Hashem

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In this short discourse, I want to discuss the fundamental differences between the English names of God that Christians use and the sacred Hebrew names of God.

I have a wonderful Jewish lady friend named "Chana" who I correspond with once in a while when I have a question about anything Jewish, such as Hebrew law or traditions. I noticed in her replies back to me she never spelled the word "God" as I did. Instead, she wrote God as "G - d" leaving out the middle letter. So, with a little research I came up with the reason.

The words "God" and "Lord" (used for the Hebrew title of Adonai) are often written by many Jews as "G-d" and "L-rd" as a way of avoiding writing the name of God, so as to avoid the risk of sinning by erasing or defacing His name. In the fifth book of the Torah, (Deuteronomy 12:3-4) it exhorts one to destroy idolatry, but adding ... "you shall not do such to the LORD your God."

From this verse it is understood that one should not erase the name of God. Not being an expert on Judaism, it is my understanding that the general rabbinic opinion is that this only applies to the sacred Hebrew names of God ... but not to the word "God" in English or any other language. But even among Jews who consider it unnecessary, many nonetheless write the name "God" in this way out of respect, and also to avoid erasing God's name even in a non-forbidden way. My friend Chana, in respect for her Holy God follows this old tradition. And I respect her in doing so.

In Judaism, the name of God is more than a distinguishing title; it represents the Jewish conception of the divine nature, and of the relationship of God to the Jewish people. To show the sacredness of the names of God, and as a means of showing respect and reverence for them, the scribes of sacred texts used terms of reverence so as to keep the true name of God concealed. The various names of God in Judaism represent God as he is known, as well as the divine attributes and distinct personalities which He has.

It is also held in the Tanakh … (the canon of the Hebrew Bible) … that the only "name of God" is YHWH.

In English it is Yahweh; whereas words such as Elohim (God), El (mighty one), El Shaddai (almighty God), Adonai (my Lord, master), El Elyon (most high God), Avinu (our Father), etc. are not names but titles, highlighting different aspects of YHWH, and the various roles He has undertaken.

In the Tanakh, YHWH is the personal name of the God of Israel, whereas the other words are titles which are ascribed to Him.

Concerning the Hebrew name of God, YHWH … the English pronunciation "Yahweh" ... is not considered a legitimate name of God by most Jewish scholars.

(Halakha or Halakhah) … often translated "Jewish Law" … is the collective body of Jewish religious laws. It requires that secondary rules be placed around the primary law, to reduce the chance that the main law will be broken. As such, it is a common Jewish practice to restrict the use of the word Adonai (my Lord, master), to prayer only.

In conversation, many Jewish people, even when not speaking Hebrew, will call God … "Hashem" … which is Hebrew for "the Name." Many Jews extend this prohibition to some of the other names and will add additional sounds to alter the pronunciation of a name when using it outside of a liturgical context, such as replacing the "h" with a "k" in names of God such as "kel" and "elokim."

Probably the most recognizable Jewish name of God to Christians is ... Jehovah, sometimes translated in the King James Bible as LORD, meaning ... the self existent or eternal one. Most Christians, wrongly perceive the Jewish national name of God to be Jehovah, but rightly understand this name is declaring Him as ... "the most high, eternal one."

Repeating myself ... Jehovah is not the name of God, but rather it is a title representing who He is. In Judaism, the only "name of God" is YHWH.

Many so called Christians do something that true Jewish believers would never do ... and that is, to take the name of God in vain ... and make His name or title a meaningless swear word.

I think it has something to do with the fact that some people who call themselves Christians, (whether born again or not) believe in "grace," and must think that this grace will cover all sin ... which it does ... but as Paul said, "What, should we keep on sinning so that grace can more abound? God forbid." Life and death is in the power of the tongue.

Using the Lord's Name in vain. I believe this means ... unless you are talking to Him, talking about Him or praising Him and you invoke His Name, you are using it in vain.

It's useless to use His name without a reason and it shows a lack of respect for Him. Besides, it is one of the ten commandments ... not ten suggestions. God's name is Holy. So what if you believe that God's name is "Yahweh" as the Jews do; or "Jesus" the Son of God as Christians believe. Either way ... His name is Holy and it should not become a swear word.

It is to be respected and held in the highest esteem and regard ... especially so if you are a believer in Jesus. Why especially so as a Christian? Because there is "no other name given" whereby men must be saved except in and through the name of Jesus.

So my Christian friends, honor and respect God's name as "Yahweh" just as much as the name of Jesus ... because we are speaking of one God, one Lord and one Spirit. It's just that we believe Yahweh, Jehovah, Elohim, Adonai, El Shaddai and all the other titles of God are represented in the one person of Jesus, called Emmanuel ... which means, "God with us."

As I said earlier, not being an expert concerning all things Jewish, I pray I have not done any harm, disrespect or injustice to the Word of God or His name.

May "Hashem" ... (His Name) ... be praised.

Comments welcome.