Library Theodoret Questions on Exodus
Questions on Exodus 41: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain”
What is the meaning of “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain”?
Some say it forbids applying the name of God to vain things—that is, to idols; others, that one who has sworn should not lie. But I think the divine law commands that, apart from teaching or prayer or some necessary need, one should not utter the divine name. For some are accustomed, even while joking and laughing, to utter the reverend name casually with the tongue. This, I think, the divine law forbids. For if most people are accustomed to keep their more costly clothing for festivals, it is far more just to consecrate the divine name to prayers and teachings.
Greek: Theodoret of Cyrus, Quaestiones in Octateuchum / Questions on Exodus (CPG 6200.02; cf. Fernández Marcos and Sáenz-Badillos; also PG 80, cols. 225–298). English: study translation for BWAB Library—not the copyrighted Robert C. Hill (CUA Press) translation. The full Questions on Exodus (72 questions) is hosted here.