Take the name … in vain: that is, to use the name in a manner not befitting God’s holiness. The phrase in vain means essentially “for a worthless purpose.” This could involve the use of magic, incantations, or curses. Good News Translation has “for evil purposes,” New International Version and New Jerusalem Bible “misuse the name,” New Revised Standard Version “make wrongful use of,” Revised English Bible “make wrong use of,” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh “swear falsely” (which is supported by Jer 7.9). Craigie defines it as “an attempt to manipulate God for personal ends.”

Will not hold him guiltless: this is variously expressed as “will not leave unpunished” (New Jerusalem Bible), “will not acquit” (New Revised Standard Version), and “will punish” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version). It is better to avoid Revised Standard Version‘s exclusive him and say instead “I will punish anyone [or, any person] who….”

It must be noted that in this verse Yahweh refers to himself in the third person. In a number of languages it will be better to change this to the first person; for example, “I, the LORD your God” (Good News Translation) or “I am the LORD your God, and I will…” (Contemporary English Version).

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .