The Third Commandment Revisited

Welcome to another Nerd Word adventure!
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This time we’re traveling to Mount Sinai to investigate the third “word” (or commandment) of Exodus 20. Along the way, we’ll learn a Hebrew word, admire the High Priest’s garments, and make a few surprising discoveries.
At first glance, the third commandment seems straightforward:

“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.”  
Exodus 20:7 (ESV)

Our first Hebrew word is nasa. It is usually translated as “take” or “misuse” in English Bibles, but in Hebrews it conveys the idea of lifting, carrying, or bearing. In other words, the commandment can be understood as a warning not to “bear” God’s name in a worthless or empty way. Traditionally, this is often explained as a prohibition against speaking God’s name in a flippant or disrespectful manner. But bearing God’s name is much more than just the words we say.
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To see this more clearly, let’s step into the tabernacle and see the High Priest’s garments. They would be worn once a year on the day of Atonement when the High Priest would enter the most sacred part of the tabernacle to offer a sacrifice in the presence of Yahweh.

Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings. Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.
Exodus 28:11-12

The phrase “bear their names” uses the same Hebrew word nasa as in the third commandment. In this case, the High Priest was literally carrying the names of the tribes of Israel that were engraved into stones.  Each year when he offered the sacrifice on the day of atonement, he was bringing their names before God as a memorial. 

So the third commandment is not merely a warning to not say Yahweh’s name in an inappropriate way. While this certainly is one aspect of the instruction, we need to consider how we could “bear his name” in a way that would not be glorifying to him. 

First of all, the third commandment can’t be separated from the rest of the surrounding verses. Exodus 20 reminds us that Yahweh is the God who had delivered the Israelites from bondage to Pharaoh by sending a redeemer (Exodus 20:1). Because God had chosen the Israelites and redeemed them, they were to respond by acknowledging that He is the only true God and not to worship any other “god” (Exodus 20:3-5). 

So the first two commandments provide the foundation for how we understand and apply the third commandment. We can certainly say God’s name in a respectful, outwardly acceptable way…but if we are serving another “god”, we are bearing his name in a hypocritical, vain manner. 

“Well,” you say, “I don’t bow down to statues or offer sacrifices to those pagan gods. And I don’t say ‘golly’, ‘gosh’, ‘gee’, or any of those other words that sound like God. So I’m okay.”

Well, not really. There are invisible idols that we like to set up in our lives. John Calvin famously said that our hearts are an “idol factory”. Take me for example…I struggle with gluttony (turning to food for comfort, satisfaction, and stress relief instead of finding ultimate delight in Yahweh).  Food is an idol that I frequently try to put in God’s place. It promises so much, delivers temporary pleasure, and then leaves me empty and craving for more. 

Laziness. Money. Career. Affirmation from others. Our children’s success. Food, alcohol, drugs. Sleep.  The idols just keep coming off the assembly line. 

We may have a list of the “forbidden” words, and we may never say them. But are we actually lifting up and bearing God’s name in vain? How do we nasa his name in a fruitful, wholehearted, and sincere manner?

Well, to risk sounding like a broken record (if you even know what that is!)... the third commandment can’t be separated from the rest of the surrounding verses. So, to know how to bear his name, read (and follow!) the rest of the commandments. 

Here are a few practical implications of bearing God’s name as it is seen through faithful obedience to the ten “words”. Set aside time each week to worship the God whose name you bear. Honor your parents, just as you would honor Yahweh, your heavenly Father. Be honest and show integrity in your relationships and financial stewardship. Be content with what God has given you.

 In other words, love God (with all your heart, soul, and mind) and love others (Matthew 22:37-40). 

What an incredible responsibility and privilege we have to nasa God’s name before others and reflect his character in every area of our lives. We carry his name wherever we go. And we are not alone in this adventure!