The issue of using phrases like “OMG” or words like “geez” is a controversial one among Christians. Some believe that these are clear violations of the third commandment to not take the Lord’s name in vain. Others think there is more nuance and that the intention behind the words matters more than the words themselves. Looking carefully at what the Bible says can help shed light on this debate.
The Third Commandment
The third of the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God is: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). This command prohibits misusing God’s name frivolously or without reverence. The name of God is holy and should be treated with utmost respect. Using it lightly or casually is forbidden.
In Old Testament times, the name of God – represented by the four Hebrew consonants YHWH – was considered so sacred that it was only spoken aloud by the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement. The rest of the year it was substituted with the Hebrew word Adonai, meaning “Lord.” The name of God represents His very identity, character and being. Abusing it by attaching God’s name to an idle oath or curse was thought to unravel creation itself.
Jesus reiterated the sacredness of God’s name in the New Testament. In teaching the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus said to pray that God’s name would be “hallowed” or “holy” (Matthew 6:9). He also prohibited oath-taking, commanding simply to let your yes be yes and your no be no (Matthew 5:34-37). The apostles consistently spoke of the name of the Lord with reverence and awe.
What Does it Mean to Take the Lord’s Name in Vain?
The biblical command NOT to take God’s name in vain is clear. But what exactly does this mean? What kinds of words or phrases qualify as “vain” uses of the Lord’s name and thus violate the third commandment?
1. Profanity – This includes obvious examples like incorporating God’s name into a curse word. Even if the profane word is abbreviated (“G-d” instead of “God”), this still qualifies as abusing the name of the Lord. Directly swearing by God’s name (“I swear to God..”) would also fall into this category.
2. Insincere oaths – Jesus said not to swear by anything, but especially not to swear by God’s name unless you really mean it (Matthew 5:34-37). Using phrases like “I swear to God” casually or flippantly is clearly taking His name in vain.
3. Mockery – Making fun of or mocking God’s name is prohibited. Ridiculing those who reverence His name also falls into this category. Using God’s name in jest or as part of a joke is inappropriate.
4. Superstition – Even phrases said without conscious thought out of habit or superstition can qualify as vain. Examples are “God knows!” or “Lord willing” used flippantly without real consideration of God’s will.
5. Empty phrases – Saying “Oh my God” or “OMG” as an expression of surprise has become part of normal speech for many. But these kinds of euphemisms can still be considered vain usages of God’s holy name.
6. Emphasis – Adding God’s name to lend emphasis, like “for God’s sake!”, risks violating the third commandment by using His name casually and not in reverence.
7. False promises – Falsely promising something in God’s name or swearing to Him insincerely is clearly wrong. This includes any phrase like “I promise to God that…” if your heart isn’t fully behind it.
So words like “geez” or “gosh” that substitute in God’s name to avoid outright profanity could still be considered vain usage. The main point is that God’s name is holy and using it in any unholy way shows disrespect and dishonor.
What is the Standard for Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain?
When determining what constitutes violating the third commandment, the Bible seems to emphasize the issues of intention and reverence more than the specific words used. The key questions are:
- Is God’s name being used flippantly, insincerely or casually, without real respect?
- Is it being used in an empty, meaningless or habitual way that cheapens it?
- Is the speaker’s heart and mind engaged and intentionally honoring God with their words?
Jesus affirmed this standard in Matthew 15:18 when He said: “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.” Our words reveal our hearts. Vainly using God’s name flows from a heart lacking proper reverence for the holiness of God.
Paul also focused on the purpose behind our words more than policing vocabulary. Ephesians 4:29 says: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Our speech should impart grace and build others up.
So motivation matters when it comes to using controversial phrases like “OMG” or exclamations like “geez.” If our intention is to show irreverence and use God’s name flippantly, then clearly the third commandment is violated. If we are honestly expressing surprise or frustration without malicious or frivolous intent, the words may be less of an issue.
Biblical Examples of Vain Use
The Bible contains some sobering examples of people who violated the third commandment by misusing God’s name. Their stories serve as a warning:
- The priests Hophni and Phineas were corrupt and used their religious position for greed and sexual immorality. 1 Samuel 3:12 says they “made themselves contemptible” and “brought a curse upon themselves” by abusing their sacred duties.
- Herod accepted the flattering title “voice of a god” from his followers and was struck dead by the Lord as judgment for his arrogant blasphemy (Acts 12:20-23).
- Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for long pretentious public prayers that misused God’s name to boost their reputations rather than glorify Him (Luke 20:46-47).
These examples highlight those whose cavalier attitudes toward God brought judgment. The holy name of God was not to be invoked for selfish gain or vanity. All those who abuse the name of the Lord risk consequences.
Honoring God’s Name
Rather than obsessing over specific words and phrases to avoid, the Bible continuously highlights tangible ways we can actively honor God’s name. We take the third commandment seriously when we:
- Pray with humility, awe and gratitude for who God is (Psalm 100:4)
- Worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:23)
- Praise and thank Him for His amazing works (Psalm 9:1)
- Proclaim Christ’s name with boldness (Acts 4:12)
- Represent God accurately in how we live (1 Peter 2:9)
- Gather in Jesus’ name to seek God’s will together (Matthew 18:20)
When our hearts and lives overflow with loving reverence for the Lord, our words will follow. Honoring God’s name flows out of relationship with Him.
Conclusion
The third commandment reminds us to treat God’s name as holy. Empty phrases or exclamations with God’s name used out of habit, surprise or anger can risk violating this command. Such vain usages reflect an underlying heart issue – lack of reverence for the One who spoke the universe into being. But the Bible focuses more on our intentions and motivations than policing vocabulary. When our hearts are filled with awe of who God is, our words will honor Him rather than use His name frivolously. Staying sensitive to what really demonstrates respect for our Creator is what matters most.
