3rd Commandment: Do Not Carry the Name in Vain
4/27/202649 min
The 10 Commandments E6 — Shakespeare wrote in Romeo and Juliet, “What’s in a name?” In the Bible, it turns out a lot, actually. The creator God Yahweh is the source of all life and good, so his name is the greatest name. But surprisingly, he attaches his name to Israel, a lowly nation of former slaves, and enters into a covenant with them. The covenant starts with a list of 10 commandments, or 10 words, and following these commandments will lead Israel to life and flourishing. In this episode, Tim and Jon discuss the 3rd Commandment, which is all about how Israel will carry Yahweh’s name, or represent him to one another and the surrounding nations.
FULL SHOW NOTES
For chapter-by-chapter summaries, biblical words, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode.
CHAPTERS
- What’s in a Name? (0:00-16:40)
- Carrying, Bearing, and Representing (16:40-35:10)
- What Does “in Vain” Mean? (35:10-48:42)
OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
View this episode’s official transcript.
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS BIBLEPROJECT TRANSLATION
View our full translation of the 10 Commandments.
REFERENCED RESOURCES
- Find the related animated video for this episode here.
- Bearing YHWH’s Name at Sinai: A Reexamination of the Name Command of the Decalogue by Carmen Joy Imes
- Listen to our podcast conversation with Dr. Carmen Imes on this same topic: “Taking God’s Name in Vain?”
- Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books.
SHOW MUSIC
- “Planted By The River” by Lofi Sunday feat. Jk Beatbook
- “New Mercies” by Lofi Sunday feat. PAINT WITH SOUND
- BibleProject theme song by TENTS
SHOW CREDITS
Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie.
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsJon Collins· Host0:00
[upbeat music] In the play Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare poses the question, what's in a name? Well, a lot actually. A name is more than just a label or a sound people use to get your attention. A name represents your whole identity and reputation. It's the story of who you are.
Tim Mackie· Host0:21
Here's an example of, of proverb. A good name is more desirable than great wealth.
Jon Collins· Host0:27
And when it comes to the God of the Bible, who's the source of all life and all that is good, His name is indisputably the greatest name. And yet in the story of the Bible, God chooses to share His name or attach His name to Israel. What does that mean?
Tim Mackie· Host0:42
When God gives His name or attaches His name to others, it becomes a form of representation or a way that you encounter the God who is above and beyond.
Jon Collins· Host0:52
In the 10 Commandments, God gives Israel 10 words that if followed will lead them to life and flourishing. Today we'll discuss the third, which is all about how they will represent His name.
Tim Mackie· Host1:04
You will not carry the name of Yahweh, your Elohim, in vain.
Jon Collins· Host1:09
You might be familiar with the translation, don't take the name of the Lord in vain, which makes you think of merely misusing God's name in your speech. But the Hebrew word here is to carry the name.
Tim Mackie· Host1:20
It seems like carrying the name is bigger 'cause it refers to your behavior. Stealing, deceiving, lying, swearing falsely in my name