from יְהֹוָה and שָׁם with directive enclitic; Jehovah (is) thither; Jehovah-Shammah, a symbolic title of Jerusalem; Jehovahshammah.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôvâh shâmmâh
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-vaw' shawm'-maw
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase "Yᵉhôvâh shâmmâh" (`{{H3074}}`) is a compound name derived from two distinct elements. "Yᵉhôvâh" (`{{H3068}}`) is the Tetragrammaton, the personal and covenantal name of God, YHWH, signifying His self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature. The second element, "shâmmâh," is formed from the adverb "shâm" (`{{H8033}}`), meaning "there," combined with the directive enclitic "-ah," which intensifies the sense of location, implying "to there" or "at that very place." Therefore, "Yᵉhôvâh shâmmâh" literally translates to "The LORD is there" or "Yahweh is there." Its semantic range extends beyond mere spatial presence to denote an active, abiding, and salvific presence of God, emphasizing His immanence and the definitive fulfillment of His promises in a specific location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
This profound phrase appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, serving as the climactic declaration in [[Ezekiel 48:35]]. It is the final name given to the gates of the new, restored city in Ezekiel's intricate vision of the post-exilic temple and the reorganized land of Israel. The context is deeply eschatological and profoundly hopeful. Earlier in Ezekiel's prophecy, the prophet witnessed the glory of the Lord *departing* from the defiled temple and Jerusalem (e.g., [[Ezekiel 10:18-19]], [[Ezekiel 11:22-23]]), symbolizing God's judgment and the subsequent desolation of the city. The naming of the new, purified city as "Yᵉhôvâh shâmmâh" signifies the ultimate reversal of that judgment. It heralds the permanent return of God's glory and presence, indicating that the entire city, not just a sacred precinct, will be characterized by the abiding presence of the Lord. This stands in stark contrast to the previous city, which was abandoned by divine presence due to the sins of its inhabitants.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Yᵉhôvâh (`{{H3068}}`):** The divine name itself is central. Like other compound names of God (e.g., Jehovah-Jireh, "The LORD Will Provide"; Jehovah-Nissi, "The LORD Is My Banner"), "Yᵉhôvâh shâmmâh" highlights a specific attribute or action of God—His enduring presence—in relation to His people and a particular place.
* **Shekinah Glory:** While not a direct biblical term, this rabbinic concept (from the Hebrew root "shakan" `{{H7931}}`, "to dwell") describes the manifest, dwelling presence of God. "Yᵉhôvâh shâmmâh" encapsulates the very essence of the Shekinah, signifying God's permanent dwelling among His people.
* **Temple/Tabernacle:** Historically, the Tabernacle and later the Temple were the designated dwelling places of God's presence among Israel (e.g., [[Exodus 25:8]], [[1 Kings 8:10-11]]). Ezekiel's vision of the new temple and city culminates in "Yᵉhôvâh shâmmâh," signifying a perfected, eternal dwelling of God that extends beyond a mere building to encompass the entire redeemed community.
* **New Jerusalem:** In the New Testament, the concept of a "new Jerusalem" (e.g., [[Revelation 21:2]]) further develops the idea of God's ultimate dwelling with humanity, explicitly stating, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God" [[Revelation 21:3]]. This echoes and expands upon the promise embedded in "Yᵉhôvâh shâmmâh."
* **Immanuel (`{{H6005}}`, `{{G1694}}`):** Meaning "God with us," this concept, particularly prominent in Isaiah ([[Isaiah 7:14]], [[Isaiah 8:8]]) and Matthew ([[Matthew 1:23]]), resonates deeply with "Yᵉhôvâh shâmmâh" by emphasizing God's personal, intimate, and saving presence among His people.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of "Yᵉhôvâh shâmmâh" is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Presence as Restoration:** The name fundamentally underscores that God's presence is the ultimate sign and source of restoration. After the devastating judgment and exile, the return of His glory signifies complete healing, renewal, and the reestablishment of the covenant relationship.
* **Eschatological Hope:** This phrase provides a powerful hope for the future. It points to a time when God's presence will not be conditional or fleeting, as it was in the first temple, but permanent, pervasive, and unhindered within His redeemed community. It represents the glorious culmination of God's redemptive plan for His people and creation.
* **The Centrality of God:** "Yᵉhôvâh shâmmâh" asserts that God Himself, His very being and active presence, is the defining characteristic and ultimate glory of the restored city. It is not the grandeur of the temple structure, the prosperity of the inhabitants, or the political power, but the *presence of Yahweh* that makes the city holy, significant, and eternally blessed.
* **Continuity of God's Plan:** From the Garden of Eden (God walking with Adam and Eve) to the Tabernacle, the Temple, the Incarnation (Immanuel), and finally the New Jerusalem, God's desire to dwell with His people is a consistent and central theme throughout biblical theology. "Yᵉhôvâh shâmmâh" is a powerful and climactic expression of this ultimate fulfillment.
* **Sovereignty and Faithfulness:** The very declaration that "Yahweh is there" demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, despite Israel's past failures and rebellion. His enduring presence guarantees His sovereign rule and the ultimate realization of His redemptive purposes.
### Summary
"Yᵉhôvâh shâmmâh" (`{{H3074}}`), meaning "The LORD is there," is a singular and profoundly significant phrase found exclusively in [[Ezekiel 48:35]]. It serves as the symbolic name for the restored, eschatological city of Jerusalem in Ezekiel's vision. This name signifies the permanent, abiding, and glorious presence of Yahweh (`{{H3068}}`) with His people, a stark contrast to the earlier departure of His glory due to Israel's sin and a powerful promise of future restoration. It encapsulates the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to dwell among humanity, representing the culmination of His redemptive plan and providing a powerful message of hope and divine immanence. The phrase emphasizes that God's active and saving presence is the defining characteristic and source of blessing for His renewed creation, echoing concepts like the Shekinah and anticipating the New Jerusalem where God will eternally dwell with His people ([[Revelation 21:3]]).
TRV