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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
In the Hebrew Scriptures, the name of God is recorded as YHWH. So, where did the name "Jehovah" come from? Ancient Hebrew did not use vowels in its written form. The vowels were pronounced in spoke...
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Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
Is the name "Jehovah" Biblical?
The name "Jehovah" appears in some English translations of the Bible, though it represents a later English reading of the original Hebrew divine name.
King James Version (KJV): The specific word "Jehovah" appears explicitly four to seven times, depending on the edition/verse (such as Exodus 6:3, Psalm 83:18, Isaiah 12:2, and Isaiah 26:4).
Other Translations: The American Standard Version (1901) uses "Jehovah" thousands of times in the Old Testament,
The Tetragrammaton: In the original Hebrew Old Testament, God's personal name is written with four consonants: YHWH (יהוה), known as the Tetragrammaton.
"Jehovah" is a later English form of God's covenant name. The name behind "Jehovah" is the four Hebrew letters YHWH (the Tetragrammaton).
God revealed this name to Moses:
"This is My name forever."
(Exodus 3:15)
YHWH is the true covenant name. "Jehovah" is an English attempt to pronounce it, formed by combining the consonants.
YHWH with the vowels of Adonai ("Lord"). It is not the original pronunciation, but it points to the same divine name.
Scripture emphasises the name's meaning, not the exact vocalisation.
When God explains His name, He focuses on its significance:
"I AM THAT I AM."
(Exodus 3:14)
YHWH expresses God's self‑existence, faithfulness, and unchanging nature. The Bible never commands a specific pronunciation; it reveals the name's meaning and authority.
The Old Testament uses YHWH thousands of times.
The name appears over 6,000 times in Hebrew Scripture.
English Bibles usually translate it as LORD (in capital letters).
Examples:
"The LORD is my shepherd." (Psalm 23:1)
"The LORD, He is God." (1 Kings 18:39)
Where "LORD" appears, the Hebrew text reads YHWH.
"Jehovah" is not wrong, but it is not the ancient pronunciation.
Israel lost the original vocalisation of YHWH because it avoided speaking the name aloud out of reverence (Psalm 111:9).
"Jehovah" emerged in medieval times.
"Yahweh" is considered closer to the ancient sound, but Scripture itself does not preserve the exact pronunciation.
The New Testament applies God's name to Jesus.
The divine name is connected to Christ:
"Every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord."
(Philippians 2:10–11)
"Lord" here echoes YHWH in Isaiah 45:23, showing that YHWH's identity is fully revealed in Christ.
Summary
YHWH is the true covenant name God revealed in Scripture. "Jehovah" is a later English form pointing to that same name, though not the original pronunciation.
The Bible emphasises the name's meaning—God's eternal, self‑existent nature—rather than a precise vocal form. The fullness of that name is ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ, who bears YHWH's authority.
Daniel Veler
Supporter
People have debated this issue for years. Out of respect for the name of God I shall follow Christ’s instructions. I shall call him Father just as he did and just as he instructed us to do in the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father who art in heaven.” There is no greater respect than to address God as our Father.
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