Commandment Series: The Third

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

"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." Exodus 20:7

What is in a name? Interestingly, the power of a name is expressed many times in the Bible. It represents the character, faith, and identity of the person to whom it is given. There are many instances when people were given new names by God as their purpose in life changed.

Abram (father) was changed to Abraham (father of many) because he was promised to be the father of many nations as innumerable as the stars. Sarai (quarrelsome) was changed to Sarah (princess) as she was to be the matriarch of many nations. Jacob's name (supplanter) was changed to Israel (may God prevail) because he struggled with God yet was meant for something great. Simon (snub-nosed) had his name changed to Peter (rock) as Jesus declared he would be the "rock" or foundation upon which He would built His church.

However, there is One who named Himself.

"Moses said to God, 'Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?' God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM', and He said 'Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, "I AM has sent me to you.'" Exodus 3:13-14

Sometimes this is translated as I AM THAT I AM, but the idea is the same. He is because He is. He created Himself and gave Himself a name. He continues.

"And God furthermore said to Moses, 'Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, "YHWH, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob has sent me unto you. This is my name forever, and this is my memorial-name to all generations.'" Exodus 3:15

Moses was told a name he could speak to the Israelites (I AM) but then was given a name he possibly could not (YHWH) as it was the true, unpronounceable name. Now, many have tried, using these consonants as a guess, but that's all it is. A guess. The vowel sounds are uncertain... if God even needed vowels to pronounce it. Everyone else's name means something. What does God's name mean? Possibly "I AM THAT I AM" is the meaning. His name indicates the source of all meaning.

There are many interpretations of what the 3rd commandment was forbidding. The most popular one is to not use God's name while cursing.

“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil." Matthew 5:33-37

I've read that it warns against swearing oaths in God's name or saying you are a follower while not having God in your heart or actions. I've even seen a thorough article stating it's about committing evil in the name of God.

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

"Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" Matthew 7:15-23

You shall know the children of God by their fruits. Beware false Christians who lead many astray.

So, the 3rd commandment says that can not take the name of God in vain. The word translated to "vain" is the Hebrew "Shav," which can mean false, evil, useless, destructive or morally ruinous.

So, I believe all of the above theories are correct. In the end, they can all be summed up pretty well. Honor God with your words, actions, heart, or you're not representing Him correctly. In fact, you may be leading innumerable people astray even unintentionally.

If our names, as humans, have power to carry our reputation, character, and identity, how much more God's? As Christians, we are meant to be children of God, and as we go about our lives, we are to strive to live as Jesus. As we do so, our actions will shed light on the truth, a light that the lost can use to find their way to God's loving arms.

We have great power as children of God, and as Spider-man says, "With great power, comes great responsibility." Honor God and His name.


Sources other than Bible: Strong's Concordance, Searchingthescriptures.net