7: Do Not Misuse God’s Name – Reverent Speech in a Profane Culture

The Ten Commandments and the Teachings of Jesus: A Theological, Cultural, and Political Exposition

1. Introduction

The third commandment addresses the sacredness of God’s name, placing speech in the realm of worship. It forbids not merely vulgarity or cursing, but any misuse, misrepresentation, or casual treatment of God’s identity. In the biblical worldview, words carry power—especially those spoken about or in the name of God. Jesus intensifies this command by elevating everyday language to the level of moral accountability, insisting that truthfulness and reverence mark the speech of His followers. This entry explores the theological, linguistic, and ethical implications of the third commandment, both in the Torah and in the teachings of Christ.

2. Text and Translation

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.”
— Exodus 20:7, cf. Deuteronomy 5:11

Hebrew: לֹא תִשָּׂא אֶת־שֵׁם־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לַשָּׁוְא
Lō’ tissā’ ’et-shem-YHWH ’ĕlōheikā lašāw’
Literally: “You shall not lift up (or bear) the name of the LORD your God to emptiness (vainly).”

The phrase “take in vain” (Heb. lašāw’) includes notions of:

  • Worthlessness
  • Emptiness
  • Falsehood or deception
  • Frivolous use

It is a command not only about speech, but about how one carries God’s name publicly.

3. Theological Meaning of God’s Name

In Scripture, the name of God is not merely a label but a revelation of His nature, presence, and authority.

“I AM WHO I AM” – Exodus 3:14
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.” – Proverbs 18:10

God’s name—particularly YHWH (the Tetragrammaton)—was so holy in Jewish tradition that it was not pronounced aloud, substituted instead with Adonai (“Lord”) during Scripture reading.

The misuse of God’s name was understood as:

  • False oaths (Lev. 19:12)
  • False prophecy (Jer. 14:14)
  • Blasphemy (Lev. 24:16)
  • Profaning sacred worship (Mal. 1:6–7)

Thus, the third commandment protects God’s reputation, authority, and relationship with His people.

4. Jesus’ Teaching on Sacred Speech

Jesus reinforces the third commandment, not by listing forbidden phrases, but by redefining the ethic of speech entirely:

a. Simplicity and Integrity in Words

“Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.”
— Matthew 5:37

Jesus forbids manipulative or performative speech, especially in the form of swearing oaths by sacred things (Matt. 5:33–36). This is not a legalistic ban on promises, but a call to truthfulness so consistent that oaths are unnecessary.

b. Reverence and Caution in Speech

“On the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”
— Matthew 12:36

Jesus brings divine accountability even to “idle” words (rhēma argon)—speech that is thoughtless, deceptive, or irreverent. In a culture of casual profanity, this is a radical call to speech holiness.

5. New Testament Ethics of the Name

The apostles continued to honour and elevate the name of God—now specifically the name of Jesus, through whom God’s identity was fully revealed.

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”
— Philippians 2:10

“Whatever you do… do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
— Colossians 3:17

To bear the name of Christ as a believer is to live as His representative (Acts 11:26). Thus, the third commandment applies not only to spoken misuse, but to hypocritical living that defames God’s reputation (cf. Titus 1:16).

6. Cultural and Political Misuse

Throughout history, the name of God has been invoked for evil:

  • Religious wars and political oppression done “in God’s name”
  • Swearing oaths in court without truth
  • Christian nationalism that conflates God’s name with state power
  • False prophecy and spiritual manipulation in church contexts

This commandment demands discernment, fear, and humility in how God’s name is spoken, applied, or authorised. Misusing God’s name for personal, political, or commercial gain is a serious violation.

7. Contemporary Discipleship Application

In a secular and profane age, where God’s name is often trivialised, the third commandment calls for:

  • Verbal reverence: Avoiding casual, irreverent use of “God,” “Jesus,” or “Christ”
  • Truthful integrity: Speaking plainly and honestly without exaggeration
  • Spiritual responsibility: Not claiming divine endorsement for personal agendas
  • Consistent witness: Living in a way that honours the name of the Lord we bear (2 Tim. 2:19)

Believers are not only to speak reverently, but to live reverently—carrying God’s name with honour in every sphere of life.

8. Conclusion

The third commandment teaches that God’s name is holy, and it must never be used lightly, falsely, or dishonestly. Jesus expands this principle, calling for total integrity in speech and reverence in conduct. To misuse the name of the Lord is to deface His glory, but to honour His name is to bear witness to His truth, holiness, and grace.

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