What is the Name of God?
Many people speculate on the correct pronunciation of God's name. Indeed, throughout history, names—including sacred ones—have varied in pronunciation due to differences in language, dialect, and time periods. But what exactly was Yeshua (Jesus) speaking about when He said in John 17:6:
"I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world."
Understanding the Meaning of the Name
In other Bible translations, Yeshua says, "I have made your name known." What precisely does this mean? Was He referring to a specific pronunciation or something deeper?
Consider also the opening line of the LORD's prayer:
"Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name..."
Clearly, Yeshua emphasized the holiness and significance of God’s name beyond mere pronunciation.
The Essence Over Pronunciation
When we dive into discussions about pronunciation, we must remember that the Hebrew tetragrammaton (יהוה, YHWH) has inspired numerous vocalizations such as Yahuah, Yahweh, Jehovah, Yehovah, and others. Each reflects efforts by believers over centuries to respectfully approach the divine name.
Yet, Yeshua's intention in John 17:6 and the LORD’s prayer extends beyond pronunciation. He revealed God's character, nature, and presence to humanity. Manifesting the name of God involves embodying and demonstrating His attributes—love, mercy, righteousness, justice, and holiness.
The Heart of the Matter
Therefore, the name of God the Father is more than a vocal sound—it is the revelation of who God truly is. When we speak of making God's name known, we focus on His divine qualities and His intimate relationship with those who follow Him.
Pronunciation discussions can enrich our historical and linguistic understanding, but the ultimate aim is knowing and experiencing God Himself as revealed through Yeshua.
Get The Meaning Of What I AM Telling You!
You pronouncing the Name of the father exactly like Abraham or Moses pronounced it is not that important, but you knowing who the Father is, is very important. To know His qualities, His Commands, His Ways, this is what is important; and that is what is revealed to you through the Holy Scriptures and through Yeshua Himself.
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”
8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”
9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. John 14:6-11
To Know A Name Is Not To Know A Person
Now, think of it, just because you know someone's name and how it is pronounced does not mean that you know that person, does it? For example my posts here are done under the name Anonymous, so the chances are you do not even know my name. Yet, you know what I am about, right? Get it? So that being said, what is a name?
What Is A Name?
We as humans love Titles, we give titles or names to everything do we not? Then when we learn the title or the name we think we know it. We feel so much more comfortable giving something a name and then calling it that. How foolish we are! Did you really think you could name the Father or the Son? Mercifully, He gave us a name to go by because of our weakness too understand.
The Same Name!
The Father, The Son and the Holy Ghost go by the same name or title, GOD! Yet, when we speak to pagans, they call something else god. Think of the insanity this leads too. Within the different faiths around the world they endear whatever entity they worship as god, yes even Satan himself is considered a god. Isn't it interesting that it depends on WHO you talk to that the meaning of god changes?
Full Circle
Now we have come full circle to Yeshua who said, "He who has seen me has seen the Father also". You see it is not the pronunciation of His name but who the person is behind the name that matters! What does He do, how does He feel? Yes all those questions were answered about the Father in Yeshua!
My Father
Remember when you were a child? Perhaps you and a group of kids got into an argument over who's father was better? Father meant something different to each kid. So we understand father, god, and we can go on and on but, the point is these are nothing more than titles and you can never get to know anyone from a title.The Pronunciation of The Name
The closest we can come to on the pronunciation of the name that Moses used is "Yahuah" or "Yehowah" because there were no "v" in the ancient Hebrew language, eventually the waw, became the vav and so it went from "Yehowah" to "Yehovah". Some people want to go father and pronounce the ancient name "Yahuah" because the tetragrammaton is "YHWH" there are a few different possibilities.
Command, Never Use God's Name In Vain
So there is a #command by God never to use His name in vain.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. Exodus 20:7
Now, that you know it is the "meaning" of the name this takes on a different kind of insight, doesn't it. For example, if you are calling something else god, you have just used the name of God in vain. If you are cursing using the term god, it is dangerous. If you worship false gods, you are taking the name of God in vain. See how this works? If you give credit to any other thing which God has done, you have taken His name in vain.
Addressing God Almighty
No one goes to the Father without Yeshua. So if you start out your prayers addressing Yahuah or Yehovah, it must be done in the name of Yeshua or Jesus. Otherwise the Father will not hear your prayer. Furthermore, you can address Him as "King of the Universe", "Almighty God", "Everlasting Father" , "The Great I AM", "God of gods". "LORD of Lords", "King of kings", yes, these are all titles and names you can address to Him. Even "The Alpha and Omega" or "The Aleph and Tav". You can endear the Heavenly Father with great titles and it is good to do so.
Shalom Shalom