Exodus 20:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not take {H5375} the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} in vain {H7723}; for the LORD {H3068} will not hold him guiltless {H5352} that taketh {H5375} his name {H8034} in vain {H7723}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are not to use lightly the name of ADONAI your God, because ADONAI will not leave unpunished someone who uses his name lightly. s

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 20:7, the Third Commandment, is a foundational divine directive given at Mount Sinai, emphasizing the profound respect and reverence due to God's sacred name. It prohibits any misuse of the LORD's name that diminishes its holiness, integrity, or authority, extending beyond mere profanity to include false oaths, insincere worship, or any trivialization of God's character. The commandment concludes with a solemn warning that God Himself will hold accountable those who disregard the sanctity of His name.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This commandment is strategically positioned within the Decalogue, immediately following the directives against idolatry and the worship of other gods found in [Exodus 20:3-6](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-6 - The First and Second Commandments"). Having established God's exclusive claim to worship and the prohibition of physical representations of Him, the sequence logically progresses to the proper reverence for His very identity as expressed through His name. It sets the stage for the subsequent commandments, which deal with the Sabbath and human relationships, underscoring that all aspects of life, both vertical (God-ward) and horizontal (man-ward), are to be lived under the authority and in honor of the LORD. The placement highlights the intrinsic connection between who God is and how His people are to relate to Him and, by extension, to each other.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, establishing their covenant relationship with Yahweh following their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, as detailed in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears at Sinai"). In the ancient Near East, a name was not merely an identifier but was believed to embody the essence, character, and power of the person or deity it represented. To "take" or "bear" a name meant to represent or invoke the authority of that entity. Therefore, misusing a deity's name was a grave offense, often associated with sorcery, false oaths, or blasphemy, as it was seen as an attempt to manipulate or disrespect the divine power. Oaths sworn by a deity's name were legally binding and carried immense weight, making the integrity of such oaths crucial for societal trust and justice. This cultural understanding amplifies the gravity of the commandment, extending its scope far beyond casual profanity to encompass any action that would bring disrepute or emptiness to the name of the LORD.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Name (Hebrew, _shem'_):** In ancient Hebrew thought, a "name" was far more than a label; it encapsulated the very essence, character, reputation, authority, and presence of the person or entity it belonged to. When referring to God, His "name" (particularly YHWH, the LORD) signifies His unique, self-existent nature, His covenant faithfulness, His power, and His holiness. To take His name "in vain" is therefore to treat His very being and character with disrespect, emptiness, or falsehood.
* **Take (Hebrew, _nasa'_):** The verb _nasa'_ means "to lift," "to carry," "to bear," or "to utter." In this context, it implies bearing or uttering God's name. This can refer to speaking it, invoking it in an oath, or even bearing it as a representative (i.e., being called by God's name as His people). The prohibition thus covers a broad spectrum of actions: from uttering His name carelessly, to swearing false oaths by it, to living a life that contradicts the character of the God one claims to serve.
* **In vain (Hebrew, _shav'_):** This crucial term signifies "emptiness," "vanity," "falsehood," "worthlessness," or "nothingness." It implies using God's name for a purpose that is empty, trivial, deceitful, or without substance. This includes using it as a curse, a casual exclamation, a false oath, or in any way that renders it meaningless or reduces its sacred weight. It speaks to a profound lack of reverence and integrity in one's relationship with the Divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain":** This is the direct prohibition. It forbids any action that would treat God's sacred name—which represents His very being, character, and authority—as empty, worthless, or false. This encompasses blasphemy, casual or frivolous use, false swearing, and living a life that dishonors the God whose name one bears or invokes. The phrase "the LORD thy God" emphasizes the covenant relationship and the personal nature of this divine expectation.
* **"for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.":** This clause serves as a solemn warning and a divine guarantee of judgment. It underscores the seriousness of the offense, indicating that God Himself will actively ensure that those who misuse His name will not escape punishment or accountability. The phrase "not hold him guiltless" is a strong legal declaration, confirming that such an act is a serious transgression with definite, unavoidable consequences from the holy and just God.

#### Literary Devices
The Third Commandment employs several potent literary devices to convey its gravity. Primarily, it uses **Prohibition** through the direct negative command, "Thou shalt not," which is characteristic of the Decalogue, leaving no ambiguity about the forbidden action. The device of **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "take the name... in vain," which appears twice within the single verse. This repetition serves to emphasize the specific nature of the transgression and to reinforce its seriousness in the hearer's mind. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **Parallelism** or **Cause-and-Effect Statement**, where the initial prohibition is immediately followed by a divine consequence. This structure not only forbids the action but also provides a powerful motivation for obedience by clearly stating the inescapable divine judgment for disobedience, highlighting God's unwavering justice and holiness in protecting His own name.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Third Commandment establishes a profound theological principle: God's name is intrinsically linked to His character and authority, and therefore demands the utmost reverence and integrity. It is not merely about avoiding profanity, but about recognizing that our words and actions, especially when invoking the Divine, must reflect the holiness of God. To misuse His name is to dishonor His very being, to treat His truth as falsehood, and to undermine the covenant relationship He has established with His people. This commandment calls for a genuine, heartfelt respect for God that permeates all aspects of life, from formal worship to everyday speech and the integrity of our promises.

* [Leviticus 19:12](/leviticus/19-12 "Leviticus 19:12 - Do Not Swear Falsely by My Name")
* [Deuteronomy 5:11](/deuteronomy/5-11 "Deuteronomy 5:11 - The Third Commandment Reiterated")
* [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus' Teaching on Oaths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 20:7 calls us to a profound reverence for God's character that extends far beyond merely avoiding curse words. It challenges us to examine the integrity of our speech, our promises, and indeed, our very lives. If we claim to be followers of God, our actions should consistently honor His name, reflecting His holiness, truthfulness, and love. This means approaching prayer and worship with sincerity, ensuring our vows are kept, and living in a way that brings glory, not dishonor, to the One whose name we bear as His people. It's a call to authenticity, where our words and our lives are congruent with the God we profess to serve, ensuring that His name is never treated as empty or trivial.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "taking God's name in vain" in my everyday speech or actions, even subtly?**
* **How does my reverence for God's name impact the integrity of my promises and commitments to others?**
* **Am I approaching prayer and worship with genuine sincerity, or is there an element of "emptiness" in my spiritual practices?**
* **What does it mean for my life to "honor" God's name, and how can I more intentionally live in a way that reflects His character?**

### FAQ
**What does "taking the name of the LORD in vain" truly mean beyond just cursing?**

Answer: While cursing is certainly included, "taking the name of the LORD in vain" (Hebrew: _nasa shav_) has a much broader meaning. _Nasa_ means to "lift," "carry," or "bear," and _shav_ means "emptiness," "falsehood," or "worthlessness." Therefore, it encompasses any use of God's name that treats it as empty, trivial, or false. This includes:
* **False Oaths:** Swearing by God's name to a lie or a promise one does not intend to keep, as seen in [Leviticus 19:12](/leviticus/19-12 "Leviticus 19:12 - Do Not Swear Falsely by My Name"). This undermines truth and the very character of God.
* **Frivolous or Casual Use:** Using God's name (or titles like "Jesus Christ") as an exclamation, a casual expression, or a filler word without genuine reverence.
* **Hypocritical Living:** Bearing God's name as a believer, yet living a life that contradicts His character and commands. This effectively makes His name "empty" in the eyes of the world, as one's actions do not align with the God they claim to serve.
* **Manipulative Prayer or Prophecy:** Invoking God's name for selfish gain, to manipulate others, or to falsely claim divine authority for one's own agenda.
Ultimately, it's about respecting the holiness and authority that God's name represents, ensuring it is always treated with the gravity it deserves.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 20:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament commandment prohibits misusing God's name, Jesus perfectly honored the Father's name through His life, ministry, and obedient death. He taught His disciples to pray, "Hallowed be your name" ([Matthew 6:9](/matthew/6-9 "Matthew 6:9 - The Lord's Prayer")), demonstrating the reverence due to God. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of God's name and character, for in Him "dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). The New Testament reveals that God has "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:9-10](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-10 - The Exaltation of Christ")). For believers, honoring God's name now extends to honoring the name of Jesus, through whom we are saved ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through Jesus' Name")) and in whom we are called to do "everything... in the name of the Lord Jesus" ([Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Do Everything in Jesus' Name")). This means living authentically, with integrity, and in a manner that reflects the character of Christ, ensuring that our lives bring glory to His holy name and never diminish its sacred weight.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 5:11

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.

Leviticus 19:12

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.

James 5:12

¶ But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

Matthew 5:33

¶ Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

Matthew 5:37

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Psalms 50:14

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

Psalms 50:16

¶ But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or [that] thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?