I propose it does not mean using it as a part of a swear word. Let's analyze why. "In vain" means failure or inability to do something. For example, "They tried in vain to find their car keys"
It also is the word vanity derives from. Vanity is a feeling of excessive pride. To think you are better than something else.
Here is what I propose now.
To take God's name in vain, REALLY means that you say you walk with God, but you don't. You say you follow Christ's path, but you don't. You tell everyone you are close to God when you don't even walk the path he has set out before you. You think because you know God that you are better than everyone else, you are taking God's name in vain to suit your own desires.
Who is with me on this interpretation?
2006-08-31 09:33:49 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
That's pretty good. And very close to the Hebrew definition... which is "to make empty, void or useless". If you were to get technical, them saying that God is God's name makes his name useless. God isn't a name... it's a title. And saying Goddamnit is hardly taking anyone's name in vain. You could mean Zeus for all we know. *_*
2006-08-31 09:44:22 · answer #1 · answered by Kithy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Hebrew word that is used for vain in that commandment in the Bible is Shav' meaning: emptiness, worthlessness, nothingness. Your interpretation points more to hypocrisy which God detests as well. Although your interpretation of using God's name in vain could also fit the Hebrew meaning. A life without God is empty and full of nothingness.
I do think though, that throwing around the word, God, in a way that is unworthy of who He is, is disrespectful of His holiness, and is using His name in vain.
On a side note, I do find it peculiar that I don't hear people use other god's names in vain.
2006-08-31 09:51:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a fine interpretation. I would with this using the God's name to manipulate(deceive) others or to edifiy oneself as the only designated authority of the God.
In many reiligion teachings such as Judaism and Islam, the God has many attributes or names, such as Peace or Love. Could it be that using these words in vain be the same?
2006-08-31 09:47:17 · answer #3 · answered by LeBlanc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Taking God's name in vain is as simple as using the name of God disrespectfully. Or saying it in no regard to God. Some people when they say, "Oh, my God..." Are actually crying out to God for help. Some say it to complain or imply the vanity / worthlessness of God's name.
So it is a heart issue. Are you praying to God when you say His name? Are you talking about the goodness of God when you mention His name?
Or, are you just using the name of the LORD God in vain?
2006-08-31 09:46:11 · answer #4 · answered by t_a_m_i_l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, but I do know that people can be crazy about that kind of stuff. I knew a woman once who would cuss like a sailor. But she got irate if she heard someone "take the lord's name in vain"
How crazy is that? I figured, surely she must be kidding....
Do other christians feel that way? That taking his name in vain is way worse than just normal swearing?
2006-08-31 09:50:13 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Mira♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always interpreted the vain in more the prideful way- the command meaning that we should not be so arrogant as to forget how great God or His name is and be taking it for granted by using it casually or detrimentally.
2006-08-31 09:40:05 · answer #6 · answered by Robin J. Sky 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Every time that you post a question you take the Lord's name in vain. You are an atheist and you have the gall to be judgmental towards Christians. Get out of this category. You are a waste of our time and God's.
2006-08-31 09:40:04 · answer #7 · answered by Preacher 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think taking God's name in vain is using the name so commonly that it becomes meaningless. (which it has for a lot of people.) We are to revere His name and use it only when discussing Him in a holy manner or when speaking to Him.
2006-08-31 09:40:42 · answer #8 · answered by gracefully_saved 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Anyone who use God's name in an effort to curse someone, or to swear a needless oath, takes his name in vain.
Your interpretation has some merit, but it's not main stream.
2006-08-31 13:19:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about your idea, but it DOES seem like the current idea is incorrect. God seems cool with cursing:
2 Kings 2:23
From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him. "Go on up, you baldhead!" they said. "Go on up, you baldhead!"
2 Kings 2:24
He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths.
Oh, and murdering children for the smallest insult. Did I forget that part?
2006-08-31 09:42:39 · answer #10 · answered by The Resurrectionist 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋