What exactly does Thou shall not take the lords name in vein mean? A friend said you cant say god name at all?

Answer 1

The command doesn't say "Don't say God's name". It says "Don't use in in vain". In other words, it should always be treated with respect.

Answer 2

Some people feel it includes such things as saying "goddamnit." That can hardly be the case, however, since God's name is not God, although swearing in such a manner is not a good thing.

When this commandment was recorded, it was directed to the nation of Israel which was God's name people - it was the people on which His name was found. Thus we read at Isaiah 43:12: "'You are my witnesses" says Yahweh and I am God.'"

The JPS Torah Commentary, published by the Jewish Publication Society, explains that the Hebrew term rendered as "in vain" or “in a worthless way” (lash·shaw’′) can mean “falsely” or “for nothing, in vain.” This work continues on: “The ambiguities [of this Hebrew term] allow for the proscription [prohibition] of perjury by the principals in a lawsuit, swearing falsely, and the unnecessary or frivolous use of the divine Name.”

Thus the prohibition concerns using the name in an improper way but it does not prohibit the use of God's name. That could hardly be the case - the Jews and Israelites about whom we read in the Hebrew Scriptures used God's name all the time. Indeed, his name was incorporated into many of their names. Thus we have Joshua, Jehoshua, Jeremiah, Zechariah - these names incorporate the Divine Name.

So there is no prohibition against using God's name. The prohibition is against the misuse.

Answer 3

NOBODY is giving proof as to where anything states anything about what it means to say His name in vain. I can't give any proof either, but..

I ain't no religous follower so I wouldn't know anyway. But I did lots of research on this years ago and I came to the conclusion that God's name is not even capable of being pronounced by us.

It is unknown. And that if we did say His name incorrectly it would be in vain, so those that believe shouldn't even say the name God. It would be an insult. But since nobody knows God's true name (at least that's what it seems) then it would be practically impossible to say his name in vain unless .. perhaps by mistake.

I've actually seen paperwork from Churches that state that they only say God for educational purposes and that they do not know His real name.

Interesting hmm? sssuuuuccchh an important dude, but sooooo mysterious. Makes ya wonder don't it.

Answer 4

You can use God's name to talk about God, but not to say "Oh +++, the stove is on fire". A subtlty which is often not noticed though is that using the Lord's name in vain includes using His name for purposes not to do with Him. For example, the Pope said about 1000 years ago (very apporximate time estimate, don't flame me for it) that if you improved his diplomatic ties with Constantinople, earning him several cases of wine by attacking the Holy Land and killing Jews and Muslims, which was God's will, you would go to heaven. Ha Ha Ha. Clearly this was not God's will, therefore, it is using his name for alterior motives, and is using His name in vain.

Answer 5

In Jewish thought, that commandment against taking the lord's name in vain refers solely to

*oath-taking*

and is a prohibition against

*swearing by God's Name falsely or frivolously*

The word normally translated as "in vain" literally means "for falsehood".

Answer 6

It means using His name as a swear word is bad. A lot of people say,"Oh my God" which I have heard it is a form of vein. But I don't know for sure.
I know that it's vein to use His name with a swear word because people don't realize they are cursing God with their tongue.

Answer 7

Taking the Lord's name in vain is serious, you should not curse using His name, like G--d---, it also means you are not supposed to disrespect His name, like using it for as slang, God says even His name is holy, you should always respect it, because His name is powerful. .

Answer 8

It is like saying - Oh My God- like Oh Sh** ( I don't know if I can type it on here or not) Or saying God D***
That is using the Lords name in vain. You can say the word God all you want, just don't use it like I said. Like cussing

Answer 9

It means you should say it in a place which is not set for spirituality, or say it for any reason other than prayer or serious study.

Also, you should not take an oath in god's name and you shouldn't write god's name when what you write may be erased or thrown out.

Answer 10

Don't ever use the lords name in a negative way like ***dammit. Thats basically what it means and in a way its commanding God to do something.

Answer 11

It depends on what religio you are talking about. Jews don't say the name of God at all while Christians say 'don't take the lord's name in vain" meaning don't say: "Jesus Christ!" when you hurt yourself.