In many religious traditions, particularly within Judaism and Christianity, God is often referred to with titles such as “Lord,” “Almighty,” or simply “God.” But does God have a personal name? This question frequently arises in theological discussions and is often addressed by examining the Bible, where God reveals Himself. Central to this topic is the term YHWH—the tetragrammaton, often pronounced as “Yahweh” or “Jehovah.” This article explores the question through Biblical texts, archaeological findings mentioning YHWH, and the reason why “LORD” is often used instead of “Jehovah” in modern Bible translations.

Biblical Evidence for God’s Name

The Bible, particularly the Old Testament, presents God not merely as an abstract entity but as a personal God with a name. The core of this concept lies in the Hebrew term YHWH, which appears over 6,800 times in the original Hebrew text. YHWH is often translated as “LORD” in modern Bible translations, but its original meaning relates to “I Am Who I Am,” an expression of eternal existence and self-revelation.

One of the most pivotal passages is found in Exodus 3:13-15. Here, Moses asks God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God responds, “I Am Who I Am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I Am has sent me to you.’” God further declares, “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, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.” Here, God explicitly identifies Himself with YHWH as His eternal name.

Another key verse is Psalm 83:18: “Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD—that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” In the King James Version, this is rendered as, “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth,” where “JEHOVAH” is an English rendering of YHWH.

Isaiah 42:8 emphasizes the exclusivity of this name: “I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.” This verse underscores that YHWH is not merely a title but a unique designation for God.

In Psalm 68:4, a shortened form, “JAH,” is used: “Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the LORD.” Additionally, the third commandment in Exodus 20:7 warns, “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” This implies that God has a specific name that must be treated with respect.

In the New Testament, YHWH is often referred to as “Lord” (Kyrios in Greek), but the connection to the Old Testament remains intact. For example, in Matthew 28:19, Jesus refers to the name of the Father, which points back to YHWH. Collectively, the Bible demonstrates that God indeed has a name: YHWH, which expresses His unique identity and relationship with humanity.

Archaeological Evidence for YHWH

Beyond Biblical texts, archaeological discoveries provide independent confirmation of the name YHWH. These inscriptions, found in ancient artifacts, date to periods consistent with Biblical times and show that YHWH was revered as a divine name early on.

One of the earliest references is the Soleb inscription from Egypt, dating to around 1400 BCE. This temple wall, built by Pharaoh Amenhotep III, mentions “the land of the Shasu of Yahweh.” The Shasu were nomadic peoples, and this suggests that YHWH was associated with a specific group or region, possibly the early Israelites, as early as the Late Bronze Age.

Another significant find is the curse tablet from Mount Ebal, discovered in a dump near a structure identified as Joshua’s altar. This tablet, dated to approximately 1200–1400 BCE, contains the name YHWH and is considered one of the earliest Hebrew inscriptions.

The Kuntillet Ajrud inscriptions, from the 8th century BCE in the Sinai Desert, frequently mention YHWH, often in connection with “Asherah,” indicating an early form of Israelite religion where YHWH was a central deity, possibly with a consort. Texts such as “YHWH of Samaria and his Asherah” show the name used in daily blessings and drawings.

Other Egyptian inscriptions, such as the Merneptah Stele (ca. 1208 BCE), mention Israel as a people, indirectly supporting the context of YHWH. These findings confirm that YHWH was not a later invention but was used in antiquity, aligning with Biblical descriptions.

Why “LORD” Instead of “Jehovah”?

A common question is why many modern Bible translations use “LORD” instead of “Jehovah” or “Yahweh” for YHWH. This practice stems from a combination of theological traditions, translation conventions, and respect for Jewish handling of the divine name. In Jewish tradition, YHWH was considered holy and was not to be pronounced lightly, partly due to the third commandment: “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God” (Exodus 20:7). To avoid misuse, Jews replaced YHWH with “Adonai” (Lord) or “Hashem” (the Name) when reading the Scriptures. When the Masoretes, Jewish scholars in the Middle Ages, added vowel signs to the Hebrew text, they combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of “Adonai,” resulting in the hybrid form “Yehovah,” later rendered as “Jehovah” in Western languages.

In early translations, such as the Greek Septuagint (ca. 3rd–2nd century BCE), YHWH was consistently replaced with “Kyrios” (Lord), and in the Latin Vulgate with “Dominus” (Lord). Modern translations, such as the New International Version or English Standard Version, follow this tradition by using “LORD” (in all capitals) to indicate YHWH. This choice is driven by several factors:

• Respect for Jewish tradition: By not pronouncing YHWH, translators honor the sacred status of the name.
• Consistency with early translations: The Septuagint and Vulgate set the standard for later Christian translations.
• Avoiding pronunciation debates: The exact pronunciation of YHWH (Yahweh or Jehovah) is uncertain, as ancient Hebrew lacked written vowels. Scholars lean toward “Yahweh,” but “Jehovah” is a medieval interpretation.
• Readability: “LORD” is an accessible term that emphasizes God’s sovereignty without confronting readers with an unfamiliar name.

The form “Jehovah” gained popularity in some Christian traditions, such as in the King James Version (Psalm 83:18), and is actively used by groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, many scholars consider “Jehovah” less accurate, as it likely does not reflect the original pronunciation. Archaeological finds, such as the Soleb inscription (ca. 1400 BCE), confirm the use of YHWH but offer no clarity on pronunciation, supporting the use of “LORD” in translations.

Conclusion

The Bible clearly indicates that God has a name: YHWH, symbolizing His eternal presence and unique relationship with humanity. Verses such as Exodus 3:14-15 and Psalm 83:18 underscore this. Archaeological evidence, such as the Soleb inscription and Kuntillet Ajrud findings, provides external corroboration, placing YHWH in a historical context as early as the 14th century BCE. The use of “LORD” instead of “Jehovah” in many translations reflects respect for Jewish tradition, consistency with early translations, and the avoidance of speculation about pronunciation. Whether one is religious or not, these sources demonstrate that the name YHWH is a fundamental part of the Judeo-Christian tradition. For deeper study, consult Bible translations, archaeological reports, or commentaries on translation decisions.