Exodus 20:7
ESV
"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.
NIV
"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
NASB
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.
CSB
Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name.
NLT
You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.
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.
NKJV
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
What does Exodus 20:7 mean?
This is the third commandment (Exodus 19:5–6; 20:1) given to Moses and Israel on Mount Sinai. God has forbidden Israel from worshipping other gods (Exodus 20:2–3) or making idols (Exodus 20:4–6). Those instructions relate to how the nation respects the Lord. This commandment does the same, by prohibiting misuse of His name. In the immediate, literal context, this is a law against making false promises tied to His name (Leviticus 19:12).Many believe that to "take God's name in vain" refers to using it as a curse word. While that is disrespectful to God, taking His name in vain is a much broader idea. Any disrespect to the Lord's character, power, or nature violates the third commandment. When a person claims to honor God, to obey God, makes a vow to God, or associates themselves with Him, they are presenting their actions as representations of the Lord. They legitimize what they say and do by attaching it to God and His nature. Those who make that association, but violate or disrespect it, act as if God's reputation and character have no value. They are taking [borrowing] God's name [and character] in vain [to no effect or disrespectfully].
In this way, a person who claims to be a believer, while living a deeply unchristian life, is taking God's name in vain. So is the one who claims to speak for God while serving their own purposes. The same is true of those who re-imagine God as they would prefer Him. Jesus referred to those who will be judged in eternity for their insincerity (Matthew 7:21–23).
