יהוה (YHWH)
1. The Personal Name of God in Scripture: יהוה (YHWH)
In the Hebrew text of the Old Testament, God’s personal name appears repeatedly as the Tetragrammaton (four letters): יהוה (Yod–He–Waw–He).
In many modern translations it is rendered as “LORD” (in capitals), following the Jewish tradition of not pronouncing the name aloud.
In the KJV, however, the form JEHOVAH appears in several places:
“And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.” (Exodus 6:3, KJV)
“That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.” (Psalm 83:18, KJV)
“Behold, God is my salvation… for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song.” (Isaiah 12:2, KJV)
“Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” (Isaiah 26:4, KJV)
2. “Yahweh / Jahve” and “Jehovah” — Why Multiple Forms Exist
The original pronunciation of YHWH is not preserved with certainty because during the Second Temple period Jews avoided pronouncing the name and instead read Adonai (“Lord”).
Many scholars consider “Yahweh” the most probable ancient pronunciation.
The form “Jehovah” developed later in medieval Christianity by combining the consonants YHWH with the vowel marks of Adonai (a reading reminder inserted by scribes).
Thus:
- Yahweh → probable ancient pronunciation
- Jehovah → historical hybrid reading form
- LORD → translation substitute
3. Ancient Bible Translations and the Divine Name
a) Septuagint and Early Greek Manuscripts
In many Greek Old Testament copies the divine name was translated as Kyrios (Lord).
However, some ancient manuscripts preserved the Tetragrammaton in Hebrew letters within the Greek text — showing the name was still recognized.
b) Early English Translations
The King James Version retained Jehovah in key passages (shown above).
Later, the American Standard Version (1901) became well known for using “Jehovah” throughout the Old Testament.
4. Archaeological Sources Containing the Name YHWH
Archaeology confirms that the name YHWH was historically used in Israel and Judah.
a) Mesha Stele (9th century BC)
A Moabite monument mentioning Israel and containing references connected to the divine name.
b) Kuntillet Ajrud inscriptions (8th century BC)
Blessing formulas include expressions such as “YHWH of Teman.”
c) Khirbet el-Qom inscription (8th century BC)
A burial inscription mentioning blessing “by Yahweh.”
d) Ketef Hinnom silver scrolls (7th century BC)
Among the oldest biblical texts discovered — containing the priestly blessing and the divine name in paleo-Hebrew script.
These discoveries show the name YHWH was actively used in ancient worship and daily life.
5. Biblical and Practical Conclusions
- The Bible presents a personal name of God distinct from titles such as “God” or “Lord.”
- Yahweh is widely considered the closest historical pronunciation.
- Jehovah developed later but preserves the same divine name tradition.
- Ancient manuscripts and archaeology confirm the antiquity and authenticity of the name YHWH.
Final Summary
- God has a revealed personal name: YHWH
- The KJV preserves it as JEHOVAH in several verses
- Ancient manuscripts retained the Hebrew form
- Archaeology confirms real historical usage
“Whose name alone is JEHOVAH.” (Psalm 83:18, KJV)