Strong’s #3068 – Yehovah – (the) self existent or eternal, from Strong’s #1961, hayah, to exist, i.e. be or become, come to pass. Oldest manuscripts present the name in the form of four consonants, commonly called the Tetragrammaton (from the greek tetra meaning four and gramma meaning letter).

These four letters are YHWH. The Hebrew alphabet was composed of 22 consonants. The vowel sounds were supplied by the reader, guided by the context. In order to keep the original pronunciations of words the Masoretes devised a system of dots and dashes called vowel points. These were inserted in the Hebrew text to inform the reader which vowels should be said.

However, the proper pronunciation of YHWH has been lost due to a religious superstition among the Jews that the name of God was too holy to pronounce. Because of this belief the vowel points for the words Adonai (Lord), or Elohim (God) were inserted into the tetragrammaton by Jewish copyists.  This was to inform the reader to say God or Lord whenever YHWH appeared.

By combining the vowel points of Adonai or Elohim with the four consonants, YHWH the pronunciation Yehowah or Yehowih was formed. The first of these provided the basis for the Latinized form “Jehovah.” Hebrew scholars prefer Yahweh. In Exod. 3:14, “I am that I am” = “I will become what I will become,” i.e., He causes His will to become reality.

JEHOVAH TITLES

Jehovah-Jireh (Jehovah will provide). Abraham called the place he offered Isaac by this name because Jehovah provided a sacrifice. (Gen. 22:13, 14)

Jehovah-Zidkenu (Jehovah our righteousness). Jesus prophetically called by this name. (Jer. 23:5, 6) The Church also called this. (Jer. 33:14-16)

Jehovah-Zebaoth (Lord of hosts or Jehovah of armies). This phrase appears 281 times in the Old Testament. Refers primarily to the angels as Jehovah’s spiritual army.

Jehovah-Nissi (Jehovah is my Banner). The altar built and named by Moses after Israel’s defeat of the Amalekites. (Exod. 17:9-15)

Jehovah-Shalom (Jehovah [send] Peace). The altar built and named by Gideon after God reassures him he would not die from seeing an angel, and that God’s peace would go with him as he fights the coming battles. (Judges 6:23, 24)

Jehovah-Roi (Jehovah my Shepherd). Caretaker of His people as a shepherd with His sheep. (Psa. 23:1)

Jehovah-Elyon (Jehovah Most High). Appears three times indicating God is a defender and dispenser of righteousness.

• Psa. 7:17 – A Psalm about Saul’s evil intentions toward David. David appeals to God as Jehovah-Elyon – the defender of his righteousness.
• Psa. 47:2 – As The Most High God subdues the nations under the feet of the Church to begin a reign of righteousness.
• Psa. 97:9 – He is high above all other gods therefore Zion has rejoiced because of “Thy righteous decisions.” (Rotherham)

 Jehovah-Shammah (Jehovah is There). The name of the city in Ezekiel’s vision -picturing the kingdom arrangement where the healing waters flow out of the temple, picturing Jesus and the Church dispensing blessings to the world of mankind. (Ezek. 48:35)

 Jehovah-Ropheka (Jehovah that Healeth Thee). A title God gives to Himself after miraculously making the waters of Marah sweet and promising Israel His healing power (Exod. 15:26)

 Jehovah-Mekaddishkem (Jehovah That Doth Sanctify You). A title God calls Himself after giving the law to Israel to sanctify them. (Exod. 31:13; Lev. 20:8; 22:32; Ezek. 20:12) Special ordinances were given to the priesthood to specially sanctify them. (Lev. 21:8)

 Jehovah-Asah (Jehovah The Maker). A title God gives Himself as the maker of the New Covenant. (Jer 33:2)

OTHER OLD TESTAMENT TITLES OF GOD

Shaddai (Almighty). Sometimes appears as El-Shaddai (God Almighty). The root for Shaddai means powerful. It implies strength to accomplish his plans and promises, as well as His ability to remove any obstacles.

The word Shaddai appears 48 times in the Old Testament, 31 of those times it occurs in the book of Job. In the book of Job we see a progression in Job’s understanding of Shaddai. At first he sees God as warring against him and finally Job recants his statements of pride and is richly blessed by God.

James says that in the experiences of Job God is seen as compassionate and merciful. (James 5:11)

Jah. McClintock’s and Strong’s says,’Uah is a poetic form abbreviated from Jehovah, or perhaps from the more ancient pronunciation Jahveh. It is chiefly employed in certain customary formulas or refrains. (As a proper title Psa. 94:7, 12.) This as well as a modification of Jehovah, frequently occurs in proper names.” Joshua or Je-ho-shu-u means Jah saves. Jedidiah was a name given to Solomon by Nathan. (2 Sam. 12:25) It means Jah is a friend.  Hallelujah means “praise to Jah.”

See Psa. 68:4, “… extol him by his name Jah.”

Elohim. Strong’s #430 means Mighty (E67- 69). With its other forms of El, Elah, and Eloah, it occurs 2,700 times in the Old Testament. The most frequent references are to Jehovah, but it is often used to refer to others as well. Elohim is used 196 times to refer to heathen gods, kings, princes, nobles and men. They were mighty or influential to their devotees.

Elyon (Most High). Strong’s #5945- as a title – The Supreme. A title exalting Jehovah far above all others. Psa. 83:18 “… the Most High over all the earth.”

Adon (Lord or Master). Carries the thought of ownership or (Adonai) headship. It is used of God or men. Adonim – plural of Adon.

Bara. Strong’s #1254 – to Create, The Creator. (Eccl. 12:1; Isa. 40:28; 43:15)

NEW TESTAMENT TITLES FOR GOD

Theos. Strong’s #2316 – a deity, especially with the article “Ho” – The Supreme Divinity, translated God or god. Primarily used in referring to Jehovah but is also used to refer to others.

John 10:34, 35, Church Class called gods – Acts 7:40, graven images called gods – 2 Cor 4:4, Satan called the god of this world.

In the following titles The God (Ho Theos) is described by certain of His characteristics:

Acts 7:2, The God of glory – Rom. 15:33. The God of peace – 2 Cor 13:11, The God of love and peace – Rom. 15:5, The God of patience and comfort – Rom. 15:13, The God of hope – 1 Pet. 5:10, The God of all grace.

Kurios. Translated Lord, Master, owner, sir. A title of wide significance. Often used of Jesus as Lord. Kurios is also used for Jehovah. (Matt. 4:7; 22:44; James 5:11) Kurios and Theos were used to replace the name Jehovah whenever an Old Testament verse is quoted with that name in it.

Pantokrator. Translated Almighty -Equivalent to Old Testament Shaddai. The Almighty, All Powerful, appears 9 times; once in 2 Cor. 6:18 and 8 times in Revelation. Rev. 1:8 “. . which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” An expression of His all powerfulness.

Pater. Father – signifies a nourisher, protector, upholder. It is used of God in relation to those who have been begotten of the holy spirit (Eph. 2:18: Heb. 12:7; James 1:17). Abba-Pater. Abba Father, occurs 3 times. (Mark 14:36; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6) The two words are in different languages. Abba remaining untranslated in our KJV is Aramaic. It is the word a child would use, similar to Papa. It suggests unreasoning trust.

Father is translated from Greek. It shows a more educated, intelligent understanding of the relationship. The phrase shows the beautiful relationship between Jesus and God (Mark 14:36), as well as between the Church and God. (Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6) The purity of childlike trust, along with a mature confidence in the strength of the relationship.

Hupsistos. The Highest (KJV), The Most High (RSV) (Luke 1:32, 35, 76; 6:35, 8:28: Acts 7:48; 16:17; Heb. 7:1) Strong’s #5310 (masc. sing.) the Supreme (God).

Despotes. A master, lord, one who possesses supreme authority. (E70 says, “Better translated sovereign or autocrat.”) (Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24; 2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4; Rev. 6:10)

– Tom Ruggirello

 

 

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