The Third of God's Ten Commandments : The Shocking History Behind Taking God's Name in Vain

God's Third Commandment - The "NASA" Commandment!

Hey Dwight! Hey Jenny! 

Hi, we were just talking about God's third commandment. It's "Do not take the Lord your God's name in vain. Those who do will not be found guiltless."

That's right! But, do either of you know what the easiest thing about becoming an Astronaut is?

Hmm. I'm not sure where this is going, but I'll bite. What is the easiest thing about becoming an astronaut?

Learning to use the space bar. Get it? Spacebar!

Ha! And I'm guessing being an astronaut somehow has something to do with today's discussion about God's third Commandment? 

Yes it does! 

Okay, but how?

Well you see, the acronym for the National Aeronautic Space Administration is N-A-S-A. It spells the word NASA. 

Yes it does. So? 

Well, the original text of God's third acommandment uses that same word. And get this! In Hebrew, nasa means to Lift Up, or Carry!

No kidding? 

No kidding! That's why God's third commandment is also known as the NASA commandment! 

I have to admit, I didn't know that! 

I didn't either! 

Most Christians don't, because the commandment is usually translated as the word "youse" instead of carry. It's misled a lot of people into thinking the commandment is talking about just verbally saying God's name in an impolite way. 

So that's not what it means? 

Not exactly. It goes way beyond that. In God's third commandment, he is instructing us not to carry God's reputation in a vain way. In other words, it's not just about mentioning his name improperly. God commands us to not ever DO anything dishonorable while carrying his reputation. 

In other words, we mustn't ever show a lack of love for God or others while claiming that we are a child of God.  That hits close to home for me! 

Me, too.

But let me read the Strong's Concordance to verify what you're saying. The hebrew word translated into the English word "take" is Strongs number H5375, it is translated from the Hebrew word "nasa", which means "to lift, carry, and take".

And look here, the English word "name" is Strongs number H8034, translated from the Hebrew word "shem", which includes the meanings, "name, reputation, and fame".

Let me look up on more word. "Vain".  It is Strongs number H7723 in this commandment, and it is translated from the Hebrew word "shav", which means "emptiness, vanity, and falsehood".

So, in summary, the Strong's Concordance translation of Exodus 20:7 would be:

"You shall not lift up or carry the reputation of the Lord your God falsely or in an empty, vain manner; for the Lord will not hold him innocent who carries his reputation in vain."

Right! It makes sense that God takes his reputation serious, and that those calling themselves by his name better take it seriously as well.  

That part about not being found guiltless makes a LOT more sense now! 
It's time for me to do some soul searching. 

Me as well. You know Alex, you may not ever land a NASA space shuttle. 

Or, even a joke.  

Right? But your friendship truly is such a blessing!