God and Jesus' Names

YHWH is often referred to as the Ineffable Name, the Unutterable Name or the Distinctive Name. Linguistically, it is associated with the Hebrew root Heh-Yod-Heh, "to be," which shows that God is eternal. In the Bible, this Name is used when discussing God's relation with human beings, and when emphasizing His qualities of loving kindness and grace.

Judaism does not prohibit writing the name of God; it prohibits only erasing or defacing a name of God. So, observant Jews avoid writing any name of God casually because of the risk that the written name might later be defaced, obliterated or destroyed accidentally by one who does not know better.

The author of "Cups of Light : And Other Illustrations" tells this story about the name of God:

I once started to study Hebrew with a Jewish rabbi friend of mine. In the Hebrew language there is a word that is known as the ineffable name for God. It is so sacred that a devout Jew will never pronounce it out loud; it is too sacred to be taken on human lips. Instead of pronouncing the name the way it is written, my friend instructed me to say Adonai, meaning “Jehovah” or “Master.” I later learned that an orthodox Jew will not even pronounce this word, but will say a word like Shekanyah, meaning “the One who dwells with us,” instead.

One day as I was reading a passage in Hebrew, I came to the ineffable name for God. And I forgot what the rabbi had told me. I didn’t say Adonai or Shekanyah; I said the word the way it was written. My rabbi friend shouted, “NO!” Then he said, “Please, that is the ineffable name for God. It is too sacred to be taken on human lips. Please say Adonai instead.”

I apologized. I would not willingly offend him or his religious convictions. I promised I would never pronounce the ineffable name for God out loud again, and I have kept my promise. In a world where there is so little reverence toward everything sacred, it is comforting to know there is this much reverence left for the name of God. I wish some of my Christian friends had something of this same reverence for the name of God and of God’s son, Jesus Christ, so that when they spoke these names they would do so in utter reverence.

“But,” I said to my friend, “would you not agree that a better way to do honor to the name of God is not just to refrain from saying a particular word, but to live a godly life? After all, the Psalmist says, ‘He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.’ That is what really does honor to the name of God—to walk in paths of righteousness.”

And he agreed.

In a similar way, as one of the New Testament writers reminds us, what good would it do to say we hold God in reverence if we despise our brother who also is beloved of God (1 John 4:20)?

In a sense, one cannot be Christian alone. One must be Christian toward someone. Of course, Christian impulses must begin within a person, but one’s feelings can only be made evident by the way that individual relates to his or her neighbor as well as to God.

Someone has said you cannot measure Christianity with just a plumb line. You must use a try square, which enables a person to verify a right angle. There must be a vertical line between God and the believer. There must also be a horizontal line between the believer and other people.

Think how Jesus taught us to pray: “Forgive us our debts.” There you have the line between God and the one who prays. “As we forgive our debtors.” There you have the qualifying line between the person and others.

Or again, “God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance [the line between God and the believer] so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work [the line between the believer and others]” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

One’s confession must be matched by one’s character.

One’s profession must be matched by one’s performance.

One’s upreach must be matched by one’s outreach.

One’s claim of inner grace must be matched by one’s outward show of goodness toward others.

"Yahweh and Y'shua-Only" Groups

Very rarely there are small groups who will not even use the name Jesus, saying it is another name for Zeus1, the principal god of the ancient Greeks. This theory comes from a lack of study and lack of understanding translations. This attitude usually starts out as a zeal for God, wanting to please Him, but usually turns into an attitude of arrogance to the point of dissociation of all believers who do not use the sacred name. No one is absolutely sure of the pronunciation of YHWH. These groups say "Yahweh" but they may be pronouncing it wrong. The groups who insist on only using the names YHWH and Yeshua would never have known how to find out the name of God if they hadn't studied English reference books that use the names God and Jesus.

Beware of any group thinking they are the only ones that will be saved because they use "God's real name." All of our righteousness is as filthy rags. No one is better than another. We are ALL sinners that need salvation. One is saved by an active belief in the Father's Son, that His blood was shed, and that He died and arose. Our responsibility is to make Him Lord of our lives and follow His Word. Yes, God's name is YHWH and Jesus' name is Yeshua, but will YHWH condemn those who serve Him to hell, just because they pray to dear Lord, God or as Yeshua directed, our Father? Our Father in Heaven knows our hearts and He knows those who love His Son.

The preface of this book explains how to tell if something is legalistic or pleasing to God. The fruit of legalism is easily recognized arguments, jealousy, selfish ambition, and envy. The resulting strife and confusion of the Yahweh only groups are far from what Yeshua taught. Yeshua taught us to love one another. Love is the fruit of a believer. When a person thinks higher of himself than others, especially to the point of disassociating himself with other believers because of a translation of a name, it is cruel judgment and an attitude of superiority not love.

Using Only Hebrew Names

The word Jew is the English translation of Yehuwdiy. A Jew is a `Ibri or Hebrew, a descendant of Yehudah (Judah in English). If you only speak English and have only grown up hearing English names, it difficult to understand writings or teachings using the Hebrew names. It is difficult enough to get people to read the Bible. Can you imagine what it would be like if they had to read all the names in Hebrew? It doesn't mean we shouldn't study Hebrew--far from it. It is a precious thing to understand Scripture in its original language; however, if it is easier to use terms that people understand to lead them to the Savior or teach a truth, why not?

In the first chapter of this book, I explain the significance of Jewish roots. If I had used the term Yehuwdi's Sheoesh, 99.9 percent would not understand what I was referring to. In the same way, using Yahweh and Yeshua could be a real stumbling block for some. We must be able to communicate to share God's Word. At the time of this writing two denominations have shown an interest in using this book in their Sunday School classes nationwide. If this book only used the Hebrew names, I seriously doubt they would have any interest.

Conclusion

YHWH is God's Hebrew name. Y'shua is Jesus' Hebrew name. God and Jesus are just two of the many, many titles English-speaking people use.

My name is Robin. I also answer to Mommy, Mom, Ma, Marmee (most of my grandchildren call me Marmee), Aunt Robin, Honey, Sweetheart (my Grandmother's name for me), Sis, Mrs. Sampson, Mrs. Robin, and Sister Sampson. My son-in-law never has been too sure of what to call me, so I still answer to his hesitant, "Hey, look at this." I also answer, with all the love I have to offer, to the uplifted hands of my granddaughter, who is too young to say "Grandmother." She just started saying something that sounds close to "gamaa." I enthusiastically answer, because I am full of love for her no matter what she calls me. I loved her before she could ever say my name or even recognize me. I know that I know YHWH is full of love for me, unworthy sinner that I am. Usually I call Him Father, sometimes I call Him God, Lord, or Yahweh. He is happy that I read His Word and I call on Him.

YHWH is our Healer, Provider, Protector, Sustainer, Guide, Shepherd, Keeper, etc., as well as our Savior through His Son Jesus. I have no problem calling Yeshua' Y'shua,Lord, or Jesus. He is the Son of God our Redeemer, therefore, it is really irrelevant what His name is translated into, since we know very well Who is being spoken of. If one grows in his or her Christian walk and has always been taught God's Son's name is Jesus, I have a very hard time believing that our wonderful, just, merciful YHWH would be so petty as to fault us for our vocal characteristics, even when our intent is pure. if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us (1 John 4:12).

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him (1 John 4:13-16).

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Notes

Where did Jehovah Come From?

In Exodus 3:14-15, it says, "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me to you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. The same Hebrew word translated "I AM WHO I Am", "I AM" and "LORD" is YHWH.

The Ancient Hebrew used no vowels. The actual pronunciation of YHWH was quickly lost. When the Masoretes in late medieval times decided to make the Hebrew more readable by adding vowels, they changed YHWH to JHVH (there was no J in the Hebrew). They used the vowels they assigned to Adonai. Thus they created "Jehovah" to be used in place of YHWH.

Pronunciation of YHWH

Since Hebrew was written without vowels in ancient times, the four consonants YHWH contain no clue to their original pronunciation. In traditional Judaism, the name is not pronounced, but Hebrew-Adonai ("Lord") or something similar is substituted. YHWH was probably pronounced ahiyhwah during the Temple period. We do not know what vowels were used, or even whether the Vav in the Name was a vowel or a consonant. Some Bible scholars use the names Yahweh and Yahveh but other scholars do not find these pronunciations correct.

Today's Bibles Translate YHWH as LORD

Each time you see the name LORD or GOD in all caps in the King James Version of the Bible, it is a translation of YHWH. (If you see "Lord God" it is a translation of "Adonai YHWH"). In A few English versions of the Bible the tetragrammaton is represented by Jehovah.

Other Names

Without doubt, the tetragrammaton, YHWH, is the most significant name in the Old Testament. As one writer observed, no single word in Hebrew has ever evoked such a torrent of discussion as . . . YHWH, the personal name of the Hebrew God (Gianotti, 1996). Let's look at other names used to designate God in the Old Testament:

English Hebrew Example in Scripture

God Elohim Genesis 1:1

God El Genesis 14:18

God Eloah Nehemiah 9:17

God Elah (Aramaic form) Daniel 2:18

GOD YHWH (Yahweh) Genesis 15:2

LORD YHWH or YH Genesis 2:4

JEHOVAH YHWH Exodus 6:3

JAH YH (Yah) Psalm 68:4

Lord Adon Joshua 3:11

Lord Adonai Genesis 15:2

English Hebrew Example in Scripture

I AM THAT I AM Eheyeh asher Eheyeh Exodus 3:14

I AM Eheyeh Exodus 3:14

Most High God El-Elyon Genesis 14:18

The Lord Sanctifies Yahweh-Mekaddesh Ex. 31:13

The Lord is my Banner Yahweh-Nissi Ex. 17:15

The Lord is Peace Yahweh-Shalom Judg. 6:24

The Lord of Hosts Yahweh-Sabaoth 1 Sam. 1:3; Jer. 11:20

The Lord is my Shepherd Yahweh-Rohi Ps. 23:1

The Lord is Our Righteousness Yahweh-Tsidkenu Jer. 23:5-6; 33:16

The Lord is There Yahweh-Shammah Ezek. 48:3

Almighty God El-Shaddai Genesis 17:1

Everlasting God El-Olam Genesis 21:33

The Most High God El-Elyon Num. 24:16; 2 Sam. 22:14

God of Eternity El-Olam Gen. 21:33; Isa. 26:4; Ps. 90:2

God of the Covenant El-Berith Judg. 9:46

God of Vision El-Rohi Gen. 16:13

Jesus employed a form of El when he cried from the cross, "Eloi, Eloi" (my God, my God,) quoting Psalm 22.

Many of the names for God are symbolic, illustrative, or figurative.

Shield Gen. 15:1; Ps. 84:11

Ancient of Days Dan. 7:9,13,22

Rock Deut. 32:18; Ps. 19:14; Isa. 26:4

Refuge Ps. 9:9; Jer. 17:17

Fortress Ps. 18:2; Nah. 1:7

Refiner Mal. 3:3

Descriptions of God come from everyday life.

King Zech. 14:9

Judge Gen. 15:14

Shepherd Ezek. 34; Psalms 23

Descriptions referring to God as Father:

God the Father Ps. 103:13

Father of Israel Jer. 31:9

Our Father (how we are to pray) Matt. 6:9

Father of Mercies 2 Cor. 1:3

Father of Lights James 1:17

Father of Glory Eph. 1:17

God's Name Was on the Sign on the Crucifixion Tree!

Studies have shown the Tetragrammaton probably appeared over Jesus when He hung on the cross. During Bible times, messages were commonly written with the first letter of each word. An example in English: UPS, stands for United Parcel Service. The phrase Jesus of Nazareth and King of the Jews was written in three languages on a sign above Jesus as He hung on the cross (John 19:19) . Jesus of Nazareth and King of the Jews initials in Hebrew was YHWH. That is why the priest asked Pilate to change the writing. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written (John 19: 22). For details see God's Master Plan or 7 Feasts of Israel Video in the resources section.

God's Name is Hidden in the Torah!

The Jews were to preserve the Hebrew text. Scribes went through strenuous training to insure the characters were written perfectly and without error in even one jot or tittle (two small Hebrew characters). While God's name never appears directly in Esther, it does appear in acrostic form in Esther 5:4. It is the first letter of each of four successive words - yod hay vav hay, YHWH. This is the only book of the Bible that does not directly contain God's name; however by using the code method the name YHWH is found five times.

There are hidden codes in the Torah. These codes were found by a process called reading with Equal Intervals.ÿ First, you eliminate the spaces between words of Torah. Then the computer can locate various words hidden in the text at regular number intervals. For example: The first time you see the letter T ("T" or "Tav") in the book of Genesis and every fiftieth letter spells: H R l T (Torah). The same thing happens when you use the book of Exodus. With Leviticus, go to the first Y ("Y" or "Yod"). Count to the subsequent eighth letter, and so on. The Hebrew (and correct) name of God emerges: H W H Y ("YHWH"), which most Jewish scholars believe should be pronounced as "Yahweh"). In Numbers and Deuteronomy, "Torah" is spelled out again, but backwards. It is like having the first two books and last two books pointing to YHWH in the middle book! Daniel Michelson, Professor of Mathematics at Hebrew University, computed the odds of such a coincidence in just Genesis and Exodus at about one in three million (Chaimberlin 1996).

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy

TORH TORH YHWH HROT HROT

ÿ-> ÿ-> YHWH represents the presence of the owner. It represents God's presence, power, and work. When we speak the name of Jesus in faith, Jesus Himself is actually present and begins to work. The power does not come from the way the name sounds, but it comes because the utterance of the name in faith demonstrates obedience to the Word of God and faith in the work of Jesus. When we call His name in faith, Jesus manifests His presence, performs the work, and meets the need (Collin 1996).

The name Jesus is the English translation of the Greek Iesous from the Hebrew Yeshua. It also happens to be the first name of many other Jews including Barabbas (Barabbas means son of a father or master), the captive robber whom the Jews asked Pilate to release instead of Christ (more of this in the Atonement chapter), but our Father in Heaven knows our hearts and He knows those who love His Son, though we may use a translation of His Hebrew name, rather than the Hebrew name itself.

Yeshua's Name is Hidden in the Torah!

A Torah code program shows Yeshua encoded in Torah at seven different locations. The Hebrew data uses the Michigan-Claremont transliteration scheme. At these locations once the name starts with the Yod, the next letter is found forty-two characters later, each of the seven locations: (1.) Genesis 28:6,7,8; (2.) Genesis 38:8,9,10,11; (3.) Exodus 20:3,4,5; (4.) Numbers 14:17,18,19; (5.) Numbers 27:16,17,18; (6.) Numbers 33:8,9,10; (7.) Deuteronomy 34:9,10,11. This is fairly new information now that we have computers that can locate various words hidden in the text at regular number intervals. It will be very interesting to see how Jewish non-believers react to this information.

The name YHWH points to God's relationship to Israel in both His saving acts and His retributive acts, manifesting His phenomenological effectiveness in Israel's history. What God says, He will do. His Name promises that. And He will act on behalf of His people. But YHWH does not ultimately limit the significance of His name to the children of Israel. As Eichrodt succinctly states, it is in the person of Jesus that the function of the Name of Yahweh as a form of the divine self-manifestation finds its fulfillment.ÿ Truly Jesus is the par excellence manifestation of God's active effectiveness in the history of the world! (Gianotti, 1996).

What Reference Books say About God's Name

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