How is it possible to use the Lords name in vain when nobody really knows what His name is?

Question

Traditional Jews utilize Yahweh or (YHWH) as Gods name because his true name is supposedly unpronounceable.

Answer 1

Exactly. All these Christians pitching a fit because I say "goddamn" don't even know their own deities name (YHVH). The commandment against "taking the Lord's name in vain" had nothing to do with making disrespectful comments, but referred to the name's supposed inherent power. Similar name traditions existed in Babylonian and Egyptian religion.

It is because of this stricture against pronouncing the name that even after the Hebrew language developed a system fror marking vowels in written scripture, its pronunciation was concealed by substituting the vowel markings and pronuciation of the word Adonai, Lord. Christians translating Hebrew texts did not understand this tradition, an mistranslated the text of the name as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah."

In modern Judaism, the tetragrammaton is commonly referred to as "HaShem," meaning, "The Name," and the pronunciation rules still apply.

Answer 2

A reason often given for omitting God’s name from the Bible involves a long-standing tradition of the Jews. Many of them hold that God’s name should never be pronounced. This belief is evidently based on a misapplication of a Bible law that states: “You must not take up the name of Jehovah your God in a worthless way, for Jehovah will not leave the one unpunished who takes up his name in a worthless way.”—Exodus 20:7.

This law forbids the misuse of God’s name. But does it forbid the respectful use of his name? Not at all. The writers of the Hebrew Bible (the “Old Testament”) were all faithful men who lived by the Law that God gave to the ancient Israelites. Yet, they made frequent use of God’s name. For instance, they included it in many psalms that were sung out loud by crowds of worshipers. Jehovah God even instructed his worshipers to call upon his name, and faithful ones obeyed. (Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21) Hence, Christians today do not hesitate to use God’s name respectfully, as Jesus surely did.—John 17:26.

In replacing God’s name with titles, Bible translators make a serious mistake. They make God seem remote and impersonal, whereas the Bible urges humans to cultivate “intimacy with Jehovah.” (Psalm 25:14) Think of an intimate friend of yours. How close would you really be if you never learned your friend’s name? Similarly, when people are kept in ignorance about God’s name, Jehovah, how can they become truly close to God? Furthermore, when people do not use God’s name, they also lack knowledge of its wonderful meaning.

Answer 3

Actually, YHVH [Yod-hey-vau-hey] is one of his names [he's got 72]. Jews refuse to speak or write that, though, because it soils it's holiness [recall, in ancient times, names were though to give you power over another.]

When the temple was still standing, the only time they could say it was on a specific day, and only by the highest ranking "priest." Since the temple has fallen, they can't anymore.

In Hebrew Bibles, you can write the name, but the scribe needs to ready his mind for it, so he feels it is holy [if he fails, he needs to burn the page].



The "Lords name in vain" commandment is about saying the holy name, not, "God damnit!"

Answer 4

This is really misundertanding of the commandment. It is not a prohibition against profanity per se but rather do not ascribe an action to be from God without his approval. It would be like me forging your signature on all kinds of documents. Saying GD is disrespectful and is a subset of the more broader application.

Answer 5

It's very possible when you understand the actual scripture, or the third commandment: "Thou shalt not use the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who uses His name in vain." What does this commandment principally teach? The third commandment forbids all profaning and abusing of anything whereby God makes Himself known. The scripture is not talking about God's actual name but the name of the 'Lord, our God".

Answer 6

We do know the Lord's name. He says what his name is in Exodus

Exodus 34:14
Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

Clear as day. His name is Jealous.

Answer 7

Heh hee, I think I know what "using His name in vain is"..and I am afraid I am guilty of that sin..too

Answer 8

exodus 20:6-8...6And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

7Thou 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.

8Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Matthew 15:8-10...8This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

9But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

10And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
Proverbs 30:8-10.............
8Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

10Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
.
.
.
here are some good verses to help you understand what taking the Lords name in vain means. it means to take Gods name as a title upon yourself (i.e. "Christ"ian) and not living as Christ did and gave us the example to. it is in vain because it accomplishes nothing, it is all an act and certainly doesnt save you and definitely doesnt please God. that is what taking Gods name in vain truly means.

Answer 9

wonder why its so popular to use Gods references in vain then ... why do they give such an emphasis to our cursing and attitudes ...

Answer 10

Don't worry he knows when he's getting talked about.