What does Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain mean?

This was the law that established the sin of blasphemy.(Exodus 20:7) New World Translation"You must not take up the name of Jehovah your God in a worthless way, for Jehovah will not leave unpunished the one who takes up His name in a worthless way. This was the law that established the sin of blasphemy.

(Exodus 20:7) King James Version

"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.

When God gave Moses the ten commandments, the first three were unique. They established God's position as the Universal Sovereign (and his rights to exclusive worship).

The first commandment established God as "first" in everything as he is the Almighty God, the Supreme God.

The second commandment continues the theme in that they could have no other gods in any other way, especially in a "graven" form. God would not tolerate any images that they would bow down to, it was forbidden and would be in direct violation of the Mosaic Law. This established his right to "exclusive" worship.

The third commandment continues with the law against taking the name of the Lord your God in vain. This was NOT a prohibition of using God's name. This law is referring to Blasphemy.

The Greek Word implies "injurious, defamatory, or abusive speech" (see attached link). However, it encompasses much more.

Additionally:

Few people seem to realize the "Fearful Holiness" of God's name. A name so "dreadful"... that "death" is the prescribed penalty for its misuse. It's a name that's so hallowed, that God established a "capital law" [the Third Commandment] regarding man's misuse of it in a casual or flippant manner; or in any way short of utter Humility, Fear and Respect.

"...'I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at My Word.'" (Isa.66:2 NLT New Living Translation) [AND AT HIS NAME]

Jesus includes the sacred acknowledgment of His Father's name as the "FIRST STEP" in His "prayer outline" that deceived men call "the Lord's Prayer":

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, HALLOWED BE THY NAME..." (Matt.6:9 KJV).

The Ten Commandments of God are regarded as "suggestions" by mankind... if they're regarded at all. But, it's the transgression -- the BREAKING -- of these laws that constitutes "SIN" [see I John 3:4]; transgressions [disobedience] so serious and deadly [to ignorant, Satan-deceived mankind], that the Father required His Son [who created man, God's future Children - John 1:3] to be brutally murdered at the hands of His creation, so that His Divine Blood might bring some men to repentance for their disobedience, that they might turn to God for His Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness.

And of all the Laws of God, thought of by man as perhaps the most "meaningless"... with the possible exception of "Remembering the LORD's Sabbath;" it would be the "meaningless" Law regarding God's name.

But, that's what The Bible means by it. It's one of God's Ten Capital Laws, about which HE IS DEADLY SERIOUS for man to learn to Love and Respect; as David did, a man after God's own heart [Acts 13:22]:

"O how I Love Thy Law! It is my meditation all the day. Thou through Thy Commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me." (Ps.119:97-98 KJV)

The warning about uttering or thinking about God's name in any worthless manner is one of the Ten Sacred Laws of God's own household; of His Kingdom that Jesus Christ is coming back to reestablish on this Satan-guided earth -- but which, tragically, mankind takes lightly... as if it were "no big deal."