In Vain

Those who are familiar with the Ten Commandments of the Torah know that one of them states that one should not take the name of the Lord God in vain.

The common modern understanding of this command is that those who follow Christ should not curse or use foul language in connection with God. Doing so would be using His name in vain.

This interpretation, in my opinion, is a far too superficial and simplistic approach to applying a very important command which was given by the Creator to His people. It does not respect the culture or the circumstances in which it was given. In addition, the logical fallacies in this interpretation are quite obvious.

We have turned a divine commandment into an easy-to-check-off rule:

We open our Bibles to Exodus 20:7, see that we should not use God’s name in vain, and assume this means that phrases such as “God damn it!”, “Jesus!”, and “Oh my God!” are off limits. And as we squabble over which words we are allowed to say and which ones are “bad”, we continue to misuse God’s name all the same.

In today’s contemplation, I want to show you that our common understanding of not using the Lord’s name in vain is inaccurate. This command is far more important than simply not cursing, and we are entirely missing the point.

Here is the translation of Exodus 20:7 as given in my NASB Bible:

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.”

Allow me to make three slight amendments to better represent what the original text states:

1) The Hebrew word that is being translated as take is NASAH. A more literal translation of NASAH would be “lift up/carry/bear”. This is an important distinction which will become evident as we continue.

2) The Hebrew word that is being translated as LORD your God is YHWH ELOHINU, God’s actual name, not a descriptor or title of God as the English translation suggests.

3) The Hebrew word that is being translated as in vain is SHAV, which literally means falsely/in vain/deceitfully.

With these three clarifications for the sake of precision, let us now attempt to create a translation that more accurately represents the original Hebrew text:

“You shall not lift up the name of YHWH ELOHINU falsely, for YHWH will not acquit one who lifts His name up falsely.”

Does this command really only mean, “Do not curse and do not swear oaths using God’s name,” or could there be more to it?

In modern-day English, we do not really use the phrase “to lift up/carry/bear” a name. So, what does that even mean?

According to the scriptures, in Old Testament times, names were quite literally carried.

Ex 28:12, 29 commands Aaron to wear stones bearing the names of the sons of Israel, which are attached to a shoulder piece.

Ex 28:36-37 commands that a golden medallion be made, engraved with the words “Holy, belonging to Yahweh,” that is then worn.

Finally, in Numbers 6:22-27, Yahweh instructs Moses to tell Aaron and his sons to put His name on the Israelites, assuring them that He will bless them.

In each of these cases, the Hebrew word, NASAH, is used for wearing/bearing the name … the exact same word that appears in our commandment.

Having a god’s name inscribed on an article bound that god’s reputation to the bearer of the inscription. This was true for temples dedicated to gods, and it was also true for people who bore the name of their god. The god was given sovereignty and had an obligation to protect that which was inscribed with his name. Additionally, the god’s reputation was intimately bound to the person who carried his name.

In the case of the ancient Israelites, they were Yahweh’s prized possession. They represented Him on earth and thus, they carried His name high.

Let us now return to Exodus 20:7.

Yahweh commands His people not to bear His name falsely.

It is as if God is saying, “You are My people, so I command you to live as such. Represent Me on earth so that all may know My name. For if you bear My name deceitfully, you are misrepresenting Me, and My reputation among mankind suffers.”

Did the Israelites break this command?

Yes, they broke it time and time again!

But they did not break it by simply exclaiming, “Oh my God.”

They disobeyed this command when they marched under the banner of Yahweh, but walked according to the words of other deities, their own agendas, and the ways of the world.

Were the ancient Israelites the only ones to break this command, or has it happened since?

When contemplating this question, my mind immediately goes to the medieval Crusades and the chants exclaiming, “Deus vult” – God wills it, as Kings summon armies in the hope of gaining territory and riches.

I think of swords bearing the words “miles Christi” (soldier of Christ) as blood drips down the blade … simply doing the Lord’s work, of course.

I think of Americans claiming to be the new Israel, God’s chosen people ... despite the scriptures offering no evidence of this whatsoever.

I think of politicians claiming to be ordained by God, as they lie, cheat, and steal their way to power.

I think of pastors believing that God speaks through them just as He did through prophets of old.

… and I realize that we have always dragged, and continue to drag God’s name through the mud, misrepresenting Him and showing the world exactly who He is not.

So, what does this all mean for me?

After all, I do claim to be a follower of Yahweh. I am called to represent Him as I bear His name on earth.

Do I bear it well, or do I drag it through the mud?

Do I claim divine authority for my human choices and actions?

I believe this topic is of utmost importance.

God’s name must be carried with reverence.

Those who have “Yahweh” inscribed on their hearts are tasked with the great responsibility of representing Him well.

God’s command in Exodus 20:7 cannot be reduced to “no cursing or foul language”. Instead, it is one of the most important commands for those who follow Him:

Bear the name of Yahweh well.

Click here for part II: A chief was burned at the stake for this.

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