Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Jahweh, often rendered as Yahweh or Jehovah, is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. This name is considered sacred and is central to the identity of God as revealed to the Israelites. The name Jahweh is derived from the tetragrammaton YHWH (יהוה), which appears over 6,800 times in the Old Testament. It is traditionally understood to mean "He Who Is" or "I Am Who I Am," reflecting God's eternal and self-existent nature. Biblical Revelation: The name Jahweh is first revealed to Moses in the book of Exodus. In Exodus 3:14-15 , God declares, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation." Significance in Worship and Covenant: Jahweh is not only a name but a declaration of God's covenant relationship with His people. It signifies His faithfulness, sovereignty, and unchanging nature. In Deuteronomy 6:4-5 , known as the Shema, the central declaration of Jewish faith, it is written: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This passage underscores the monotheistic essence of the worship of Jahweh. Attributes of Jahweh: Jahweh is depicted throughout the Scriptures as possessing a multitude of divine attributes. He is holy (Isaiah 6:3), righteous (Psalm 11:7), merciful (Exodus 34:6), and just (Deuteronomy 32:4). His omnipotence is demonstrated in creation (Genesis 1:1), His omniscience in His knowledge of all things (Psalm 139:1-4), and His omnipresence in His ability to be present everywhere (Jeremiah 23:24). Jahweh in Prophecy and Fulfillment: The prophets of the Old Testament frequently spoke of Jahweh's plans and purposes for His people and the world. Isaiah 42:8 states, "I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols." The prophetic writings often point to the coming of the Messiah, who Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself with the divine name in John 8:58 , saying, "Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!" Theological Implications: The name Jahweh carries profound theological implications. It emphasizes God's self-existence, independence, and eternal nature. It also highlights His personal relationship with His people, as He is not a distant deity but one who is intimately involved in the lives of His followers. The use of Jahweh in Scripture serves as a constant reminder of God's promises and His unwavering commitment to His covenant. Conclusion: The name Jahweh remains a cornerstone of biblical theology and worship. It encapsulates the essence of God's character and His relationship with humanity, serving as a foundation for understanding His divine nature and His redemptive work throughout history. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia JAHWEHya'-we. Library Chapter iii Chapter ii Thesaurus JahwehJahweh. Jah'mai, Jahweh. Jahzah . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JAHWEH. ya'-we. See GOD, NAMES OF. Jah'mai, Jahweh. Jahzah . Reference Bible. /j/jahweh.htm - 6k Jahzah (4 Occurrences) Jah'mai (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |