What Does it Mean to Take the Lord's Name in Vain?

There are many questions that can arise when reviewing the ten commandments. The third commandment in particular is one to which few people give much thought, and even less fully understand. What does it mean to take God's name in vain?

Exodus chapter 20 records the account of God listing for the nation of Israel, and by extension all of mankind, His Ten Commandments. The third is detailed in verse 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."

Some have misunderstood this verse to be a condemnation of those who mispronounce the name of God, and thus refrain from even attempting to use His name at all. Clearly this was not the intent of the law as many of God's names are used, in more than one language throughout the Bible—but that is a topic for another time. The key to understanding this commandment is defining the word vain.

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