The Heavenly Father's Great Name

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Questions About the Sacred Name

   An attempt to address all questions regarding the Sacred Name doctrine would be almost an endless procedure. As soon as one is answered, another is raised by those who will simply refuse to use Yahweh's Holy Name. As the maxim goes, a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. But for those who have a sincere desire for the truth, we present here some of the most frequently asked questions. An answer follows each.

Q   It is claimed by some that since there is no direct command in the bible for restricting the transliteration of the sacred Name to one particular form for all languages, that there is no need to do so. For instance, they say the Bible writers wrote our Savior's Name as "Jehoshua" in the Hebrew, and as "Yeshua" in Aramaic, and as "Iesous" in Greek, and as "Jesus" in Latin and English.

A   It is true that there is no direct command as such to transliterate the Holy Name, sound for sound, into other languages of the world, but how else could the name be recognizable the world over if the sound were not the same in all languages? Newsmen are trained to transliterate properly the names of world figures such as Andropov, Trudeau, Mitterand and Reagan (and even names of cities) so that no matter in which language they are spoken their names are recognizable as the same. How much more care should be taken in regard to the Holy Name of our Heavenly Father?

   It is sometimes argued that because some languages have not devised a character or letter symbol to denote a certain sound that therefore the Sacred Name "Yahweh" could not be pronounced in all languages of the world. While it is true that some languages have not devised a particular symbol for a sound used by some other language, it does not follow that the Divine Name cannot be pronounced in all languages. All people have the same physical organ, the tongue. There is no sound that cannot be taught to people the world over; yes, even to those who speak pidgin English.

   This much is certain: there is a command in the Bible to "extol" Him by His Name "Yah" (Psalm 68:4). "Yah" is the abbreviated form of the more complete name "Yahweh." It is also certain that there is a future time coming when all true saints will be using this Holy Name in praise to Him. "So will I make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel; and I will not let them pollute My holy Name any more; and the heathen shall know that I am Yahweh, the Holy One in Israel," Ezekiel 39:7. See also Zechariah 13:9; Joel 2:32 and Malachi 1:11. If Yahweh will soon force this world to use His Name, why should we not be calling on His Name now?

   In Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (under Hebrew #3050) we find the English form written as "Yah." Strong's says that this is the contracted form of the Sacred Name. There is no difficulty in pronouncing the sacred Name in the English as "Yah" as we all do when we say "Hallelu-jah." HalleluYah means "Praise (Hallel) Yah." HalleluYAH is one word that is common in all languages and if the different tongues of the nations of the world can say this word, then they an say "Yahweh" or "Yahshua" regardless of whether they speak pidgin English, Greek or Chinese. There is no reason the Name cannot be sounded out the same in all languages. It is not necessary that the spelling be the same in all languages, but the sound should be the same. If no symbol or letter has been devised to denote the sound, then one can be devised, which is done regularly as languages grow and accommodate words from other tongues. This is increasingly done in today's technological age.

   The the Bible writers wrote our Savior's Name as "Jehoshua" in Hebrew, as "Yeshua" in Aramaic, as "Iesous" in Greek and as "Jesus" in Latin and English cannot be proved. We do not have the original writings of any of the Bible writers. Bible translators have translated it thusly in the different languages, but translations are not inspired and translators often make mistakes, sometimes on purpose.

   The proper Name for our Savior is based on the Word of Yahweh and not on traditional use. We know that the angel told Mary (Miriam) and Joseph (Yowceph) the Name to give Him, as He was to carry the Name of the Heavenly Family, Yahweh. Another reason for carrying it is that it designates the meaning and purpose of His mission. His Heavenly Father stated, "My Name is in Him" (Exodus 23:21). We also have our Savior's own word that "I am come in my Father's Name," John 5:43. This being the case, then He would carry either the full Name of His Father, "Yahweh," or the shorter form, "Yah." It has been proved that "Jehovah" is not the correct English transliteration. Therefore, the abbreviated form of our Savior's Name cannot be "Yeh," but "Yah." The letter "e" is a substitute vowel taken from the shewa marking under the alef of the Hebrew word "adonai." The Jews purposely placed these markings under the sacred Name so that the Gentiles, whom they considered unclean people, would not pronounce the Holy Name correctly and thereby avoid polluting it. Therefore, the "e" in "Jehoshua," the "e" in "Yeshua," the "e" in "Iesous," and the "e" in "Jesus" is not correct. The shewa (e) sound has been substituted for the correct qames (a) sound in our Savior's Name.

   Because our Savior's name contains His Father's Name, the first part of His Name, "Yah," indicates His heavenly Family connection. The last part, "shua," which means "save," indicates the meaning and purpose of His mission. He was to "save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). The Jews in modern Israel today call Him "Yeshua." But as stated, there should be no "e" in the first part of His Name, for there is no "e" in the first part of His Father's Name. "Yeshua" is the Aramaic spelling. "Yahshua" is the correct Hebrew spelling. The Apostle Paul heard the Savior pronounce His own Name not in Aramaic, but in the Hebrew tongue (See Acts 26:14, 15). Yahshua's Name begins with the Yah of "halleluYah."

   In our English Bibles we find the Name of our Savior written as "Jesus." this is an English-Latin transliteration from the Greek "Iesous" and not from the original Hebrew Name that was given to Him from heaven. We should not be misled into thinking that because Strong's and other concordances have transliterated our Savior's Name as "Yeshuwa" or "Yehowshua" into English that this is biblically correct. The vowel markings used today to indicate pronunciation of the Hebrew letters did not exist before 600 C.E. "Yeshua" is the translator's transliteration of the Aramaic or the modern Hebrew. As stated previously, the "e" in the Name "Yeshua" as well as the "e" in the word "Jehovah" is a product of the substitution of the vowels of "Adonai" so as to hide the correct pronunciation of His Holy Name, less it be blasphemed. So they purposefully hid the Name by inserting false vowel points so that the Gentiles would not know how to pronounce the Sacred Name correctly.

   The priests and rabbis never read the sacred Name in public as it should sound, but substituted for it "Adonai" (meaning "lord") or "ha-Shem," meaning "the Name." Only on special days, such as the Day of Atonement, was the Name read correctly by the High Priest.

   The reason the English and Latin "Jesus" is not correct is that it is a transliteration from the erroneous Greek word "Iesous." (The "i" and "j" are related etymologically. Thus Iesous became Jesus.) The early Greeks spelled the abbreviated form of the sacred Name "IAO" because it has the same sound value as the "Yah." Clement of Alexandria wrote the Tetragrammaton Name as "IAOUE." So the first component part of our Savior's Name should be "Yah" in English or "Iao" in the Greek if He is to carry His Father's Name, and not "Ie." The Greeks had no "sh" combination so they could not spell the last component part of our Savior's Name as "shua." However, by spelling the Savior's Name in the Greek "Iasoua" or "Iasoue" the Greeks could have come to a closer pronunciation of His correct Name. The English "Joshua" is far more accurate than "Jesus," and translators have indicated that in their column note reference in Hebrews 4:8.

Q   Some claim that because our Savior cried out to His Father while impaled, "'Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani,' that is to say, 'My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?'" (Matthew 27:46), that therefore it is proper to use the English translated title "God" in reference to our Father in heaven today. It is also argued that since the Hebrew title "El" is used in the Old Testament at times in reference to heathen idols as well as in reference to Yahweh that, therefore, its English equivalent "God" can also be used to refer to either pagan idols or to the Almighty.

A   Regarding the Aramaic expression spoken by Yahshua, our Savior was not calling His Father "My God" but "My El," which means "Mighty One" or "Powerful One." He was fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 22:22 showing that He was the promised Messiah.

   Some who are prejudiced against the use of the Hebrew Holy Name try to show that the Hebrew language is a confused language and was not the original language given by Yahweh at creation. No one doubts that languages undergo change over many centuries. New words are coined and some are lost. But an entirely new language does not emerge. There is evidence from the ancient Ebia tablets recently excavated in northern Syria that the Semitic Hebrew word "El" was a familiar term used to describe any divine being.

   (For additional proof that Hebrew was the original language, write us.)

   The Semitic Hebrew titles "El" and "Elohim" were originally used in praising Yahweh in True Worship. In giving the Ten Commandments, Yahweh said, "I, Yahweh, am your Elohim; you shall have no other elohim before Me." The heathen had other "mighty ones" they worshipped instead of the true Mighty One, Yahweh. It is true that the heathens confiscated the Hebrew title "El" and used it in reference to their idols. This was something that the True Worshippers of Yahweh could not prevent, however. The Bible writers used the term "El" when historically writing about the heathen idols because that is what they were called. Every village had its particular "El." However, this title was generally used in reference to any mighty one--false or true--not as a substitute for the personal Name of the Almighty, as the title "Baal" later became.

   Any time that a title, whether Hebrew or pagan, becomes so popular that it is used predominantly as a substitute name for the sacred Name, that name becomes polluted, regardless of whether it has had in the past an acceptable association with Him. Christianity is using the titles "God" and "Lord" as ancient Israel formerly did with the title "Baal" (see Jeremiah 23:26-27).

   These titles are so entrenched that most people do not even realize that our Heavenly Father has a personal Name that is exclusively His, and which He wants us to use in worship of Him. His Name has significant meaning. The original Scripture states some 7,000 times what His Holy Name is; that He is jealous for His Name and that He wants us to extol Him by His Holy Name.

   "I am Yahweh; that is My name; and my glory will I not give to another [name], neither My praise to graven images." Isaiah 42:8.

   Both "God" and "Lord" have not only been associated in the worship of graven images, but originated in connection with satanic worship, replacing the Holy Name in use. The Semitic Hebrew title "El" originally was used in the worship of Yahweh, and the True Worshippers of Yahweh could not prevent others from appropriating the same title in the worship of images. Furthermore, the nation of Israel never used the title "El" exclusively as a substitute for the personal Holy Name. Why use the titles "God" and "Lord" which originated spuriously when we can use the name Yahweh, by which He has told us He wishes to be known?

Q   It is argued that because Yahweh confused the original language at the building of the Tower of Babel, that Hebrew is one of the confounded languages and we can't know the original pronunciations of Hebrew words. It is also argued that if the Hebrew Name is sacred, then why not just learn the Hebrew language? If you must use the Hebrew Name, why not learn to write and speak Hebrew as well and just forget all other languages?

A   The patriarchs Shem and Noah lived before and after the flood. They spoke the same original language that Adam and Eve spoke. We can be certain neither of these righteous men had anything to do with building the pagan Tower of Babel. Therefore, their language was not confused. Abraham, who lived to see his grandchild Jacob, was alive while the great patriarch Shem--who was born before the flood--was alive. This being the case, it is inconceivable that Abraham did not communicate with Shem and other old patriarchs in the same tongue that was used before the flood. While it is true that languages do change in form as time passes, the sacred Name has never changed since pre-Canaanite times. The Dead Sea Scrolls reveal the Name of Yahweh as the same as written in the Pre-Canaanite form of Hebrew (see Psalm 22:22; Hebrews 2:12; Isaiah 52:6).

   Furthermore, the argument that because the sacred Name is of Hebrew origin we should all be speaking Hebrew is ridiculous reasoning. There are many Greek names in the Bible. Should we speak only Greek? The word Armageddon is only one of the many Hebrew words in Scripture that escaped translation, but who would argue that because of this word we should all speak only Hebrew? The objection raised is merely subterfuge to avoid the necessity of using His sacred Name.

Q   If you make such a big issue out of using the Hebrew Name Yahweh, why don't you insist on using the exact, original Hebrew names of other Bible characters such as Yirmeyah for Jeremiah or Eliyah for Elijah?

A   The Name Yahweh was originally given to those of the Hebrew tongue. It must be remembered that Yahweh first chose those of the Hebrew race descended from Abraham. Obviously the Israelites spoke Hebrew.

   The one attribute describing His Name more than any other is that it is Holy. His Name is not to be desecrated nor blasphemed. It is to be treated with reverential awe. It represents His very being. Other names, such as Jeremiah, Elijah, Isaiah, while having the short form of His Name incorporated within them, are not said to be holy. These names, ending in the short form "Yah," have a relationship to Yahweh. Jeremiah means "Yah will elevate"; "Elijah, "My Mighty One is Yah"; Isaiah means "Salvation of Yah." Only Yahweh's Name is holy and is to be treated with respect and reverence.

Q   Isn't it folly to use any one particular name for the Savior, when the Bible says that at His Second Coming He will have written on His crown "a name that no man knew, but He Himself"?  (Revelation 19:12)

A   It does not follow that because of this Scripture that this name is secret.  It will represent at His Second Coming an unknown role in which He had not been known before to perform.  Only He who bears this name can fully know it, for it represents His character in His new role as "the Word of Yahweh" (v. 13) and as "King of kings, and Ruler of rulers" (v. 16).

   The Tetragrammaton (YHWH) is used in Exodus 3:15, where it is stated that this Name "is My memorial unto all generations." Our Savior said that He came in His Father's Name, John 5:43. Jeremiah 23:6 says He will come again in the same Name. As to His Name in His new role in the coming age, this passage says in the Hebrew that it will be known as "Yahweh Tzidkenu" or "Yahweh Our Righteousness."

Q   Why isn't the sacred Name found in our Bibles? If it were that important, you would think that it would be there.

A   The Name WAS in the original Scriptures and ancient Bibles. As we have shown, part of it survived Bible translators and is found in Psalm 68:4. Yahweh put so much importance on it that He made it a part of the law. The third Commandment reads, "Thou shalt not take the name of Yahweh your Elohim in vain." This means not to falsify His Name, as some translations accurately render the original language of this commandment.

   Yet, the Scriptures themselves prophesied that misguided men would make unauthorized changes. Jeremiah 8:8 says, "How can you say, 'We are wise for we have the law of Yahweh,' when actually the lying pen of the scribes has handled it false?"(NIV). (See also Isaiah 10:1 and Luke 11:52 for Yahweh's condemnation of those who know better who distort the Scriptures.)

   Scripture says we are to study to show ourselves approved. This includes going beyond our English translations to get to the meaning of the original Scriptures that have since been misrepresented by men.

Q   How can the Name be that important when Exodus 6:3 says the Name of Yahweh was not even known by Abraham, Isaac and Jacob or anytime before the time of Moses?

A   Even if that were so, which it isn't, there is no logical reason for not using the sacred Name after the time of Moses. The Hebrew from which the translators derived the name "God Almighty" is "El Shaddai," which means the "Almighty One," and is only one of Yahweh's many descriptive title names. Read how Rotherham's Emphasized Bible translates Exodus 6:3: "I am Yahweh: I appeared, therefore, unto Abraham, unto Isaac and unto Jacob, as God Almighty [El Shaddai], although by my name Yahweh was I not made known to them" (note the significant words "made known").

   There are some who believe that this verse should have a question mark instead of a period at the end. This would give the verse an entirely different meaning. Because punctuation marks are not inspired and were not indicated in the ancient manuscripts, there is no way to prove this either way.

   The Hebrew word for "known" here means perceived or understood. It is not true that the Name was not known or used before, but merely the real meaning of that Name was not revealed in the depth that it was to be revealed to Moses and the children of the Exodus. Remember, names in Hebrew have important meaning. The power manifest in that Name became known to His people on a grand scale never displayed before. As for the Name itself, it was known and used by all the patriarchs before Moses, as other Scriptures prove.

   According to Genesis 15:7, the Almighty revealed His Name to Abraham as YHWH (Yahweh) even before declaring His descriptive title name "El Shaddai." Later, He revealed the same Holy Name to Jacob in Genesis 28:13. That Abraham knew this Name is evident from the Name "Yahweh-Yireh," which Abraham gave to the place where he went to sacrifice Isaac, Genesis 22:14. Moses also regarded this Name as known from the beginning of history. This is evident from such texts as Genesis 2:4 and 4:1, 26. In both passages the Tetragrammaton YHWH is written in the Hebrew, by Moses himself. Evidently, Adam knew the Holy Name and spoke it, for Scripture says, "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bore Cain, and said, 'I have gotten a man from YHWH (Yahweh),'" Genesis 4:1.

   Yahweh had not before revealed His Name's full meaning until He expressed it in His covenant dealings with the children of Israel. He delivered them out with a strong hand (Exodus 6:1), actually taking the to Himself (v. 7), establishing His Covenant with them, and giving them the land of Canaan. By so doing, He made His Name truly known to Israel.

Q   The Sacred Name doctrine creates a division between those who accept their Savior's Name as "Jesus" and who also consider the titles "God" and "Lord" acceptable and those who do not. Should you be causing such division?

A   Yes, the Name does create a division, as do other doctrines such as the Sabbath. This doctrine of the sacred Name will create an even greater division during the Great Tribulation when it will be used as a mark to distinguish the True Believers in Messiah from the false at the end of this age. The controversy in the last days will be over His Name and the name of the Beast. What if the false messiah calls himself "Jesus Christ"? What if he forces that name and the mark of that name by law, and requires its acceptance before people can buy or sell? The Beast will indeed require all to accept his name or mark in obedience to this system, Matthew 24:9; Revelation 13:17.

   There is no doubt these Christians mean well when they use the worldly titles "God" and "Lord" as Israel did when they used the title "baal." Israel worshipped the "Mighty One" who supplied them rain and sunshine and provided them all the other blessings of life. But they were doing so in the name of baal rather than the Name of Yahweh, the Name that identified Him from all other nations' pagan mighty ones. The controversy during the days of Elijah was over the CORRECT NAME; it will be so again when EliYah shall call His people's attention to the same issue, 1 Kings 18:21, Malachi 4:5-6.

   We are not to judge anyone's salvation because they refuse to use the Name that we have proved correct. It is not the prerogative of any individual or any church or assembly to be a judge of who is or is not saved. That is the prerogative of the Savior Himself who can rightfully judge the motives and intents of the hearts of mankind, 1 Corinthians 4:5.

   Be mindful, however, of this injunction:  "Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin," James 4:17. The question is not what our Savior has "winked at" in the past because of our "ignorance" (Acts 17:30), but how can I best glorify my Maker now. The issue is not what is permissible under the freedom of the New Covenant or what can I get by with. One can make a good argument form the Bible for the practice of slavery, alcoholic beverages and the multiplicity of wives. But our guide under the New Covenant should be higher than this, as was the New Covenant itself. The spirit of the law is much more esteemed than the letter of the law because it takes into consideration the motives and attitudes of those who worship Him. The New Testament (Covenant) lays down some very good "spirit of the law" principles that we should follow. Here are a few:

• "Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of Yahweh," 1 Corinthians 10:31.

• "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very Elohim of peace sanctify you wholly; so that your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Savior Yahshua the Messiah," 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23.

   Your own conscience must be your guide as to whether you can use the spurious titles to glorify your Maker. Ask yourself, can I be sealed in my forehead with His Holy Name Yahweh and at the same time never call on Him in prayer or sing praises to Him by that Name that seals and protects? Will you be singing the HalleluYah chorus on the Sea of Glass--and refuse consistently to use that Holy Name here and now? Can the Bride refuse to take on her lips the Name of her Husband Yahshua to whom she is married?

Q   But what about all those other names for the Heavenly Father that we read of in the Bible? Can't we also call Him these as well?

A   Yahweh clearly gives us His Name by which He wishes to be remembered unto all generations, Exodus 3:15, and that Name according to ancient Bible manuscripts and good Bible scholars is Yahweh. However, what He will become is left to Him as He shows His power to His people. Rotherham's notes are especially good on Exodus 3:15, where he shows that Yahweh will become their Helper, Strengthener, Deliverer, Comforter or whatever His people need at that time.

   When Yahshua came to this earth as the Immanuel ("El with Us"), He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 and will yet fulfill the rest. His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty El. In the future, He will be called the "Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Everlasting Father is better rendered "Father of Futurity," or "Father of Eternity;" Rotherham says, "Father of Futurity," or "Father of Progress." John 11:25-26 and Acts 3:15 are examples of this.

   Special appellative titles and names are given to show the power and scope of His being and character. They define Him but don't name Him. Just as we might call our spouse "honey" or "sweetheart" to show the relationship between us, so Yahweh has allowed Himself to be called other appellatives as well. But His name is still Yahweh. His Son is the salvation He has sent to this earth--Yah-shua.

Q   Is it not true that there are other people with the name of Yahshua in the Bible? How, then, can the Name Yahshua be so special?

A   Yes, it is true that other people have carried the name of Yahshua. Because someone has your name, however, does not make your name less important to you. In no way is the Savior's Name devalued because others have the same name. You don't tell others to stop calling you by your name simply because someone else carries the same name.

   What makes anything special is the veneration or value placed on it. For example, Thanksgiving Day has been made special by government proclamation. The Name Yahshua has been made special by proclamation from heaven upon the only One who had the authority and power to carry out the significant meaning revealed in that Name--"Yahweh saves."

   While others have carried the name "Yahshua," only One has been dedicated and declared holy from conception, Luke 1:30-35. It is what He is, was, and will be that makes that name special. There is significant meaning in that Name for we are told that "there is none other name given among men, whereby we must be saved," Acts 4:12.  There is only one Yahshua the Messiah.

Q   If the Name of Yahweh and the Son Yahshua is that important, what happens to all who have died not knowing the "only Name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved," Acts 4:12?

A   Acts 17:30 reads, "The times of this ignorance Yahweh winked at, but now commands all men everywhere to repent." We are to walk in all the light we are given. When we understand that Yahweh desires us to use His Holy Name and that our future salvation and deliverance depend on "calling upon the name Yahweh" (Joel 2:32; Jeremiah 10:25) and if we will allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives, we will want to obey Yahweh.

   We are not judged on what we do not know, but on what we do know--and fail to do. One of the definitions of sin is: "Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin," James 4:17. Luke 12:48 reads, "To whom much is given, much is required."In His wisdom and mercy, Yahweh works out His plan among His people. When we have been shown His Name, then we are accountable for acting on that knowledge. But to those who have never heard or understood that He has a Name, Yahweh will see that they are judged in righteousness.

Q   One group says you must call the Almighty "Yahweh"; another "Yahveh"; another "Yahvah"; another "Yahwoh"; another "Yahve" and still another "Yehvoh." Each group claims that if you don't say it their particular way that you are breaking the third commandment. What's right?

A   The opponents of this doctrine make much of the fact that there is this difference of opinion relative to the exact spelling and pronunciation of His Name. Not everyone, though, has the same depth of understanding and knowledge. There is not yet discovered a condemnation in the Bible against a slight mispronunciation of His Holy Name, if it is an honest attempt to pronounce it correctly and is done in sincerity to praise His Name. But there is an awful condemnation against those who know and yet refuse to call on His Holy Name. The wrath of Yahweh is poured out not only upon the heathen in the last days who have committed atrocious crimes, but "upon the families that call not on Your Name," because they have persecuted His people who do worship Him by His Holy Name (Jeremiah 10:25; Matthew 24:9). Would it not be better to attempt to call on His Holy Name, even if not pronounced quite correctly, than to refuse to use it altogether?

   It does not follow that because of disagreement regarding the spelling and pronunciation of His Holy Name that there is no correct form.

   The same misunderstanding that exists over the Name doctrine is found among Christian groups in regard to other doctrines. Note that in regard to baptism, some sprinkle, some pour and others immerse.

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