Bible Devotion: Names of God – Yahweh

Nothing makes a relationship more personal than to know and communicate by name. This is equally true in our relationship with God. In our devotions over time, we will journey through different names of God in the Bible. Each name in Scripture is more than a title; it is a revelation. When God discloses His name, He us unveiling His heart, His character, and His covenant promises. Across the 66 books of the Bible, God’s people encounter Him as Creator, Redeemer, Shepherd, Judge, and King. The goal is for these studies into the names of God to be doorways into deeper worship and to help us to grow in our relationship with our Lord God Almighty and to bring us to a place of first name closeness with Him. The further goal is that after we complete these studies that we will not only know more about God but also know Him more intimately. That we will walk in awe of His greatness and in the comfort of His nearness. Let us begin.

“God said to Moses, “I AM who I AM” and he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you’” Exodus 3:14 ESV

We begin with the foundation, the divine name revealed to Moses at the burning bush, YHWH, Yahweh, (יהוה) This sacred four-letter name is called a tetragrammation and appears nearly 7,000 times in the Old Testament. In Hebrew it comes from the verb hayah “to be” linking directly to God’s self-disclosure. “I AM WHO I AM" it tells us that God is self-existent, dependent on no one, unchanging in nature, and eternally faithful to His covenant. Yahweh is God's covenant name, associated with His promises and redemptive actions. Exodus 34:6-7 reveals attributes linked to this name, including God's mercy, grace, patience, faithfulness, and justice.

For centuries Jewish tradition considered this Name too holy to pronounce, instead, when the Scriptures were read aloud, they substituted אֲדֹנָי (Adonai), meaning “Lord.” Later in the Middle Ages, scribes inserted the vowels of Adonai into the consonants YHWH, producing the form of “YaHoWaH.” When this hybrid moved to Latin and then English, it became Jehovah. Though familiar in hymns and older Bible versions, scholars now agree that the ancient pronunciation was closer to Yahweh.

This is why most English Bibles render YHWH in all caps as LORD, a signal to the reader that this is not a generic title but the very covenant name of God. Whether you say “Jehovah” or “Yahweh,” the truth remains: God is the eternal One. He has no beginning, no end, no dependence. He simply is.

Yahweh in the New Testament: The Revelation in Jesus

The significance of Yahweh continues into the New Testament. Jesus used "I AM" statements, a claim of divinity recognized by religious leaders (John 8:58). The name Jesus (Yeshua) itself means "Yahweh is salvation," demonstrating how God fulfilled the meaning of His name through Jesus. This is not an abstract idea but a call to trust, if God is the eternal “I AM,” then He is present in your today. Sovereign over your tomorrow, and faithful to every promise He has ever spoken. The question is: do we live as if the great I AM truly rules over every part of our lives?

Conclusion and Application

The name Yahweh reveals a personal, eternal, unchanging, and covenant-keeping God actively involved in His people's lives.

• Personal Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to be reminded that "Yahweh is there" (Jehovah Shammah) or that "Yahweh will provide" (Jehovah Jireh)?
• Call to Action: Respond to God's name with reverence and praise, reflecting on His character and inviting His active presence into your daily life.
• Use His name: As you pray, talk to God using His name, praise Him specifically by name. He is the great I AM and deserves to be addressed reverently and lovingly.

Let us Pray, Lord, You are YHWH, the great I AM, eternal and unchanging. Forgive me for the times I treat Your holy name without reverence. Too often I reduce You to our limited scope, forgetting that You are the God who simply is, without beginning, without end, faithful to every promise. Lift my heart today to adore Your name. Teach me to live in awe of Your holiness and in confidence that You are always present. Thank You that in Jesus, Your eternal Word took on flesh, so that I might know You not only as the great I AM but as my Savior and Redeemer. I pray these things in the precious, powerful and holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.