The Third Commandment

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.


The third commandment. Like unto the first two, the third commandment is furthering the relationship with God. You believe, put him first, do away with other idols, and know we learn that we don’t use His name flippantly.

What does it mean to use the Lords name in vain? Most of the time we consider it with the potty mouth cursing that people use, and while that can be in vain, it may not always be. So what is in vain? The dictionary describes it as follows:

1. without effect or avail; to no purpose: to apologize in vain.

Potty mouth could fall into this category. What it does show under this definition is that the Lords name should be used only when there is purpose or effect. That could be in praise, prayer, study, meditation, call for help, etc… In those cases, there is reason to use the Lords name and it has an effect.

2. in an improper or irreverent manner: to take God's name in vain.

This second meaning does certainly include potty mouth. It would also include mockery, ridicule, comedy, and the like. It is certainly a broader sense than just cussing when you stub our toe. Although there may be some purpose for some to mock or ridicule, it would certainly be improper or irreverent. There are many comedians (and people too) I have heard that make jokes about God and his followers. The purpose is to put down and discourage a believer. These jokes are certainly irreverent and, at least in a believers eyes, improper.

Many people do use God’s name when swearing. GD is often heard when cussing. When I was a teen, GD often rolled out just like an adjective while talking about something. It wasn’t even given a second thought. Grown ups didn’t much care for it, and this is why. There was no purpose in using the expletive. Many adults use it too. It just rolls off the tongue when you smash that elbow, GD IT!


This command also comes with a caveat. Use His name in vain and you will have to answer for it. You Won’t be guiltless. It’s another reminder that, hey, do this and your breaking the law. I think that most who choose to follow Him, put Him first, and put other idols away, will learn to follow this command as well.