Parashat Yitro: We All (Sometimes) Take God’s Name in Vain

Three months into the Israelites’ journey through the desert, we reach one of the Torah’s most dramatic moments: the giving of the Ten Commandments. Among them, the third stands out:

"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold guiltless one who takes His name in vain." (Exodus 20:7)

But what does it really mean to “take God’s name in vain”? Traditionally, it’s been understood as a prohibition against casually uttering God’s name, a way to maintain reverence and holiness. But is that all? Does God really just want us to avoid saying His name aloud?

More Than Words: The Deeper Meaning

I’ve never fully bought into the idea that this commandment is just about pronunciation. It feels like it’s pointing to something much deeper: the misuse of God’s name for personal gain or to claim false authority.

It’s not about letters and syllables—it’s about invoking God’s name to justify actions, manipulate others, or claim divine endorsement. Saying, “This is God’s will” when it’s really your own agenda is taking His name in vain. It’s about using faith as a tool for power, control, or validation.

A Modern Example

Here’s an old political example that is not intended to offend anyone. Years ago, I heard a story from journalist Hanan Kristal about a political moment involving Aryeh Deri and Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. When Shas was considering a controversial political move, Kristal warned Deri that it might alienate their voter base. Deri reportedly smiled and said, “Rabbi Ovadia will descend from heaven and say it’s a mitzvah to vote Shas, and they will vote.”

Sure enough, during the campaign, Rabbi Ovadia arrived by helicopter—literally descending from the sky—telling the crowd it was a mitzvah to vote for Shas. Promises were made in God’s name, even guarantees of paradise. Whether you find this amusing or troubling, it’s a clear example of how easily God’s name can be leveraged for earthly agendas.

The Danger of Claiming Absolute Truth

God’s name is often invoked not just by politicians, but by leaders, influencers, and even in casual conversation: “With God’s help,” “God wanted it this way,” or “God is on our side.” Each time, we risk reducing the infinite to a soundbite that serves our needs.

Interestingly, some scholars note that the Hebrew word for “vain” (שָּׁוְא) could be an acronym for “falsehood and not truth” (שקר ולא אמת). But others push further, suggesting it means “not falsehood and not truth”—implying that we shouldn’t invoke God’s name even for the sake of truth. The point? Keep God out of the argument. Don’t drag divine authority into debates to win points or settle scores.

The Takeaway

The third commandment isn’t just about language—it’s about humility. It reminds us that we don’t have a monopoly on truth, justice, or divine will. Maybe the holiest thing we can do is resist the urge to speak for God, and instead, let our actions reflect the values we claim to uphold.

Lior Tal Sadeh is an educator, writer, and author of What Is Above, What Is Below (Carmel, 2022). He hosts the daily Source of Inspiration podcast, produced by Beit Avi Chai.

For more insights into Parashat Yitro, listen to Source of Inspiration.

Translation of most Hebrew texts sourced from Sefaria.org
Main Photo: Moses on Mount Sinai Jean-Léon Gérôme\ Wikipedia