Quantity is not quality, however, and the Third Commandment challenges us to watch the quality of our language. In a number of translations, the command reads as follows: “You shall not take the Name of the Lord, your God, in vain, for the Lord will not absolve anyone who takes His Name in vain.”. According to the most common interpretation Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine: for the Lord will not holde him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vaine. - King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan 'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain. Misusing “Oh, my God!”. While the phrase “Oh, my God” could be a prayer, it is not usually meant in this way. More commonly it uses the Divine name as a mere expression of surprise or exasperation. This is not a reverent or prayerful use of God’s name in most circumstances. The word “vain” means empty. And, therefore, the context .

do not take the lord's name in vain