What Does It Mean to Use God’s Name in Vain?
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 — Exodus 20:7
In light of all this, we can now focus on the third commandment and how to avoid sinning against the most important Name in the universe. When it says ‘do not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain,’ the word ‘vain’ comes from the Hebrew word shav’ שָׁוְא, meaning: vain, false, empty, lying, worthless, useless (in conduct).[1]
Let’s look at three ways a person can be guilty in using God’s Name in vain.
Frivolity: This means to carelessly and superficially use God’s Name. One person described it as using God’s Name without thinking about, focusing, or worshipping Him. Perhaps, when people say, ‘O God’ while focusing on people, not the Almighty, that could also apply to this principle. However, it is God who ultimately judges by the heart and not necessarily from the outward actions.
Hypocrisy: To be a hypocrite is to put on an appearance on the outside that has no connection with the heart condition on the inside. It implies deception and pretence in trying to impress people or, as the Bible puts it, ‘to be seen of men.’ The hypocrites’ vain use of God’s Name stems from invoking Him, as if to impress, but living a life that contradicts such profession. For example, trying to convey a pious, ‘holier than thou’ appearance while lacking integrity or being riddled with worldly vices. Or, as Isaiah prophesied to a people whose lip-service and heart-attitude were at two different ends of the earth. Isaiah 29:13: Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Blasphemy: This means to grievously insult the Almighty. Yes, God can more than handle the insults but the impenitent blasphemer will not be able to handle the punishment that is coming in return.
Psalm 74:10: O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever? (Answer: No!).
James 2:7: Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
Revelation 13:6:And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
Of course, the abuse and misuse of ‘Jesus’ Name,’ as if it were a swear-word, would fall into this category; even though, as often the case, the person does this in ignorance. By the way, be willing to confront someone on their profane talk – if you are in a position to do so.
Next time, we will seek how to rightly use God’s Name, for the benefit of all.
TO BE CONTINUED
[1] “H7723 – shav’ – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 2 Feb, 2020. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7723&t=KJV