The ancient Hebrew language, which the old testament language was written in, did not have vowels in its alphabet. It was a consonant only language. So, in the original Hebrew, God's name translates to, YHWH. Without the use of vowels, there have been much debate by scholars on how to pronounce it. There are many church leaders who claim, "Jehovah" to be the true pronunciation of YHWH. Let us be mindful of the biblical fact that there is no reference against using God's name nor are there commands in which we should do so. YHWH, is as close to a personal name as God has revealed to us. As far as commanding us to call Him by YHWH, well its just not scriptural since the authors of the Bible, who were inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote many other names and titles for our Heavenly Father. ***Remember, it is more important to know God through faith in our Savior Jesus Christ, than to know the correct way to pronounce God's name in Hebrew.
The sacred name movement
This movement was started by the Church of God(Seventh Day) in the 1930's and teaches that only "Yahweh" is to be used for the name of God and only "Yahshua" to be used for Jesus. The strong emphasis being placed on the names of God and Jesus is unbiblical. This "sacred movement" fails to understand that our Savior came to fulfill the old covenant and establish the new covenant. Our salvation is not based on how to properly pronounce God's name in Hebrew.
Exodus 3:14 "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 unto you." Moses boldly asks God who should he say sent him to Israel, expecting the people to ask such a question. God's response to Moses reveals to us two things: 1) God wants a personal relationship with His children. 2) God is self-existent, having life in Himself, with an unchanging eternal nature.
Most common names of God:
Elohim Means Creator, mighty and strong. Its the plural form of Eloah which affirms the doctrine of the Trinity.
Adonai Its probably more accurate to say that this word is used as a description of God or as a title of respect.
El Shaddai Speaks to God's ultimate power over all.
Jehovah Most scholars agree that the meaning is, "He brings into existence whatever exists." Remember ancient Hebrew did not use vowels in its written form. The vowels were pronounced in spoken Hebrew, but were not recorded in written Hebrew. The vowel sounds were passed down orally, resulting in scholars and translators not having absolute confidence in certain Hebrew words and how they were pronounced.
Final thoughts
It is not crucial for the Christian faith to properly pronounce YHWH. Because of just the four letters, known as the tetragrammaton, no one has figured out how to say God's name. Today, many in the Jewish community, have stopped trying to pronounce God's name outloud in fear of taking His name in vain, Leviticus 24:16. The many names and titles of our Heavenly Father, each has different aspects of His nature, which when we study and understand them, can help us better serve Him.
The sacred name movement
This movement was started by the Church of God(Seventh Day) in the 1930's and teaches that only "Yahweh" is to be used for the name of God and only "Yahshua" to be used for Jesus. The strong emphasis being placed on the names of God and Jesus is unbiblical. This "sacred movement" fails to understand that our Savior came to fulfill the old covenant and establish the new covenant. Our salvation is not based on how to properly pronounce God's name in Hebrew.
Exodus 3:14 "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 unto you." Moses boldly asks God who should he say sent him to Israel, expecting the people to ask such a question. God's response to Moses reveals to us two things: 1) God wants a personal relationship with His children. 2) God is self-existent, having life in Himself, with an unchanging eternal nature.
Most common names of God:
Elohim Means Creator, mighty and strong. Its the plural form of Eloah which affirms the doctrine of the Trinity.
Adonai Its probably more accurate to say that this word is used as a description of God or as a title of respect.
El Shaddai Speaks to God's ultimate power over all.
Jehovah Most scholars agree that the meaning is, "He brings into existence whatever exists." Remember ancient Hebrew did not use vowels in its written form. The vowels were pronounced in spoken Hebrew, but were not recorded in written Hebrew. The vowel sounds were passed down orally, resulting in scholars and translators not having absolute confidence in certain Hebrew words and how they were pronounced.
Final thoughts
It is not crucial for the Christian faith to properly pronounce YHWH. Because of just the four letters, known as the tetragrammaton, no one has figured out how to say God's name. Today, many in the Jewish community, have stopped trying to pronounce God's name outloud in fear of taking His name in vain, Leviticus 24:16. The many names and titles of our Heavenly Father, each has different aspects of His nature, which when we study and understand them, can help us better serve Him.
- 1
- Show all