The third commandment seems fairly simple. Don’t take the name of the Lord in vain.
The Ten Commandments codified a simple and profound divine guidance to life. We see the Ten Commandments posted at courthouses and other important places. Don’t steal. Don’t steal. Keep the Sabbath holy.
Over time and across different traditions, the third commandment has been interpreted in several different ways. What does it mean to take the name of the Lord in vain?
Why Is the Third Commandment Different in Some Traditions?
First, we must ask, “What constitutes taking the Lord’s name in vain?” The term vain means an emptiness, producing no result, or useless. How do we use the name of the Lord in such a way as to make it empty or useless?
The numbering of the Ten Commandments varies among different traditions and versions of the Bible. The two major differences are between Judaism and Christianity.
In the Jewish tradition, the Ten Commandments are typically based on Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 accounts. For example, the prohibition against coveting is usually split into two commandments—one addressing coveting possessions and the other coveting relationships.
Most Christian denominations follow the division of the commandments as they appear in Exodus 20, combining coveting into one commandment. These differences affect how traditions number the rest of the commandments, though they all list 10.
When separating coveting into two commandments, some traditions combine the first two, having no other gods and the injunction against idolatry. Therefore, for some, the third commandment regards the Sabbath Day.
For this article, we will regard a more Protestant designation for the third commandment, not taking the Lord’s name in vain.
Additionally, historical and cultural contexts play a role in shaping the interpretation of this commandment. Societal attitudes towards language and expressions of reverence have evolved, influencing how different denominations approach the issue of taking the Lord’s name in vain.
Furthermore, theological developments and doctrinal emphases within denominations contribute to various interpretations. For example, denominations that strongly emphasize the authority of Scripture may approach the commandment with a more literal interpretation, focusing on the spoken or written use of God’s name. Others may emphasize the commandment’s deeper, mystical meaning.
What Is the Third Commandment in Jewish Traditions?
In Jewish tradition, the Third Commandment is often understood to prohibit the casual or unnecessary utterance of God’s name. The name of God is considered sacred and should not be used flippantly or in mundane contexts. This interpretation reflects a deep respect for the transcendent nature of God.
This extends to false oaths or vows made in the name of God. Jewish law places great emphasis on the sincerity and integrity of commitments, and invoking God’s name in a false or insincere manner is seen as a serious violation of the commandment.
The Third Commandment is not limited to spoken language but extends to written forms. When transcribing sacred texts like the Torah, Jewish scribes exercise meticulous care to avoid any errors, especially when writing the divine name. This attention to detail reflects the commitment to upholding the sanctity of God’s name in written form. Some more conservative traditions will place a dash within God, writing it as G-d.
To avoid any risk of using God’s name in vain, Jewish tradition often employs alternative terms when referring to the divine. This practice is particularly evident in prayer and everyday conversation, where respectful substitutes express devotion without directly invoking the sacred name. An example from the New Testament would be when Jesus or others would use the term “Kingdom of Heaven” instead of “Kingdom of God,” done to follow the commandment.
In Jewish liturgy, specific prayers and rituals contribute to sanctifying God’s name. Formal prayers and blessings underscore the reverence for the divine, and congregational worship strongly emphasizes maintaining a sense of awe and humility in the presence of God. When unintentional violations of the Third Commandment occur, Jewish tradition encourages personal reflection and repentance.
What Is the Third Commandment in Catholicism?
A central tenet of the Catholic interpretation is the prohibition against using God’s name in a disrespectful or irreverent manner. This includes avoiding profanity, blasphemy, or any form of speech that diminishes the holiness of God’s name. Catholics are encouraged to speak of God with reverence and awe. The Catholic tradition is similar to ancient Judaism in seeing the importance of sacred rites and liturgy.
In Catholic prayer, certain words and phrases are considered sacred and are to be treated with the utmost respect. The Third Commandment prompts Catholics to approach liturgical language, prayers, and hymns with deep reverence, recognizing the sacredness of the words used in worship. Specific rituals and practices contribute to sanctifying God's name within Catholic liturgy. The use of formal prayers, liturgical gestures, and rituals in the Mass emphasizes the sacredness of the divine name. Catholics are taught to approach these liturgical elements with a sense of awe and humility, recognizing the presence of the holy in worship. Sacraments, such as blessings and consecrations, also involve using the divine name with care and reverence.
The Catholic interpretation also extends the commandment to the realm of oath-taking. Believers are called to refrain from invoking God’s name in oaths that are false, insincere, or used for deceptive purposes. Catholics are encouraged to regularly examine their conscience, reflecting on their actions, including how they have used God’s name.
Finally, Catholic catechesis emphasizes the importance of teaching children and new believers about the sacredness of God’s name. Catechists stress the need for a respectful and reverent approach to the divine name from an early age, instilling a sense of piety and devotion.
What Is the Third Commandment in Most Protestant Traditions?
There may be variations among different Protestant traditions, but certain key themes characterize their understanding of this commandment.
Passed down from the Catholic background, many Protestants and evangelicals interpret the Third Commandment as a prohibition against using God’s name in profanity or irreverence. Believers are encouraged to speak of God respectfully and avoid any language that diminishes the sacredness of the divine name. This includes refraining from casual or disrespectful use of God’s name in everyday speech. Like the others, protestants instruct believers to avoid using God’s name in false oaths or commitments.
The interpretation of the Third Commandment extends to the handling and reading sacred texts, such as the Bible. Protestants and evangelicals approach the Scriptures with awe and reverence, recognizing the presence of God’s name and avoiding any actions that might diminish the respect due to the Word of God. This can be seen in swearing on the Bible during a court proceeding.
Further, Protestants and evangelicals often exhibit caution in the portrayal of God’s name in media and entertainment. There is a desire to avoid any representation or usage of the divine name that might be considered irreverent or disrespectful.
Within worship settings, there is an emphasis on sincerity and authenticity in addressing God. Evangelicals emphasize a more personal relationship with God. Therefore, Protestants and evangelicals strive to approach God with genuine hearts and spontaneity, avoiding any rituals or practices that might detract from the sincerity of worship. Typically, the concern is that liturgy may become mindless and devoid of meaning when Christians simply repeat after a priest or leader.
Protestants and evangelicals stress individual responsibility in adhering to the Third Commandment. Believers are encouraged to self-reflect and examine their own practices, ensuring that they align with the biblical mandate to treat God’s name with the utmost respect. This personal responsibility fosters a commitment to living out the principles of the commandment in daily life.
How Do We Follow the Third Commandment Today?
Each of the three traditions has wisdom for us today. When the Bible tells us to consider God as Abba, Father (Galatians 4:6), this includes both intimate and reverent language. We are to regard God personally while remembering to respect and treat the Lord with awe. God is both Lord and Father, and we don’t have to choose between the two. He is both.
Being our Father, we become his children, born from Heaven through the Spirit. The very term “Christian” means little Christ (little Messiah, little anointed one). Upon becoming a “Christian,” we literally take on the name and identity of Jesus. It shouldn’t be a vain, useless thing.
The Bible underscores the profound significance of God’s name, attributing immense power and authority to it. Throughout the scriptures, believers are encouraged to call upon the name of the Lord for deliverance, guidance, and protection. The name of the Lord is a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10), and the New Testament echoes this statement about the authority vested in the name of Jesus.
We take on the name of Christ as his followers, which should mean something. God transforms, redeems, and reconciles. There is no other name by which people can be saved (Acts 4:12). God’s name tells us who he is and the different aspects of his character. He performs miraculous things, and we are a new creation in him. Faith in his name produces fruit and evidence of change.
If our faith doesn’t, then James says it is dead. Or useless. Vanity.
Jesus tells us to count the cost before committing to follow him. “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?” (Luke 14:28-30)
Christ calls us to give our whole lives unto him, to follow and obey him. And if our whole lives now belong to him, the Third Commandment includes both a reverence for God’s actual name and for our actions, choices, thoughts, and motivations.
We shouldn’t use God’s name flippantly. Neither should we live flippantly but with every intention to follow Christ and be an ambassador for him to the world around us.
This begins in the heart, acting from our identity as children of God. When we revere his name in our hearts and minds, battling for our thoughts, then this will bring resulting action consistent with reverence for his name. In worship, we exalt his name. In prayer, we begin by addressing him by name, our Father in Heaven. We read the scriptures and treat them as sacred treasures. In relationships, we love people sincerely since they’ve been made in the image of God.
Through these ways and more, let us examine ourselves to be sure we aren’t using the name of God to no result, for nothing, in vain.
Peace.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/AaronAmat
This article is part of our Christian Terms catalog, exploring words and phrases of Christian theology and history. Here are some of our most popular articles covering Christian terms to help your journey of knowledge and faith:
The Full Armor of God
The Meaning of "Selah"
What Is Grace? Bible Definition and Christian Quotes
What is Discernment? Bible Meaning and Importance
What Is Prophecy? Bible Meaning and Examples
