What is the Significance of “Jehovah” as God’s Name?

Names are important. It is difficult for us to conceive of things apart from their names. The many different names for God in the Bible describe and demonstrate His character. “Jehovah” (usually rendered “Lord” in the King James Version) appears often in the Scriptures; it means “the Eternal One, the Unchangeable One, the One Who was, and is, and is to come.” When Moses met God in the burning bush, he asked His name. “And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you” (Exodus 3:14). God spoke as Jehovah, the self-existent God.

The Hebrew people came to consider one name of God His personal name. Scholars call this name, derived from four Hebrew letters, the tetragrammaton (from “tetra,” four, and “gram” letter). The Jews were so concerned about using this name in vain that they would not even pronounce it when reading the Bible aloud. (They substituted “Adonai,” meaning Lord.) As a result, the proper pronunciation of the original Hebrew is unknown. Most scholars say “Yahweh” or “Yahveh” is likely the proper pronunciation, although Jehovah has been used since the sixteenth century.

The Bible stresses the importance of respect for God by emphasizing the importance of the name of God. Solomon said, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). The psalmist said, “He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: holy and awesome is His name” (Psalm 111:9). (“Reverend” {KJV} refers only to God in the Bible, and never to man.) Isaiah spoke of “the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirt of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15). Jesus told His disciples, “In this manner, therefore pray: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9).

          The Third Commandment warns, “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” (Exodus 20:7). Although this commandment is part of the old covenant, the need for respect for the Lord’s name continues. Paul wrote, “Let as many bond-servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed” (1 Timothy 6:1).

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House to House Heart to Heart

Volume 28 Number 4