Understanding God’s Names and Titles

In Scripture, the various names and titles of "God” (Elohim) are intentional, each revealing a distinct aspect of His nature.

YHWH (YAHWEH), rendered as “LORD” in most English Bibles, is Elohim’s covenant name revealed to Moses — “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14–15) — signifying His eternal, self-existent, and faithful character.

The pronunciation “Yahweh” is widely accepted by Hebrew scholars as the closest rendering of the original Hebrew consonants YHWH. The form “Jehovah” still used in some churches, did not originate from ancient Hebrew pronunciation but from a later medieval combining of the consonants YHWH with the vowel markings of ADONAI, used by Jewish scribes to prevent the divine name from being spoken aloud. While many believers sincerely use the name Jehovah in devotion, it is not considered the original biblical pronunciation of Elohim’s covenant name. For this reason, this book uses YAHWEH when referring to the divine name YHWH.

Adonai, often translated “Lord” (with a capital “L”), emphasizes Elohim’s authority and humanity’s submission. Elohim highlights God’s majesty and creative power, while the combination YHWH Elohim (LORD God, Genesis 2:4) unites His covenant intimacy with His sovereign authority.

Yeshua (Jesus) in the New Testament is revealed as the incarnate Word (Logos), fully expressing Elohim’s nature. Calling Him “Lord” (Kyrios) acknowledges His unity with YHWH (Philippians 2:10–11).

Mashiach (Messiah, Christ in Greek) means “the Anointed One,” revealing Yeshua as Elohim’s divinely appointed King, Savior, and the fulfillment of prophecy (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1).

Key Point:

YHWH is our God’s covenant name; Adonai and Elohim are His titles; Mashiach (Messiah/Christ) means the Anointed One; and Yeshua (Jesus) is the visible revelation of Elohim’s covenant identity and the promised Messiah for all nations.