Answer
Exodus 23:13 states, “Pay careful attention to all that I have said to you, and make no mention of the names of other gods, nor let it be heard on your lips” (ESV). Does this mean we should avoid entirely saying the names of other gods? To answer this, we must consider the context in which this command was given, how it connects with the rest of Scripture, and what it means for Christians today.
The book of Exodus records God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and the establishment of His covenant with them at Mount Sinai. Exodus 23:13 is part of a section of laws that God gave to the Israelites, known as the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22—23:33). These laws were designed to set Israel apart as God’s holy people, distinct from the surrounding nations that worshiped other gods.
In this context, the command to avoid mentioning the names of other gods was a safeguard against idolatry. The ancient world was filled with false gods, each associated with different aspects of life. By prohibiting the mention of these gods, God protected His people, Israel, from the temptation to worship or praise those counterfeits. Such worship would lead them away from the only true God.
In the time before the Babylonian captivity, the people of Israel struggled with idolatry, often turning to the gods of the nations around them. They even tried to worship both God and foreign idols at the same time. For instance, in 1 Kings 18:2, Elijah confronts the Israelites, saying, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him” (ESV). The struggle against idolatry was not merely about avoiding physical idols but maintaining devotion to Yahweh.
The New Testament shifts the focus from the literal worship of idols to the underlying issue of idolatry in the heart. In 1 Corinthians 10:14, Paul warns the church, “My beloved, flee from idolatry” (ESV). Idolatry can manifest in various forms, including the love of money, a desire for power, or anything that takes precedence over God.
The New Testament does not explicitly repeat the command to avoid mentioning the names of other gods. Instead, it emphasizes the supremacy of Christ over all powers and authorities. For example, Philippians 2:9–11 states, “God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (BSB). Jesus’ name is above every other name, so He is worthy of our praise.
Given the context and the broader biblical teaching, should Christians refrain from mentioning other gods’ names today? Is it wrong, for example, to speak the name of Baal when reading aloud the Baal article on this website? No, the command in Exodus 23:13 was specific to the Israelites in their historical context, and Christ has set us free from the Law of Moses (Romans 6:15). The principle, however, remains relevant. Christians are called to guard their hearts against idolatry and to maintain exclusive devotion to God.
In practice, this means we are cautious about how we engage with the names and concepts of other gods. In academic or interfaith discussions, it may be necessary to reference other gods’ names for clarity or understanding. However, this should be done with discernment and the recognition that these names do not hold power or authority. “We know that ‘An idol is nothing at all in the world’ and that ‘There is no God but one’” (1 Corinthians 8:4). At the same time, our speech should reflect our faith in Christ and our commitment to honoring Him above all.
Christians should be vigilant about the subtle forms of idolatry that can creep into their lives. Modern idolatry may not involve the literal worship of other gods but can be seen in the excessive devotion to money, success, relationships, or personal desires. Colossians 3:5 warns believers, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (ESV). For believers, avoiding the names of other gods means keeping “the name above all names” their hearts.
