thing.

(ISV)  You are not to misuse the name of the LORD your God.

We see that to use God’s name in vain is to misuse and treat it like nothing. No one is to use the Lord's name in this manner.

What are some of the ways we take the name of God in vain? Here are some:

1. SWEARING – Watch your mouth; you have been warned: “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).

Unfortunately, I have heard many Christians use God's name in vain and think nothing of it. Words like “O my God”, “Jesus” and “God damned it” should not be the kind of words Christians or anyone uttered from their mouths. Some try switching the word and so, instead of saying Oh my God they say something else, O my Gosh. It does not change fact they are using the name of God in vain. God’s name is holy and it must be used with respect.

2. FAILURE TO LIVE A CHRISTIAN LIFE – When you say you’re Christian and you say you live for Jesus, but your life tells a different story, you are using the name of God in vain. The name Christian has Christ attached to it. It is a name given by God (Acts 11:26). It is a biblical name. It tells others that this person who calls himself a Christian is a follower of Christ.

The Jews, who prided themselves as the chosen people of God did not live as children of God and caused the name of God to be evil spoken of by the Gentiles (Romans 2:24  ). Likewise, Christians who fail to live as children of God fall into the same condemnation of taking the name of God in vain. The name of Christ is blasphemed by their wayward living (1 Timothy 6:1).

When we take the name “Christian” upon ourselves, we must do so with an understanding of all that it signifies. Our words and lifestyles must match that glorious name that is given to us. Therefore, if we profess to be Christians, but act, think, and speak in a worldly or profane manner, we take His name in vain. God’s name is holy. Let us not use His name in vain: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9).

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.