Kirk E. Miller
What does it really mean to take God’s name in vain? Is it just about using God’s name irreverently, or is there more to it?
In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller is joined by Carmen Joy Imes, an expert in Old Testament studies, to explore Exodus 20:7 (cf. Deut 5:11). They examine the historical, linguistic, and theological dimensions of this command, including how it relates to bearing God’s name as His people. Along the way, they discuss different interpretations—ranging from speech and oath-taking to representing God rightly in daily life.
Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most commonly misunderstood commandments!
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Episode guest: Carmen Imes
Dr. Carmen Joy Imes is associate professor of Old Testament at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in Southern California. She is the author of Bearing YHWH’s Name at Sinai: A Reexamination of the Name Command of the Decalogue, as well as the more accessible Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters. Carmen is writing a commentary on Exodus for Baker Academic. She has a YouTube channel where she releases weekly Torah Tuesday videos and you can find her writing on various websites, including Christianity Today, The Well, and The Politics of Scripture blog. Carmen is passionate about equipping the church to engage the Old Testament well and to see its relevance for the Christian life.
Episode synopsis
Traditional interpretations
Carmen Imes begins by explaining that there are at least twenty-four historical interpretations of Exodus 20:7. However, traditional understandings of the commandment fall into one of two main categories:
- Oath-taking or swearing an oath using God’s name vainly
- Using God’s name irreverently or inappropriately in speech
Both, in other words, assume an ellipses, interpreting “take” as assuming an act of speaking (e.g., “to take on one’s lips”).
Linguistic analysis
Carmen dives into a linguistic analysis of key Hebrew words in the commandment:
- The word נשׂא, translated as “to take” or “to lift up,” generally means to carry or bear rather than to speak.
- לַשָּׁ֑וְא, often translated as “in vain,” has multiple interpretations: futile, false, or malicious.
Carmen points out that while the conventional views focus on speech-related views, the Hebrew text and its parallel passages are less likely to support these interpretations.
Context & parallel passages
Kirk and Carmen explore notable parallel passages that use the same exact language as Exodus 20:7. For instance, in Exodus 28:12 and 29, Aaron bears the names of the Israelite tribes on his priestly garments, symbolizing that he represents them; or in Numbers 6:24–27, Aaron’s blessing places God’s name on the people. Likewise, in Deuteronomy 26:18–19, God declares Israel to be a people of his treasured possession (the same language as Israel’s commissioning in Exod 19:5–6) and holy to the Lord (the same phrase that the high priest bears on his forehead in Exod 28:36). These examples suggest that carrying God’s name involves representing him faithfully through one’s actions, not just one’s words.
Aaron’s priesthood & the nation’s priestly commission
As noted above, Carmen connects Aaron’s role as high priest, who bears the names of the tribes and Yahweh on his garments (Exod 28:12, 29) and is marked “holy to the Lord” (v. 36), to a broader theological conception of Israel’s commissioning as a nation of priests (Exod 19–20). As the high priest represents the nation, symbolized by his garments, so the nation bears a collective obligation to bear God’s name properly. God’s declaration to the nation in Exodus 19:5–6, immediately preceding the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20, commissions Israel to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. As the high priest represents others, so the nation collectively is to represent God’s character to the world.
The command’s meaning
According to Carmen, the essence of Exodus 20:7 is broader and more profound than merely refraining from saying God’s name irreverently or taking hasty oaths. It is a commission to live lives that accurately and honorably reflect God’s character. God has marked his people with his name such that his people represent him to the watching world. Misrepresentation of God then, either through one’s words or actions, is the core prohibition the commandment addresses.
Broader biblical theology
Carmen and Kirk explore this theme as it occurs and develops across Scripture, considering its implications. In the New Testament, for example, Jesus prays for God’s name to be hallowed (Matt 6:9), which God’s people do by representing him accurately. Matthew 28:18–20, the Great Commission, includes making disciples and baptizing them in the triune name—a continuation of bearing God’s name. In 1 Peter 2:9, the church as a holy nation and royal priesthood continue Israel’s mission to represent him before the nations.
Connection to the imago Dei
Carmen and Kirk also connect the concept to the doctrine of the imago Dei (“image of God”). All humans are created in God’s image, bearing a representative role (Gen 1:26–28). The covenant community—Israel in the Old Testament, the church in the New—uniquely bears God’s name, requiring them to authentically represent him.
Practical applications
Kirk and Carmen address the verse’s practical applications for believers. Our daily actions and how we live out our faith are integral to correctly bearing God’s name. Carmen invites listeners to reconsider their understanding of “taking God’s name in vain,” seeing it as an encompassing call to live lives that faithfully mirror God’s character in every endeavor. This commandment challenges believers to consider the weight and implications of their representation of God in all aspects of life.
Suggestions for teaching
Kirk and Carmen encourage preachers and teachers to unpack the comprehensive theological scope of this commandment, emphasizing its development across the Old Testament to the New Testament and to underscore its broad application.
Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.
