### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yᵉhôvâh**, represented by `{{H3068}}`, is the Jewish national name of God, meaning **(the) self-Existent or Eternal**. It appears an astounding **6519 times** in **5521 unique verses**, making it the most prominent name for God in the scriptures and signifying its central importance. This name reveals the personal character and covenantal faithfulness of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3068}}` is used to express God's intimate relationship with His people and His sovereign power. He reveals His character as **merciful** `{{H7349}}`, **gracious** `{{H2587}}`, and **abundant** `{{H7227}}` in goodness `{{H2617}}` and truth `{{H571}}` [[Exodus 34:6]]. He is presented as a personal shepherd `{{H7462}}` who ensures His people do not want `{{H2637}}` [[Psalms 23:1]]. The name also asserts His exclusive deity, as He declares, "I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God" [[Isaiah 44:6]]. This identity is rooted in His unchanging nature, as stated in [[Malachi 3:6]]: "For I am the LORD, I change not."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other names and titles for God are used in conjunction with `{{H3068}}`, each adding a layer of understanding to His divine nature:
* `{{H3069}}` **Yᵉhôvih**: This is a variation of `{{H3068}}` used after `{{H136}}` and is also translated as God. It appears in contexts where God's sovereign authority is emphasized [[Isaiah 61:1]].
* `{{H136}}` **ʼĂdônây**: Meaning **(my) Lord**, this title is used as a proper name for God and often precedes `{{H3069}}` to emphasize His lordship and authority [[2 Samuel 7:18]].
* `{{H430}}` **ʼĕlôhîym**: This is a general term for **God** or gods, frequently paired with `{{H3068}}` to affirm that Jehovah is the supreme God over all others [[Joshua 23:10]].
* `{{H410}}` **ʼêl**: A word for **God** that denotes strength and might. It is used in the proclamation of God's character alongside `{{H3068}}` [[Exodus 34:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3068}}` is immense, forming the bedrock of Israel's relationship with God.
* **Covenant Keeper:** `{{H3068}}` is the name through which God establishes His everlasting `{{H5769}}` covenant `{{H1285}}` with His people, promising to write His law `{{H8451}}` on their hearts `{{H3820}}` ([[Jeremiah 31:33]], [[Isaiah 59:21]]).
* **Redeemer and Savior:** The name is intrinsically linked to God's role as Redeemer `{{H1350}}` and Savior. He is the one who saves `{{H3467}}` His people with an everlasting `{{H5769}}` salvation `{{H8668}}` ([[Isaiah 45:17]], [[Isaiah 48:17]]).
* **Source of Strength and Refuge:** Those who wait `{{H6960}}` on `{{H3068}}` shall renew `{{H2498}}` their strength `{{H3581}}` [[Isaiah 40:31]]. His name `{{H8034}}` is a strong `{{H5797}}` tower where the righteous `{{H6662}}` can run and be safe `{{H7682}}` [[Proverbs 18:10]].
* **Personal and Relational God:** This name is used in deeply personal contexts, describing `{{H3068}}` as light `{{H216}}`, salvation `{{H3468}}`, and a shepherd `{{H7462}}` who is near `{{H7138}}` to all who call `{{H7121}}` upon Him in truth `{{H571}}` ([[Psalms 27:1]], [[Psalms 145:18]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3068}}` is not a generic title but the sacred, personal name of the self-existent God. It conveys His eternal nature, His covenantal promises, and His intimate relationship with His people. This name is a declaration of His absolute authority as King `{{H4428}}` and Redeemer `{{H1350}}` and serves as the ultimate source of hope, strength, and salvation throughout the scriptures.
TRV