The meaning and significance of the (Hebrew) Name "YHVH"
The Hebrew name of God "YHVH" (also written as YHWH) is known as the Tetragrammaton, meaning "four letters." It is the most sacred and ineffable name of God in the Hebrew Bible. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and significance:
Letters and Pronunciation
The name is spelled in Hebrew as י (Yod), ה (He), ו (Vav), ה (He) — Y-H-V-H. Traditional Jewish practice avoids pronouncing this name. Instead, they say "Adonai" (meaning "Lord") or "HaShem" (meaning "The Name") when reading scripture. Scholars often transliterate it as Yahweh, although this pronunciation is speculative. The exact pronunciation has been lost due to the name not being spoken aloud for centuries.
Meaning
The root of YHVH is connected to the Hebrew verb היה (hayah), which means "to be". Therefore, YHVH can be interpreted as meaning: "He who is" "The Eternal One" "The One who causes to be" This is supported by God's statement in Exodus 3:14: "Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh" – "I Am Who I Am" or "I Will Be What I Will Be." This phrase is seen as closely related to the meaning of YHVH, emphasizing God’s eternal, self-existent nature. “I AM WHO I AM” are allusions to the eternality of God. No mere human being can make a comparable claim. All humans have come into existence. But not God. God is eternal in nature and infinite in divine essence—with no beginning and no end.
Theological Significance
Timelessness:
God exists beyond and transcends time — past, present, and future.
Self-existence:
God is not created by anything or any one outside of Himself.
Independence:
God is not dependent on anything or anyone to provide for or sustain Him.
Sovereignty:
God is the ultimate source of all being, rule, authority, power, and reality.