YHWH is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. It is comprised of four Hebrew letters – Yod He Vav He – and is considered by Jews to be the holiest name of God. The name YHWH first appears in Genesis 2:4 and is used over 6,800 times throughout the Hebrew scriptures. However, out of reverence, observant Jews do not pronounce or write this name, substituting the word Adonai (meaning “Lord”) instead.
The meaning and etymology of the name YHWH is not entirely clear, though various interpretations have been offered by scholars over the years. The name may derive from the Hebrew verb “to be,” suggesting God’s eternal existence. It may also be connected to the causative form of that verb, meaning “He who causes to be.” This would identify God as the creator and sustainer of all things. Still other interpretations suggest the name means “He brings into being whatever exists.”
Though the exact meaning is debated, the name YHWH clearly refers to the God of Israel’s unique identity as the one true God, self-existent and eternal. God tells Moses in Exodus 3:14: “I AM WHO I AM.” He is the source of all life and reality. The name YHWH distinguishes Israel’s deity from the false gods and idols worshipped by Israel’s neighbors at that time.
The first recorded usage of the name YHWH is when God appears to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:13-15). God had not previously revealed this name to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. However, Exodus 6:2-3 indicates the patriarchs knew God primarily as El-Shaddai (God Almighty). The specific name YHWH was first disclosed to Moses as part of God’s covenant with the Israelites.
Later in Israel’s history, as belief in God’s sovereignty over all nations spread, the name YHWH came to be used in reference to God’s relationship with gentile peoples as well. Several Old Testament prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, speak of a time when the name YHWH will be exalted among all nations and “known” more universally (e.g. Isaiah 52:6).
The divine name YHWH occurs frequently alongside descriptors emphasizing God’s covenant faithfulness and mercy. Exodus 34:6-7 is a seminal passage, with God self-describing himself as “YHWH, YHWH, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” This passage provides a window into God’s character and how he relates to his people. His name reflects his grace and compassion.
At the same time, YHWH can also evoke God’s holiness, divine wrath and judgment against sin. The Old Testament records times when YHWH’s justice and jealousy for his name results in punishment against Israel for their disobedience to the covenant. Yet his chastisement is aimed at reconciliation and restoring the relationship.
The combination of God’s mercy and justice, love and holiness is captured in the meaning behind the name YHWH in the Hebrew scriptures. This name was associated solely with Israel’s one true God.
With the destruction of the Jewish temple in 70 AD, the original pronunciation of the name YHWH was eventually lost. Without the temple and priesthood, the rituals and practices around the name could not be maintained. Vowel points were added to the written name YHWH by medieval Jewish scribes, resulting in the hybrid form Jehovah that became common in Christian tradition. However, scholars agree Jehovah is not an authentic pronunciation of YHWH.
Most English Bibles render YHWH as “LORD” (all capital letters), following the Jewish custom of substituting Adonai to avoid misuse of God’s name. The New Testament continues the practice of the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) in using the word Kyrios (Lord) where YHWH appears.
A few key points summarize the significance of the divine name YHWH:
- It is God’s personal name, revealed specifically to Israel as part of his covenant with them.
- It speaks of God’s eternal, self-existent nature as the source of all being.
- It evokes God’s covenant faithfulness and mercy, balanced by his holiness and justice.
- Proper reverence for the name developed in Jewish tradition and practice.
- The original pronunciation was lost and the hybrid form Jehovah is inaccurate.
- English Bibles follow the custom of using LORD or Lord in place of YHWH.
For Christians, the name YHWH takes on additional meaning in light of Jesus Christ being the incarnation of Israel’s God. Jesus explicitly identified himself with the divine name, stating “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58). The God who revealed himself as YHWH in the Old Testament has now become flesh and dwelt among humanity in the person of Christ.
In summary, the name YHWH in the Hebrew Bible reveals the character, actions and identity of Israel’s God – the one true God who would send his Son Jesus Christ to accomplish salvation for all nations. Though modern translations do not retain this specific name of God, its significance remains in what it communicates about who God is.
