a variation of יְהֹוָה (used after אֲדֹנָי, and pronounced by Jews as אֱלֹהִים, in order to prevent the repetition of the same sound, since they elsewhere pronounce יְהֹוָה as אֲדֹנָי); {YHWH}; God.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יְהֹוִה (`{{H3069}}`, transliterated *Yᵉhôvih*) represents a specific vocalization of the Tetragrammaton, YHWH (`{{H3068}}`), the ineffable proper name of God. Its core meaning is therefore identical to YHWH: the self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping God of Israel. However, the unique characteristic of `{{H3069}}` lies in its contextual usage and traditional pronunciation. As explicitly stated in its definition, this particular vocalization is employed exclusively when the divine name YHWH follows the title אֲדֹנָי (`{{H136}}`, *Adonai*, meaning "Lord" or "Master"). The Masoretes, in their meticulous preservation of the Hebrew text, provided this distinct pointing to signal to readers that YHWH, in this specific sequence (אֲדֹנָי יְהֹוִה), should be pronounced אֱלֹהִים (`{{H430}}`, *Elohim*, meaning "God"). This practice was instituted to prevent the repetition of the sound "Adonai," as YHWH itself was commonly pronounced "Adonai" in reverence to avoid uttering the sacred name directly. Thus, while semantically rooted in the identity of YHWH, its form reflects a profound reverence and a specific liturgical convention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The vocalization *Yᵉhôvih* (`{{H3069}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively in the construct phrase "אֲדֹנָי יְהֹוִה" (Adonai YHWH), which is traditionally pronounced "Adonai Elohim." This combined title is found numerous times throughout the Old Testament, often in contexts of solemn address, prayer, or prophetic declaration. For instance, in [[Genesis 15:2]], Abraham addresses God, "O Lord YHWH," expressing both submission to divine sovereignty and an appeal to God's covenant faithfulness. Similarly, Moses uses this powerful combination in [[Deuteronomy 3:24]] when pleading with God to enter the Promised Land, acknowledging God's "greatness and your mighty hand."
In the prophetic books, this compound title is particularly prevalent, lending immense authority to the divine message. Ezekiel frequently employs "Adonai YHWH" to introduce divine pronouncements, as seen in [[Ezekiel 2:4]] and throughout his prophecies, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over Israel and the nations. Amos also uses it extensively to underscore the divine origin and unalterable nature of his judgments and promises (e.g., [[Amos 7:1]], [[Amos 7:4]], [[Amos 7:7]]). The phrase signifies not merely a generic "Lord God" but "My Sovereign Lord, the Self-Existent One," conveying the full weight of God's authority and personal engagement. In psalms and other historical narratives, it often appears in expressions of worship, lament, or thanksgiving, highlighting the worshiper's recognition of God's supreme authority and His personal relationship with His people (e.g., [[Psalm 69:6]], [[2 Samuel 7:18]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H3069}}` is intrinsically linked to several other crucial Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H3068}}` (YHWH):** This is the fundamental lemma from which `{{H3069}}` is derived. `{{H3068}}` represents the unvocalized Tetragrammaton, the proper name of God, signifying His self-existence and covenant faithfulness. `{{H3069}}` is merely a specific vocalization of `{{H3068}}` used in a particular grammatical context.
* **`{{H136}}` (אֲדֹנָי - Adonai):** Meaning "Lord" or "Master," this title emphasizes God's sovereignty, authority, and ownership. The very existence of `{{H3069}}` is predicated on its immediate preceding by `{{H136}}`.
* **`{{H430}}` (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim):** This is the general Hebrew word for "God" or "gods," often used to refer to the Creator God, emphasizing His power and transcendence. The traditional pronunciation of "Adonai YHWH" as "Adonai Elohim" demonstrates the reverence for the divine name, substituting a more general term for the specific one to avoid redundancy or perceived irreverence.
* **Tetragrammaton:** The four-letter Hebrew name of God (YHWH), which is considered too sacred to be pronounced by many Jews, leading to the substitution of terms like Adonai or Elohim. `{{H3069}}` is a direct reflection of this reverential practice.
* **Divine Names:** The various names of God in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., El, Elohim, El Shaddai, YHWH, Adonai) each reveal different facets of His character and relationship with humanity. The combination "Adonai YHWH" (vocalized as Adonai Elohim) brings together the concepts of absolute lordship and personal, covenantal presence.
* **Reverence and Piety:** The Masoretic vocalization and the traditional Jewish practice of pronouncing `{{H3069}}` as *Elohim* when it follows *Adonai* highlight the profound reverence and awe with which the divine name was treated within ancient Israelite and Jewish tradition. It underscores the sanctity of God's name and the careful avoidance of its misuse.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3069}}` (as part of the phrase "Adonai YHWH") is profound, representing a powerful synthesis of divine attributes:
1. **Sovereignty and Covenant:** The combination of *Adonai* (Lord, Master) and *YHWH* (the Self-Existent, Covenant-Keeping God) underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It presents God as both the transcendent Ruler and the immanent, personal God who enters into relationship with His people. This dual emphasis provides a robust foundation for trust and obedience.
2. **Holiness of the Divine Name:** The Masoretic vocalization of `{{H3069}}` and its traditional pronunciation as *Elohim* when following *Adonai* serves as a powerful testament to the sanctity and holiness of God's proper name. This practice reflects a deep theological understanding that the divine name is not to be uttered lightly or redundantly, but with utmost reverence and awe. It teaches a profound respect for the divine presence and character.
3. **Authority in Divine Revelation:** In prophetic contexts, the title "Adonai YHWH" lends immense authority to the divine pronouncements. When a prophet declares, "Thus says Adonai YHWH," the message is understood to come from the ultimate Sovereign and the faithful Covenant-Keeper, demanding attention and obedience. This reinforces the truthfulness and binding nature of God's word.
4. **Relationship and Awe:** The use of this composite title in prayers and supplications (e.g., by Abraham, Moses, David) reveals a deep sense of both submission and intimacy. The supplicant acknowledges God's supreme authority while also appealing to His personal, relational nature as YHWH. It fosters a posture of humble dependence combined with confident appeal to a God who hears and acts.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma יְהֹוִה (`{{H3069}}`, *Yᵉhôvih*) is a specific Masoretic vocalization of the Tetragrammaton, YHWH (`{{H3068}}`), used exclusively when the divine name follows אֲדֹנָי (`{{H136}}`, *Adonai*). This unique pointing signals the traditional Jewish practice of pronouncing the combined phrase "Adonai YHWH" as "Adonai Elohim" (`{{H430}}`), a convention born out of profound reverence for God's name and to avoid the repetition of the sound "Adonai." Theologically, this compound title powerfully encapsulates God's dual nature as both the absolute, sovereign Lord and the personal, covenant-keeping God. Its frequent appearance in prophetic declarations, prayers, and expressions of worship underscores its significance in conveying divine authority, covenant faithfulness, and the deep reverence due to the holy name of God.
TRV