What is in a name? Is it a mere label or representation of a concept, thing, or person? Does a name have significance, and if so, who assigns the significance? In the case of God’s name, He assigns significance to His name by the third commandment and many other commands, exhortations, and warnings. The significance of His name is more than a representation of His person, power, deeds, and glory, however. His name has innate power proceeding from His person (1) to put demons to flight, heal the sick, bring meaningful comfort to the distraught, and more. I am reminded of Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and are safe”, or more literally, “are set securely on high.”
Taking God’s name in vain is using it intentionally or flippantly with disrespect. (2) God demonstrates His intolerance of denigrating the glory of His name during several circumstances in Scriptures. The first of these appears in the early stages of Israel. “The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name and cursed… let all the congregation stone him… ‘If anyone curses his God, then he will bear his sin. Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death.'” (3)
His name is not a talisman to be wielded at the will of anyone who names it, but God does endow His name with power for those who trust in Him according to His will. We must treat His name with reverence and care, but we are also commanded to call on His name (4) and “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name” (5).
Question 59: Which is the third commandment?
Answer: The third commandment is, “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.” Exodus 20:7.
Question 60: What is required in the third commandment?
Answer: The third commandment requires the holy and reverent use of God’s name, titles, attributes, ordinances, words, and works.
Psalm 29:2; 111:9; 138:2; Deuteronomy 32:1-4; 28:58-59; Matthew 6:9; Ecclesiastes 5:1; Job 36:24; Revelation 4:8; 15:3, 4.
Question 61: What is forbidden in the third commandment?
Answer: The third commandment forbids all profaning and abusing of anything whereby God makes himself known.
Exodus 20:7; Malachi 1:6, 7; Leviticus 20:3; 19:12; Matthew 5:34-37; Isaiah 52:5.
Question 62: What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?
Answer: The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.
Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 28:58, 59; Malachi 2:2.
- Psalm 29:2a, 115:1 (Notice the phrase “because of”.), 148:13 (Notice the parallel of name’s glory and “His glory”.)
- What is taking the Lord’s name in vain?
- Leviticus 24:10-16
- Isaiah 12:4, 55:6; Psalm 105:1
- Psalm 29:2a
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