from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôvâh
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-vaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יְהֹוָה (YHWH), transliterated as Yᵉhôvâh, represents the sacred Tetragrammaton, the unique, personal name of the God of Israel. Its base definition, stemming from the verb הָיָה (hayah) `{{H1961}}`, emphasizes the concept of "being," "existence," or "becoming." This etymological connection leads to the understanding of YHWH as "the self-Existent" or "the Eternal." Unlike generic titles for deity such as אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) `{{H430}}`, YHWH signifies God's proper, revealed name, highlighting His absolute independence, His active presence, and His unwavering faithfulness. The semantic range of YHWH thus encompasses God's eternal nature, His covenantal relationship with humanity, His dynamic involvement in history, and His unwavering commitment to His promises.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name YHWH appears thousands of times throughout the Old Testament, making it the most frequent designation for God. Its profound significance is first explicitly revealed to Moses in [[Exodus 3:13-15]], where God identifies Himself as "I AM WHO I AM" (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה), directly linking His name to His inherent, active existence. This revelation establishes YHWH as the God of the covenant, the one who remembers His promises and acts decisively to deliver His people.
In the creation narrative, YHWH is introduced in [[Genesis 2:4]] as "YHWH God," emphasizing His personal involvement in creation and His relationship with humanity, contrasting with the more general "God" (Elohim) in [[Genesis 1:1]]. Throughout the Pentateuch, YHWH is the God who makes covenants with Abraham ([[Genesis 15:7]]), delivers Israel from slavery ([[Exodus 6:2-3]]), provides the Law ([[Exodus 20:2]]), and leads His people through the wilderness.
In the prophetic books, YHWH is consistently portrayed as the sovereign Lord of history, the righteous judge, and the compassionate redeemer (e.g., [[Isaiah 40:28]], [[Jeremiah 31:3]]). The Psalms frequently extol the greatness, power, and mercy of YHWH (e.g., [[Psalm 103:1-8]]). The consistent use of YHWH underscores God's personal relationship with Israel, His faithfulness to His word, and His unique identity among all nations. The reverence for this name in later Jewish tradition led to its non-pronunciation, with אֲדֹנָי (Adonai) `{{H136}}` being substituted in reading.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **הָיָה (hayah) `{{H1961}}`**: The foundational verb "to be," "to exist," or "to become," from which the name YHWH is understood to be derived. This root highlights God's self-existence and His active presence.
* **אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה (Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh)**: "I AM WHO I AM" or "I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE," God's self-designation to Moses in [[Exodus 3:14]]. This phrase directly links God's identity to His eternal, dynamic, and ever-present being.
* **אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) `{{H430}}`**: A general Hebrew term for God or gods. While Elohim emphasizes God's power and universal sovereignty, YHWH denotes His personal, covenantal name. Often, the two are combined as "YHWH Elohim" (the LORD God) to signify both aspects of His being.
* **אֲדֹנָי (Adonai) `{{H136}}`**: Meaning "my Lord" or "the Lord." This title was used by Jewish readers to substitute for the unpronounceable YHWH, leading to the Masoretic vocalization of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai, which, when transliterated, resulted in forms like "Jehovah."
* **יָהּ (Yah) `{{H3050}}`**: A shortened, poetic form of YHWH, often found in expressions like Hallelujah ("Praise Yah") and in personal names.
* **יְהֹוִה (Yehowih) `{{H3069}}`**: A variant vocalization of the Tetragrammaton, used by the Masoretes specifically when the name YHWH would immediately follow Adonai, to avoid the repetition of the *Adonai* vowels.
### Theological Significance
The name YHWH carries profound theological weight.
1. **Divine Self-Existence and Transcendence:** YHWH signifies God's absolute independence and His eternal nature. He is the "I AM," existing from Himself, dependent on nothing, the source of all being. This sets Him apart as the unique, true God.
2. **Covenantal Faithfulness and Immanence:** More than a statement of being, YHWH is the name of the God who enters into relationship with His creation and, specifically, with His people Israel. It underscores His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, His active involvement in human history, and His consistent presence with His people.
3. **Sovereignty and Power:** As the self-existent One, YHWH is also the ultimate authority and power in the universe. His name testifies to His ability to fulfill His purposes, overcome obstacles, and bring about salvation.
4. **Holiness and Awe:** The reverence surrounding the Tetragrammaton in Jewish tradition highlights the profound holiness and majesty of God. The name itself evokes a sense of awe, worship, and humble submission before the divine.
5. **Redemptive Identity:** From the Exodus to the prophetic promises of restoration, YHWH is consistently revealed as the God who saves. His name is intrinsically linked to His redemptive acts and His ongoing work to deliver and restore His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma יְהֹוָה (YHWH), transliterated as Yᵉhôvâh and frequently rendered "the LORD" in English Bibles, is the unique, personal, and covenantal name of God. Rooted in the verb הָיָה (hayah) `{{H1961}}`, its core meaning speaks to God's absolute self-existence, eternality, and active presence, encapsulated in His self-revelation as "I AM WHO I AM" in [[Exodus 3:14]]. Appearing thousands of times throughout the Old Testament, YHWH underscores God's personal relationship with Israel, His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, and His dynamic involvement in history as the sovereign Creator, Deliverer, and Redeemer. While later Jewish tradition revered the name to the point of non-pronunciation, substituting אֲדֹנָי (Adonai) `{{H136}}`, its theological significance remains paramount, testifying to God's unique identity, His transcendent power, His immanent faithfulness, and His ultimate holiness.
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