Who was LORD in the Bible?
YHWH (Yahweh): The Divine Name
In the Hebrew Bible, the name “YHWH” is translated as “LORD” in English Bibles. This translation practice stems from Jewish tradition, which avoids pronouncing the name YHWH out of reverence, substituting it with “Adonai” (meaning Lord or Master). In English, “LORD” is rendered in all capital letters to differentiate it from “Lord” (Adonai or Master), where only the initial is capitalized.
The Revelation of YHWH
Divine Name and Self-Existence
YHWH is considered the most sacred name of God in Judaism, revealed to Moses at the burning bush. In Exodus 3:14-15, God declares His name to Moses:
“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
This declaration, often translated as “I AM WHO I AM,” emphasizes God’s eternal, self-existent nature. YHWH signifies God’s unchanging, ever-present, and self-sustaining existence.
Biblical Significance of YHWH
Covenantal God of Israel
YHWH is intimately associated with God’s covenant with Israel. He is the God who made promises to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and who delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt. This covenantal relationship underscores God’s commitment to His people, His acts of creation, justice, and redemption.
Attributes of God
The use of “LORD” in the Bible reflects various attributes of God, including His sovereignty, omnipotence, omniscience, faithfulness, and mercy. It signifies His authority over all creation and His involvement in human history.
Key Biblical References
Revelation to Moses
The foundational event where God reveals Himself to Moses as YHWH sets the stage for the entire biblical narrative. It defines the relationship between God and His chosen people, emphasizing His role as their deliverer and sustainer.
Use in Worship and Prayer
Throughout the Psalms and prophetic books, “LORD” is central in worship and prayer. For instance, Psalm 23:1 begins with:
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
This reflects a deep trust and reverence toward God. In Isaiah 6:1-3, the prophet Isaiah sees the LORD seated on a throne, high and exalted, with the seraphim calling out:
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Theological Themes
Monotheism
The emphasis on one God, who is the LORD, is central to Jewish and Christian monotheism. The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4, declares:
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”
This underscores the fundamental belief in the unity and uniqueness of God.
Salvation
The LORD is depicted as the deliverer and savior, both historically in events like the Exodus and spiritually through the salvation offered in Jesus Christ. Luke 2:11 proclaims:
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Moral and Ethical Standards
The laws and commandments given by the LORD in the Old Testament outline the moral and ethical framework for the people of Israel. These commandments are later re-emphasized through Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Faithfulness
The name YHWH encapsulates God’s faithfulness and enduring love for His people. Throughout the Old Testament, God remains committed to His covenant, even when Israel strays. In Lamentations 3:22-23, the prophet Jeremiah reflects on this faithfulness:
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
God’s Compassion and Justice
YHWH’s actions in history demonstrate both His compassion and His justice. He is a God who hears the cries of the oppressed and acts to deliver them, as seen in the Exodus. At the same time, He is just and holds people accountable for their actions.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Kyrios: The New Testament Usage
In the Greek New Testament, “Kyrios” is used to refer to Jesus Christ, signifying Him as Lord. This reflects the early Christian belief in the divinity of Jesus and His authority over heaven and earth. Philippians 2:9-11 states:
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Connection to YHWH
By applying “Kyrios” to Jesus, the New Testament writers connect Him to the divine authority and characteristics traditionally associated with YHWH. In John 8:58, Jesus declares:
“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
This statement links Jesus directly to the “I AM” of Exodus, affirming His divinity and eternal existence.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Understanding God’s Nature
The revelation of YHWH helps modern Christians understand God’s nature as eternal, self-existent, and faithful. Recognizing God as the LORD deepens our reverence and trust in Him.
Living in Covenant Relationship
Just as YHWH established a covenant with Israel, Christians are called to live in a covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This involves faithfulness, obedience, and trust in God’s promises.
Embracing God’s Authority
Acknowledging Jesus as Lord (Kyrios) involves submitting to His authority in every aspect of our lives. It means recognizing His sovereignty and following His teachings, as emphasized in Matthew 28:18-20:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'”
Conclusion
The name YHWH, translated as LORD in English Bibles, represents the eternal, self-existent nature of God and His covenant relationship with Israel. This divine name emphasizes God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and compassion. In the New Testament, Jesus is identified with this divine authority, affirming His divinity and role as the Savior. For modern Christians, understanding the significance of the LORD enriches our faith, encourages us to live in covenant relationship with God, and challenges us to embrace the authority of Jesus Christ in our lives.