Exodus 20:7 - Printer Friendly

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.

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).

Exodus 20:1–17 contains the Ten Commandments: the foundational laws of the ancient nation of Israel. These provide a basis for every other Mosaic law (2 Chronicles 5:10). The laws prohibit worship of other gods, idolatry, blasphemy, perjury, theft, murder, adultery, and covetousness. They command Israelites to honor parents and observe a weekly Sabbath rest. Like the rest of the old covenant, these commandments will be "fulfilled" and no longer applicable after Christ's completed work (Galatians 4:4–5; Hebrews 8:8–13). However, all these rules, other than the command to observe the Sabbath, are repeated in Christ's teachings.

At Mount Sinai, God begins declaring the laws of His covenant with Israel. The first of these are the Ten Commandments. These establish core principles intended to guide the Lord's chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Further details will come in other chapters and books. This chapter ends with specifics about altars and idols. The following chapters will address various social and civil issues (Exodus 21—23)

Centuries after being enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1), Israel has been freed (Exodus 12). God leads the people across the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and into the wilderness of Sinai (Exodus 17—19). Here, He will give them laws which distinguish them from other nations. The first of these are the renowned Ten Commandments. The Lord will continue to provide details and statutes (Exodus 21—23) before confirming the covenant (Exodus 24) and establishing regulations for the tabernacle and priests (Exodus 25—31).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.