Tag: Bible teaching

The Ten Commandments (Part 8): What Does “You Shall Not Steal” Mean?

What does “You shall not steal” mean? What do you think stealing really is? Have you ever seriously thought about it? And can you honestly say you have never stolen anything? In this article, we will examine what stealing really means as we study the Eighth Commandment: “You shall not steal.”

Today, we look at the Eighth Commandment in Exodus 20:15 NKJV:

15 “You shall not steal.”

Many people know this commandment in the older form, “Thou shalt not steal.”

As we have seen in the previous commandments of this series, our society has moved far away from them. But this eighth commandment has been violated on a massive scale. It has permeated our society to the point that it affects everybody, and everybody has contributed to it in one form or another.

Modern Examples of Theft

Let’s look at some statistics.

Theft today often happens digitally, invisibly, and remotely. One major form of theft is identity theft.

Identity theft

The FTC reported more than 1.1 million identity theft reports in 2024 through IdentityTheft.gov.

The FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network received roughly 6.5 million consumer reports involving fraud, identity theft, and scams in 2024.

Credit card fraud was the most commonly reported form of identity theft in 2024.

Motor Vehicle Theft

According to the FBI, the nationwide motor vehicle theft rate rose significantly between 2019 and 2023.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 850,000 vehicles were stolen in the United States during 2024.

However, vehicle thefts reportedly declined about 17% from 2023 to 2024, marking the largest annual drop in decades.

However, despite improvements, vehicle theft remains an enormous nationwide problem.

Retail Theft / Shoplifting

The National Retail Federation reported that shoplifting incidents in 2023 increased 93% compared to 2019 levels.

Retailers also reported approximately a 90% increase in dollar losses due to shoplifting over the same period.

Many retailers reported increased violence associated with theft incidents.

So, we see that theft increasingly affects not only property, but public safety and social trust.

Broader Property Crime Context

FBI reporting for 2024 showed property crime overall declined nationally, but theft-related offenses still affected millions of Americans.

According to Cybersecurity Ventures, theft is not limited to one nation. Around the world, theft-related crimes cost governments, businesses, and individuals hundreds of billions of dollars every year—from shoplifting and fraud to cybercrime and identity theft.

“Worldwide, theft has become increasingly digital. Global cybercrime and theft-related fraud are now estimated to cost the world trillions of dollars annually.”

Stealing has become a major quality-of-life issue. Just think about how you feel when something has been stolen from you. You feel violated, angry, and even helpless.

What Does “You Shall Not Steal” Mean in Scripture?

But here is the point: stealing is not merely taking property—it is violating trust, ownership, honesty, and ultimately God’s order. Not only do we steal from one another, but we can also steal from God.

As we continue, we will see more clearly what that means.

We need to understand that stealing is a serious sin. It hurts the person who loses something—whether it’s something small like jewelry or electronics, or something much more important like money, food, a job, or even life itself.

That is why “You shall not steal” is one of God’s Ten Commandments—the very basis of His Law.

Now think about this: what is the most frequent crime in your community, in our country, and across the world? In most places, the answer is theft. It has become so common that people barely notice it anymore. You see it everywhere, and examples come to mind quickly:

Here are some common examples:

  • People in government who dip into public funds as though they were personal resources.
  • Workers who help themselves to what belongs to the company.
  • Businesses that exploit others through unfair pay or inflated prices.
  • Athletes and public figures who cut corners and act dishonestly.
  • Friends, neighbors, and acquaintances who lie, cheat, or take what is not theirs.
  • Scammers who steal someone’s identity to commit fraud.
  • People who selfishly hoard resources while ignoring the needs of others.
  • Those who claim far more than their share of the earth’s wealth and resources.

Here is the point: stealing is not just about taking things. It shows a lack of respect for other individuals’ property and even for human life. Once stealing becomes normal, it breeds lawlessness, and it can spiral into violence, even assault and murder. It always leaves damage behind. It can devastate families, ruin businesses, harm entire communities, and in some cases even weaken a nation. In the end, everybody loses: the victim is left without what was taken—sometimes something so personal that it cannot truly be replaced—and the thief, even if no one else finds out, loses integrity before God and, unless he repents, risks losing his soul.

So, who is this command for? Does “You shall not steal” apply only to ancient Israel, or does it still speak to us today? The truth is that theft has been around as long as people have. And God gave this command because He cares about people—about their lives, their homes, and what they work hard to provide. It doesn’t make sense to say God cared about those things then but doesn’t care about them now.

Listen to how simple—and personal—the command is: “You shall not steal.” That is not just for one time and place; it is for you, for me, and for every generation. Stealing was wrong then, a serious offense against both people and God, and it is still wrong today. This commandment stands just as firmly now as it did for Israel.

Now let’s look at what the New Testament says:

Ephesians 4:28 NKJV

28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

In the New Testament, “thief” usually refers to someone who steals as a way of life—a bandit or habitual thief. Paul taught that when such a person comes to Christ, the old pattern must be put away and replaced with honest work. Because stealing often stems from idleness or laziness, his instruction was both negative and positive: stop stealing and start working.

He may also have had slaves in mind, since many served in households and were tempted to take what was not theirs, and many of them became believers. In any case, Christians are called to work diligently, contribute responsibly, and not live off others. But our purpose goes beyond self-support. We labor not just to provide for ourselves, but so we can share generously with those in need. Giving is at the heart of the Christian life because our true treasure is in heaven.

Remember, stealing is ultimately a heart problem. Its source is not the hand but the heart—an inner desire, craving, or coveting. Once that desire takes root and we act on it, theft follows. That is exactly what God says in James 1:14–15 NKJV:

14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Desires can be fed or starved. When a desire is sinful, we must refuse it—with God’s help. If we nurture it instead, it quickly turns into action. The responsibility for that sin is ours. James is describing a desire that has broken its boundaries—selfish, seductive, and out of control.

In other words, every sinful action begins as a thought in the heart.

So, how is this commandment broken? In more ways than we often realize. Because theft is so common—and so damaging—we need to be clear about what it looks like in everyday life. The following examples show how this sin appears in both obvious and overlooked ways.

Left unrepentant, it leads to death—eternal death. That is why it is helpful to examine common forms of theft.

Common Ways People Break “You Shall Not Steal”

A person breaks God’s commandment against stealing in many ways, including the following:

  • robbing a person, store, company, organization, or bank
  • shoplifting
  • loafing on the job
  • keeping items that were borrowed
  • failing to repay debts—not paying our bills
  • withholding taxes that are due—cheating on our income taxes
  • using false or deceptive advertising
  • keeping an overpayment, excessive refund, or extra shipment of goods
  • overcharging or price-gouging
  • paying unfair or unjust wages
  • giving less than a full day’s work
  • unjustly extending business trips at the company’s expense
  • manipulating information or stocks for personal gain
  • abusing sick days
  • arriving late or leaving early without permission
  • stealing someone’s reputation through lies, gossip, or rumor
  • denying a person justice (Is. 10:1–3)
  • taking from one’s employer (pens, paperclips, staplers)
  • making unauthorized phone calls at work
  • padding expense reports
  • kidnapping and enslaving people for work and profit
  • breaking rules or cheating to win a game, prize, or advantage*

We are often too casual about some of these things. They have become common everyday practices woven into our culture. But the fact remains: they break God’s commandment, “You shall not steal.”

How We Rob God

All acts of stealing are wrong, but there is one form of theft that is especially serious: robbing God. After considering how people steal from one another, we now turn to the ways people withhold from the One to whom everything ultimately belongs.

For starters, a person robs God by failing to give tithes and offerings to Him. This is not an article on tithing, but I would be remiss not to mention it in connection with this commandment.

Let’s look at what God said through His prophet Malachi.

Malachi 3:8–9 NKJV

8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.

9 You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation.

The bottom line is: everything we have comes from God; that is the first rule of Biblical stewardship. So, when we hold back and refuse to give Him a portion of what He’s already given us, we’re really taking from Him. The question is simple—are we going to keep it all for ourselves, or will we joyfully return at least ten percent to support His work and advance His Kingdom?

But that is not the only way we can rob God. A person also robs God by living a hypocritical, inconsistent life. When someone professes to believe and follow God but fails to follow through, he robs God and others of a godly testimony.

We also rob God when we live for ourselves and the world rather than for Him. God is our Creator, so we owe Him our very lives—everything we are and everything we have. When a person insists on living his own way, he is taking his life back from God.

1 John 2:15–16 NKJV

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

These are some of the ways people rob God.

Scriptural Instruction for Christians

Scripture not only forbids stealing; it also teaches Christian believers what to avoid and how to live instead. These passages move from warning to instruction, showing both what must be rejected and what must be practiced.

First, what not to do: We must never withhold tithes and offerings from God. Now, we’ve already seen the Scripture addressing this.

Next, we must never cheat our brothers or sisters in anything.

1 Thessalonians 4:6–7 NKJV

6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.

7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

We must never steal people—by kidnapping, enslaving, or holding them in bondage—because it strips them of their right to their own life.

Exodus 21:16 NKJV

16 “He who kidnaps a man and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, shall surely be put to death.”

Scripture also tells us what to do.

We need to live by the golden rule: be honest and fair with people and simply treat them the way we’d want them to treat us.

Matthew 7:12 NKJV

12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Next, we need to learn contentment, remembering that we brought nothing into this world, and we will take nothing out.

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Therefore, stealing is futile.

Lastly, we’re called to work hard and trust God to meet our needs. When we steal, we’re really saying we don’t trust Him.

Philippians 4:19 NKJV

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Consequences of Disobedience

So, what are the consequences of disobeying this Commandment?

What happens when we break this commandment and steal from others? Look around—respect for what belongs to someone else is collapsing. And when crisis hits—hurricanes, floods, and the like—some people do not wait for help; they rush to loot while the dust is still settling.

God hates stealing, not only because of the harm it causes, but stealing reflects the destructive nature of Satan, whom Scripture associates with theft, destruction, and death.. Scripture is blunt about him: he is a thief.

John 10:10 NKJV

  1. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

God will judge the greatest thief of all, and He will also repay every thief according to his deeds. Whoever breaks this holy commandment will face serious consequences.

Without repentance, condemnation is inevitable.

1 Corinthians 6:9–10 NKJV

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,

10 nor THIEVES, … will inherit the kingdom of God.

Stealing also corrupts the thief and makes him spiritually unclean.

Matthew 15:19–20 NKJV

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, THEFTS, false witness, blasphemies.

20 These are the things which defile a man…

You Shall Not Steal
You Shall Not Steal

Blessings of Honesty and Obedience

Now, imagine a world where everyone obeyed this command—where theft did not exist. The blessings of honesty would be far-reaching, both spiritually and socially. Consider some of the blessings that follow obedience.

An honest believer walks in righteousness and lives securely.

Proverbs 10:9 NKJV

9 He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways [Steals] will become known.

Honesty and devotion to the Lord free a person from falsehood and deceit.

Proverbs 30:7–9 NKJV

7 Two things I request of You (deprive me not before I die):

8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches—feed me with the food allotted to me;

9 Lest I be full and deny You, and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.

Riches can tempt the soul, but so can lack. Poverty can crush the body and weigh down the spirit, and wealth is certainly no savior. Only the Lord is enough.

Therefore the best position to take is to be content with what the Lord has already blessed us with—be content with what we have.

1 Timothy 6:6 NKJV

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

This statement is a key to spiritual growth and personal fulfillment. We should honor God, center our desires on Him, and be content with what He is doing in our lives. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Therefore, we have no need to steal.

If we seek God’s kingdom and righteousness and learn contentment, stealing will be the last thing on our minds.

Conclusion

My friends, we must be content and obey the Eighth Commandment: “You shall not steal.”

Amen!

May the Lord give us grace to obey His Word.

Please leave any questions, comments, or concerns below.

Blessings!

Watch the full video teaching and the companion Short below.

👉 Videos

The Fifth Commandment: Honor Your Father and Mother.

The Fifth Commandment: Honor Your Father and Mother is one of the most well-known instructions in the Bible, yet it is often misunderstood. What does it truly mean to honor your parents, and how should this commandment be applied in today’s world? In this article, we will explore the biblical meaning behind this command and why it still matters.

In the previous article, we explored the Fourth Commandment and our responsibility to honor God through the Sabbath. Now, we move into the next section of the Ten Commandments, where God shifts our focus to our relationships with others—beginning with the family.

Did you know…that one of the greatest problems in society today can be traced back to one thing…to a breakdown in the family? How can we prevent this?

Today, we continue our series on the Ten Commandments…and we come to the fifth commandment: Honor Your Father and Your Mother.

👉 Continue through the Ten Commandments series:

👉 Part 4: The Fourth Commandment – The Sabbath
👉 Part 5: The Fifth Commandment – Honor Your Father and Mother
👉 Part 6: The Sixth Commandment – You Shall Not Murder

What is the Fifth Commandment?

Let’s take a look at this Commandment in Scripture: Exodus 20:12 NKJV

12.“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

The family is fundamental to humanity. The family was the first institution formed upon earth. God created Adam and Eve, the first man and the first woman, and they became man and wife. Consequently, Eve bore a son. Therefore, the first family became the key institution, forming the basis for all subsequent human life and development.

It is the family that shapes the community, society, and governments of the world. From the beginning, God designed men and women not to simply exist, but to establish families and raise the next generation. They must produce children, or else everything crucial to humanity would eventually stop existing:

⇒           Human life would end.

⇒           Human society would end.

⇒           Human government would end.

Why This Commandment Still Matters Today

The main idea is that each generation has a responsibility to support and strengthen families for both their own time and for the future. Ignoring this duty is unwise, as the well-being of society and civilization relies on strong families where parents and children respect one another. Therefore, it’s important to focus on building up our families and addressing harmful influences that can threaten them all.

As the Scripture says in Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

  1. Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

So, we must, as the Scripture reads, “…lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.”  The sins such as:

  • selfishness
  • disrespect
  • disobedience
  • rebellion

God established the family’s prevalence and magnitude forever when He created the first man and the first woman. He reinforces the superiority of the family with this great commandment: “Honor your father and your mother.”

God commands us—all of us—to honor and respect our fathers and mothers.

Should the family unit crumble, many essential values that support personal well-being—such as honor, respect, concern, responsibility, decency, love, joy, and peace—may diminish. The erosion of these fundamental virtues can, in turn, weaken both the community and society at large.

Therefore, this Commandment is perpetual. It does not apply only to the Old Testament or the Jews. Therefore, as long as men, women, and children live on the earth, we are to honor and obey our parents.

Who Should We Honor After God?

How important is this Commandment? Well, take note that the first four Commandments addressed our duty to God. But once we have done our duty to God, notice that our very next duty is to honor our parents—right behind honoring God—that’s how important this duty is. This is divine order…

honor God first…

Honor parents next.

How Do We Honor Our Parents?

To understand this commandment, we must first understand what it means to honor.

The Hebrew word for honor (kabed) means that we are to respect, esteem, and have a high regard for our parents. The concept of honor includes reverence; we are to esteem and value our parents, showing respect, kindness, and obedience, as suggested by the Greek word timao. In practical terms, the commandment means we are to …

  • Respect and obey our parents
  • Accept their guidance and corrections
  • Consider their advice and concerns
  • Provide comfort to them

To honor means listening to our parents and never despising them when they are old.

It is important to recognize that mothers should be respected equally with fathers, and vice versa, as indicated by the directive: “honor your father and your mother.” Both parents are afforded equal status. According to the scripture, God honors and regards mothers and fathers alike, instructing children to show respect to each parent without distinction.

Moving on, this commandment highlights an important principle: learning through example. Children are taught to honor their parents by observing how their own parents honor theirs. The commandment applies to everyone, including adults who are both parents and children; it encourages them to continue showing respect to their parents. Parents should foster a home environment filled with respect and honor, thereby teaching their children by example. Ultimately, this commandment underscores the crucial role parents play in modeling proper behavior for their children.

Titus 2:7 NKJV

  1. in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility

Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

  1. Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Parents are responsible for teaching their children this commandment as well as others.

Does Honor Mean Obedience?

Why should children obey their parents?

Children should obey their parents because the Scriptures say so.

Ephesians 6:1-3 says:

  1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
  2. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3. “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

The phrase “in the Lord” explains why children should obey their parents. As it reads, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord,” means that obeying your parents is the right thing to do, it comes from God, and it pleases Him. So, when parents guide and teach them, they should listen.

Children are not told to obey parents because it pleases the parent, but because it pleases the Lord.

Notice the two promises made to children who honor their parents.

First, things will go well for the child. Does this mean that the child will never have problems or have to suffer? No! This is not what the Scripture means. God means that He will be with the child, strengthen and take care of him so that he can walk through the trials of life victoriously. The child will be strengthened and made strong where it counts—in the inner self. It will be enabled to conquer and be victorious over whatever confronts it as it journeys through life.

Second, the child is assured that it will live a long life on earth. Frankly, there is little question that Paul meant this and that we should take it at face value. If a child honestly obeys and honors its parents faithfully—really obeys and honors from the depths of its heart—God will give it a long life on earth.

Difficult Situations: When Honoring is Difficult

However, it is important to note that we must not follow in the steps of evil parents as some have done in the past. Although honoring parents is a fundamental obligation, this does not necessitate emulating parents whose actions are inconsistent with moral or ethical standards.

Ezekiel 20:18-19

  1. “But I said to their children in the wilderness, ‘Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers, nor observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols.
  2. I am the Lord your God: Walk in My statutes, keep My judgments, and do them;

What About Abused Children?

Children are to obey their parents. But what about the problems that are so repulsively evident in society: the problems of parental abuse, the problems of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and mental abuse? Is a child to obey a parent when the parent is so devilishly wrong? No!

A child’s obedience has its limits. If a parent acts in ways that do not honor the Lord, the child is not required to obey. The Lord does not support unrighteousness or the mistreatment of children. If a child can escape such harmful behavior, it has the right to do so. The Lord’s purpose is to free people from abuse and sin, not to keep them trapped in it, and certainly not to let children suffer under it.

Jesus gave one of the strongest warnings in history to adults who harm children:

Mark 9:42 NKJV

  1. “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.

Any parent who abuses a child should take this seriously because God will not tolerate the abuse of a child. We must share what the Bible says: children should obey their parents, but only if their parents’ wishes and instructions align with the Lord’s will.

God’s Order: Honor God First, Parents Next

If a parent ever instructs a child to do something that clearly contradicts God’s commands, that child must obey God rather than his/her parents.

Further, if a child is able to escape the harmful influence and mistreatment of its parents, it deserves the right to be separated from them. The child should go to another adult they feel close to and ask for help.

Let’s look at what it reads in Acts 5:29 NKJV

  1. But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.

Honoring Parents as Adults

Now, understand that Scripture does not address only children of a certain age. Instead, it speaks to everyone who still has living parents. We are called to honor our fathers and mothers, to see them as precious, and to show them respect and reverence. Sadly, this attitude is becoming less common. Too often, children respond to their parents in ways such as:

  • talking back
  • cutting the parent
  • ignoring the parent
  • grumbling
  • speaking disrespectfully
  • not listening
  • acting like a know-it-all
  • calling the parent a cute but disrespectful name
  • disregarding instructions
  • putting off instructions

In addition to these, there is the dishonor of delinquency, crime, drugs, alcohol, and the abuse of property, and the list could go on and on. And when it comes to adult children with aged parents, there is the dishonor of neglect, the ignoring of their needs, and the shuffling of them to the side and failing to adequately care for them.

Too many adult children forget how much their parents have done for them—bringing them into the world and caring for them for years. Too many children forget the rich experience and knowledge their parents have gained over the years, which could be put to great use in meeting community and world needs. And even if the parents failed to be and to do all they should have, we as Christian children are instructed to honor them as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Consequences of Disobedience

So, what are the consequences of disobedience?

This commandment is presented positively as an invitation from God to obey. Obedience is met with promised blessings, while disobedience results in serious consequences.

An individual who consistently fails to honor their parents risks jeopardizing their eternal destiny. According to Scripture, those characterized by sinful actions will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Romans 1:28-32 reads:

  1. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
  2. being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,
  3. backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS,
  4. undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;
  5. who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are DESERVING OF DEATH, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Disregarding and disobeying parents is deserving of death. This is not a small matter!

Practical Ways to Honor Your Parents

What does this commandment ask of us? Simply this—obedience.

The point is simply this: the law of obedience is part of the very nature of things. It lies at the heart of the universe and shapes how people live and act on Earth.

Many of the world’s problems, maybe even most, could be solved if people followed the fifth commandment. This commandment is clear and positive: we are to honor our fathers and mothers.

Let’s look at what Scripture teaches and the choices this commandment calls for:

We should honor our parents because it is one of God’s Ten Commandments.

We should honor our parents because it is simply the right thing to do.

Honoring our parents can lead to a longer life and a happier home, instead of one filled with tension. This is how:

We should show our parents respect and reverence.

We are called to obey our parents in the Lord.

We should hold on to and follow the teachings our parents give us.

We should pay attention to the Christian example our parents set for us.

We are to obey our parents even after we become adults.

We should care for our parents as they grow older.

That sums up the fifth Commandment!

Final Thoughts

Bottom line:

As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 7:19 NKJV

  1. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.

You see, it’s not about ceremony; that was important at one time. But what is really important today is keeping the Commandments of God. All of them! And that is what really matters.

We must obey the Fifth Commandment!

Amen!

Questions, comments, and concerns may be left below.

Blessings!

👉 Videos

For a visual presentation, watch the full video below.

If you’re tight on time, watch the Short.

Continue through the Ten Commandments series below:

👉 Part 1: The First Commandment – No Other Gods
👉 Part 2: The Second Commandment – No Idols
👉 Part 3: The Third Commandment – Do Not Take His Name in Vain
👉 Part 4: The Fourth Commandment – The Sabbath
👉 Part 5: The Fifth Commandment – Honor Your Father and Mother
👉 Part 6: The Sixth Commandment – You Shall Not Murder

 

 

 

The Meaning of God’s Name in Vain

The Meaning of God’s Name in Vain. It is often misunderstood by many today. Most people assume it only refers to using God’s name as a curse, but this command reaches much deeper. It speaks to how we live, how we represent God, and whether we truly honor His name in our daily lives.

📖 The Ten Commandments Series

Does this Commandment apply today? Is it being violated? The answer may surprise you. And what this commandment really covers might surprise you as well.

Let’s look at this Commandment.

  1. “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.

What Does it Mean to Take the Lord’s Name in Vain?

What does it mean to take the Lord’s name in vain?

According to the Strong’s Greek-Hebrew Dictionary, the Hebrew word translated as “in vain” is shav’ (shawv), which means “to desolate, destroy, or ruin.” To make useless.

So, in other words, in the context of this Scripture, it means to use God’s name in a useless, profane, or unholy way.

The way we refer to and regard the name of God is considered highly significant. As the Creator and Supreme Ruler of the universe, His name is to be treated with respect and reverence. Due to His status and attributes, it is expected that His name will not be used improperly or without due consideration.

In the Old Testament, misuse of God’s Name carried severe consequences. In fact, over time, the Israelites treated God’s Name with such reverence that many became afraid to even pronounce it, lest they misuse it.

But bringing this to today:

This Commandment requires us to never, under any circumstances, misuse God’s name.

Therefore, His name is always to be honored, praised, and worshipped. And:

⇒ We must never curse nor abuse His name.

⇒ We must never use His name in a frivolous or insincere way.

⇒ We must never take the name of the LORD God in vain.

We must understand that this commandment is not only for the Jews. It is directed to you. It is directed to me. It is directed at every human being on the face of the earth.

The Importance of God’s Name in Scripture 

Let’s look at a couple of examples of how God’s name is used in the Scriptures:

PS. 8:1 NKJV 

  1. O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens! 

Ps. 111:9 KJV

  1. He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

God’s name is recognized as excellent, Holy, and it is revered in the Scriptures.

How Do We Misuse God’s Name?

Now, take note that there are four ways we can misuse God’s name. We’re going to look at all four.

Cursing or Abusing God’s Name 

This is the most well-known way, and the one most of us think of when considering this Commandment, and it involves profanity.

Profanity refers to the use of language that is considered offensive, including cursing, abusive, or irreverent expressions involving the name of God. The improper use of such language includes vulgarity and profanity: for example, foul or distasteful slang, as well as terms such as “damn,” “hell,” “darn,” and similar words.

The connection between these words and the misuse of God’s name lies in the disrespect they express toward Him. It is highly regarded as inappropriate to profane or curse Him or any aspect of His creation.

Therefore, maintaining respect for language use is encouraged. Our present culture has lost respect for language. Profanity is ubiquitous in our culture.

One of the things I treasure about no longer being involved in secular work is that I don’t have to listen to the copious profanity that permeates the workplace. It is even amongst our youth. Any Christian should be offended by it.

Profanity becomes especially serious when it involves cursing God or using His name in vain. Such actions are considered direct insults to God and, according to belief, lead to severe consequences for the person who uses His name disrespectfully.

An individual’s name represents their identity. Hearing someone’s name typically suggests thoughts of their personality, behavior, values, and reputation. This association is even stronger regarding God’s name.

The descriptions of God highlight that He is holy, just, loving, compassionate, and gracious. He is portrayed as the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign Ruler of the Universe, as well as the Redeemer and Savior of humanity. Names given to God, such as Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), emphasize His greatness and uniqueness.

God’s name is considered sacred and distinct—exalted above all other names, whether in heaven or on earth. Because of this, we are urged to treat God’s name with deep respect and reverence, never using it carelessly or as a curse. Instead, God’s name should inspire awe, reverence, and even a sense of humility and fear. Misusing God’s name, especially as a curse word, is strongly discouraged.

I even saw in a church bulletin once: “God’s last name is not dam.” Now that was direct!

God’s name is important because it represents who He is. Many people use it carelessly or as part of a curse without thinking about how serious that can be. The way we speak God’s name shows our true feelings toward him. Because of this, it’s important to treat his name with respect, using it for praise or worship instead of jokes or swearing. Therefore, we shouldn’t ignore or take lightly any misuse of his name.

Using God’s name in an honorable way is part of worship to Him. This builds on what we saw in Part 1: No Other Gods, where God established that He alone is worthy of our worship.

Moving on:

Using God’s Name Carelessly or Irreverently 

Addressing the second point, we must never use His name in a frivolous or insincere way.

Now here is where we fall into dangerous territory in a big way. The fact is, we don’t have to curse to use the Lord’s name in vain.

We misuse God’s name by using His name in some irreverent way, in some frivolous, dishonoring, or light way. How do we do this? Reverence is the keyword. When God’s name is used, it is always to be done reverently. God’s name is never to be used in any irreverent way whatsoever.

All the little common everyday sayings that use God’s name in an irreverent or careless way are wrong. For example:

⇒  God Almighty

⇒  Sweet Jesus

⇒  Lord have mercy

⇒  Oh God

⇒  The Man upstairs

⇒  Somebody up
there

 ⇒  God damn

⇒  God or Jesus Christ or Christ (by themselves, when spoken carelessly

Now, how many times have we heard or used these expressions?

Let’s look at some common usages:

Lord, God almighty, what on earth is going on?

Oh, sweet Jesus, I have never heard anything so funny!

Lord have mercy! How can that be possible?

Oh God, I can’t believe you said that!

I don’t know, the man upstairs must be looking after me.

It is a miracle that no one was injured or killed—somebody up there must have intervened.

Jesus Christ, what the hell is going on?

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard! 

For God’s sake, turn that God-damned music down! 

And I even heard someone say, God be damned! Now that is especially the personification of disrespect for God!

Even in music, there was a soul singer who, in the middle of his secular songs, would say:  Good God! 

Leading the youth to run around saying the same thing

And the most common one of all time: Oh my God!  

Now, how many times have we heard that?! If only I had a dollar for every time I heard it! 

Oh my God, I can’t believe it’s you!

Oh my God, I’m so happy!

Oh my God, I’m late!

Oh my God, my wife, my husband, is going to kill me!

Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God! 

We really wear this one out! 

And it has gotten so popular that it has become an insignia—OMG!

Let’s look at this insignia in detail: This is the definition according to Google:

What does omg mean?

AI Overview

“OMG is an abbreviation for “Oh My God!” used in texts, online chats, and social media to express strong emotions like surprise, shock, excitement, disbelief, or even frustration, becoming popular with digital communication after an early appearance in a 1917 letter.”

As if that isn’t enough, in 2012 there was a movie titled, OMG – OH MY GOD a satirical comedy-drama.

Using OMG casually in text messages as an example of taking God’s name in vain.The Meaning of God's name in vain
Using OMG (Oh my God) casually in text messages as an example of taking God’s name in vain

Now, notice in all these contexts that they have nothing to do with God. This is our culture that has moved so far from God that it’s downright pathetic! No regard for God’s name!

Now there are those who will say: Oh, it’s just a figure of speech, God knows my heart. But that’s not what God says. Again, He says, “for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. There is nothing in this Scripture that says, unless He knows your heart! 

But for those who insist that it’s the heart, let’s look at what Jesus said in Matthew 15:18-20 KJV

  1. But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the HEART; and they defile the man.
  2. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, BLASPHEMIES:
  3. These are the things which defile a man:

So, we see that God does know the heart!

Let’s quickly examine the word ” blasphemies.

In the original Greek, the term, which is blasphemiai, denotes slander, detraction, or language that damages the reputation of others and or of God. Modern English limits Blasphemy to God alone.

Jesus emphasized that these sins are fashioned—in the corrupt heart of man.

So, for us to use the Lord’s name in vain—blasphemies, whether it’s Oh my God, or any other way, that’s what comes from the heart. It must be in your heart for it to come out of your mouth.

So, oh yes, God knows your heart, do you?

What is truly in your heart about God? Do you have the reverence for Him that He deserves?

The Subtle Danger of Cultural Language 

We Christians pacify ourselves by saying, “Oh my gosh.”

Well, while it is true that it isn’t using God’s name, it’s only a heartbeat away. Think about what we’re doing. We’re imitating the world—alluding to God in the process.

Let’s look at what the Scripture says about that, James 4:2 NKJV

  1. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

God is not an allusion. An allusion is a type of figurative language. It functions as a figure of speech by making a subtle, indirect reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work to add deeper meaning or emotional context without overtly addressing it.

Now, the fact that we adopt this approach illustrates that we know saying “oh my God” is wrong, so we replace it with “gosh”. But that’s like putting a Band-Aid on a gunshot wound. We are simply attempting to blend in with the world—Period!

My friends, we are not to copy, imitate, or emulate the world. It’s a slippery slope heading to become, as the Scripture reads, “an enemy of God.”

Let’s look at what David wrote to God about His enemies in Ps. 139:20: NKJV 

  1. For they speak against You wickedly; Your enemies take Your name in vain.

It is a dangerous position to profess Christianity and claim to be a disciple of Christ, yet use God’s name in vain. Profession alone is not enough, because it must be followed by action.

Let’s look at what Jesus said in Matthew 7:21 NKJV 

  1. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Not everyone who professes Christ, “Lord, Lord” is saved, but the ones who genuinely love Him and do His will.

And the will of the Father, as He expressed in the third Commandment, is: honor His name. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”

Understand that there is nothing wrong with calling on the name of the Lord! Scripture says in Acts 2:21 NKJV 

  1. And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.

The point: when we call on the name of the Lord, mean it—with honor, reverence, and respect. Not flippantly, and as a figure of speech—as slang.

Using God’s name in a way that disrespects Him or His character is considered taking His name in vain.

Hypocrisy — Claiming God but Living Contrary 

Thirdly, we must never take the name of the LORD God in vain hypocritically what we call a hypocrite. A hypocrite in this context is a person who professes the name of God but lives for themselves and the world.

They claim belief in God, but they act for personal gain. They use religious actions (praying, tithing, fasting) as works to be seen by others rather than as an earnest expression of love for God. There is a sharp contrast between their public persona and their private actions, with their daily lives often filled with selfish pursuits, greed, or immorality.

A marked discrepancy exists between their public façade and private conduct, as their daily activities frequently reflect self-interest, materialism, or actions not aligned with widely accepted ethical standards.

Now, Jesus called out this behavior. Matthew 15:8 NKJV

  1. “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.

He went into greater detail in Matthew 23:23-28 NKJV

  1. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

You see, they (the religious leaders) were tithing, but not practicing the serious matters of the law. Jesus said, they should have done it all! 

  1. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!
  2. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.
  3. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.

  1. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

These religious leaders were hypocrites to the core. Squeaky clean on the outside, stinky and filthy on the inside. They were a dishonor to God’s name.

False Swearing and Oaths

Moving to the fourth and last, an individual misuses God’s name through false swearing. Perjury—providing false testimony under oath—is improper. Invoking God as a witness to deliberate untruths constitutes misuse of the divine name. False swearing may occur before various parties, including neighbors, business associates, spouses, or judicial authorities. Unfortunately, when called upon to testify or affirm our honesty, individuals sometimes resort to dishonesty and make false oaths. God hates false oaths, and He gets extremely specific about this.

Lev. 19:12 NKJV

  1. And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.

And lastly

Zech. 8:16-17 NKJV 

  1. These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace;
  2. Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; And do not love a FALSE OATH. For all these are things that I hate,’ Says the Lord.”

What is Required by the Third Commandment?

So, what is required by this commandment? We are expected to refrain from cursing and swearing; instead, we should seek salvation and forgiveness from God. Specifically, one should:

  • abstain from cursing and swearing,
  • avoid using God’s name irreverently or carelessly,
  • refrain from invoking God’s name hypocritically.
  • Avoid using God’s name falsely in oaths.

Why This Commandment Still Matters Today

We need to take God seriously. Scripture says in Prov 9:10, NKJV “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” In the Bible context, “fear of the Lord” is to have reverence for Him, not be afraid.

Now, we say that we want to have a relationship with Him, but how can we if we dishonor His name? How many of us would have a relationship with someone who dishonored our name?

Honoring and having reverence for God—fearing Him—is the beginning. That’s step one after recognizing God for who He is (the first Commandment). Remember the last part of the third Commandment, “for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

To use God’s name in vain is a violation of His Law and is sin. As we saw in Part 2: No Idols, sin is idolatry.

God’s name is sacred; God’s name is powerful. Let’s look at what Peter said during his sermon to the Sanhedrin concerning God’s name in Acts 4:12:

  1. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

The third commandment is “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

Amen!

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