Nathan joins Keith to offer some ideas on what this commandment includes. Keith compares the verse between King James, NASB and his own literal notes. We then have a look at what Scripture says about using or misusing God’s name. Keith brings up the question about the use of common vulgarities, and takes a quick peek at how the Westminster confession addresses this verse.
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Exodus 20:7
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.
KJV
Literal:
no lifting up the -name of-Yahweh (your) Elohim (to) vane purpose;
for not you (will be) purified by Yahweh
(the one) which – he lifts the-name to vane purpose.
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.
There are several cross-references to this verse that appear all through Scripture. The topic of these references defines what it means to swear, As well as the vein or profane use of God’s name. These would include things such as the use of his name and taking an oath or vow. Leviticus 24:11, Deuteronomy 5:11, Leviticus 19:12, Proverbs 30:9
There is never a good use of blaspheming. This is calling on God’s name for evil purposes. Or attributing something evil to his good name.
What about vulgarity, coarse language or jesting? The word vulgar comes from a Latin word that simply means common. Technically speaking, certain words may be common and not be immoral. There words that are definitely unbecoming, ugly, and typically not even acceptable in polite society, let alone proper use and moral purposes. The Old Testament is largely silent on these kinds of words. However, and the New Testament Paul warns against the use of course jesting or course language. It is language and behavior that is unbecoming to a follower of Christ.
Is there a proper time to swear? When we properly call on God’s name to lifted up and Thanksgiving, or to honor and glorify him. These are a few ways to properly swear by God’s name. There are times when we promise to take a vow, or to dedicate ourselves to God’s purpose. Invoking his name at those times are also honorable things to do. All these are glorifying to God.
The evil person has no right to call on God’s name. Psalm 50:14-16, Jeremiah 4:2
There is a time for the evil person to call on God’s name, and that is for the purpose of repentance unto salvation. Normally, the evil person only invokes God’s name for malicious ends. Or to drag God’s name down into evil intent. Even if they were to bring a sacrifice to the altar, or give the appearance of a glorifying oath, God will not honor the gift if it represents an evil purpose.
Properly done, God is the Authority behind any oath or swearing. As Scripture puts it: Authority does Not come from the altar, not the gift, not on humanity, not on heaven or earth, and not on anything under the heaven or earth. Matthew 5:33-37, Matthew 23:16-22, James 5:12
possibly someone might swear by an authority lesser than God. In that case it would represent vain swearing in the eyes of God. It also indicates what that person feels is their God.
Whether an oath is sworn out in the name of God, or some lesser thing, we swear on the power that we claim will guarantee our oaths.
A few paraphrase thoughts from the Westminster Confession.
Requirements: the name, title or attributes of God are to be held in utmost reverence. This includes that His ordinances are to be honored in worship. This also includes his word, sacraments, prayers, vows, his works and however he makes himself known should all be honored.
He has written his words for us to know him better. In all our conversation or behavior we are to be glorifying to God.
The commandment forbids using God’s name profanely, abusively, ignorantly, maliciously, superstitiously and so forth.
It is also forbidden to blaspheme, commit perjury, practice sinful cursing, violate lawful vows. Murmuring, quarreling, misapplying Scripture, misinterpreting Scripture, maintain false doctrines, continue living a sinful life and using charms. Reviling, opposing God’s truths, grace or ways, being ashamed of the faith, or using religion for sinister ends and backsliding. Just to name a few.
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