The Lord's Name

Some of us have talked a little about this before, but it was on my mind again. Also, my comments sound very 'preachy' but they're not intended to be. I was just looking at this commandment closely, writing down things that seemed to help me understand it better.



Exodus 20:7

7 “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.

‘You shall not take…’

• I believe this implies more than just a single use of the word ‘LORD’ or ‘GOD’


• It implies a more constant action of ‘carrying’ or ‘bearing continuously’


• In 2 Corinthians, Paul calls Timothy and himself ambassadors for Christ, meaning they were representing God, speaking for Him, pleading for people to come to Him and be reconciled. Is this not our role as well? Is this not a way of ‘carrying His name’?

‘the name of the Lord your God…’

• God is holy and His name is holy. This is very much implied in the command.


• The Bible calls His name ‘glorious’.
  Psalm 72:19 says:
  Blessed be his glorious name forever;may the whole earth be filled with his glory!Amen and Amen!


• When Jesus taught the disciples the manner to pray, His first words were that God’s name be ‘hallowed’. This means to be kept holy or treated with reverence. Again, this implies speaking it correctly, but also seems to infer the bigger picture of honoring even the reputation of His name.

Notice 2 Samuel 12:14:
14 Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.”

• This is Nathan confronting David after he had commited adultery with Bathsheba


• Had David ‘taken the name’ of the Lord in vain? Quite certainly he has dishonored God by his actions. The consequences of such actions hurt many people, and in so doing, did not show God’s name much honor, as David was the king called out by God Himself.

‘in vain…’

• Simply put, this means making meaningless use of the name of God. Causing it to be empty or of no value. This is definitely the case when the Lord’s name is used to spice up profane speech. In this manner, His name is ‘devalued’, or ‘not considered worthy’. Hearing this speech should sicken us.


• But what about those so-called Christians that live immorally, or use profanity, or cheat, or lie, or get drunk, you name it. What about these ‘Christians’ that turn the lost away from the grace of God, because even in their lost condition, they know that those actions are not of a holy God.


• Does it matter?

The way we live, as believers is serious business. The Bible is packed full of commands and guidance in issues for us to be able to live in a way that God is glorified. Some would say that I take this verse out of context or read too much into it.
While I believe I read it correctly, I am also convinced that I have broken this command. Even as a child of God.

Malachi 1:11
For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts.

1 Corinthians 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.