Exo 20:7 | TNotes | STEP | 20:7 In Hebrew, one’s name connotes nature and character (see study note on 3:13-22). To make the name of God empty (NLT, misuse ) is to do anything that makes him appear insignificant or worthless. One way to do this is to invoke his name in an oath we do not mean to keep. But there are other, even more significant ways to bring shame on God’s name (see Num 20:12 ; Amos 2:7 ; cp. Matt 6:9 ).

bNum 20:12►

cAmos 2:7►

dMatt 6:9►

‏ Exodus 20:7

20:7 ^a In Hebrew, one’s name connotes nature and character (see study note on 3:13-22). To make the name of God empty (NLT, misuse) is to do anything that makes him appear insignificant or worthless. One way to do this is to invoke his name in an oath we do not mean to keep. But there are other, even more significant ways to bring shame on God’s name (see Num 20:12 ^b; Amos 2:7 ^c; cp. Matt 6:9 ^d).