s/o (of sorts) The Bible and the "Tetragrammaton"

[Spy Car]

I was reading my copy of the "Five Books of Moses" (the Torah) as translated by Everett Fox last night (wonderful translation) and I was reminded that he, perhaps controversially (especially for a Jew) used the name of God (YHWH) which most Bibles eschew.

 

I also have a (Catholic) "New Jerusalem Bible" that uses Yahweh. But I read somewhere the (new) New Jerusalem Bible was going to drop Yahweh after complaints.

 

Is this an issue for you? Or an non-issue?

 

Bill

Edited January 23, 2009 by Spy Car

[abbeyej]

Other: Yes, I know what you're talking about. No, I don't have strong feelings about it in any direction. I'll be respectful of the convictions of those around me, but in translation/transliteration, I just don't consider it an issue.

[Doran]

I'm familiar with Yahweh (the name), but never knew that some find it controversial. Is it kind of like saying Lord Voldemort aloud? :confused:;):auto:

[GWOB]

I'm familiar with Yahweh (the name), but never knew that some find it controversial. Is it kind of like saying Lord Voldemort aloud? :confused:;):auto:

 

:lol: I believe it is offensive to a Jew to say His name out loud. Growing up as a Southern Baptist, I often heard "Yahweh" during sermons. I now attend a Lutheran church, and have attended many other denominations along the way, and I do not think it is wrong to say that out loud.

[Spy Car]

I'm familiar with Yahweh (the name), but never knew that some find it controversial. Is it kind of like saying Lord Voldemort aloud? :confused:;):auto:

 

Jews, at least orthodox (and even conservative Jews) would not vocalize the name. Some won't even write other than G-d in English, and refer to G-d as HaShem (the name). I'm used to this.

 

But I wasn't sure about Christian practices. "Jehovah" (a translation [or mis-translation] of YHWV I know was once common, but I almost never see YHWV or Yahweh, so I was curious.

 

Bill

[Daisy]

Most English translations of the Bible use LORD (ORD are usually smaller but still capital letters) when translating Yahweh. It's a hold over from the Latin.

 

Most Christians I know take no issue with using any of those terms. I'm happy to use any of them, but would be mindful of my audience.

[Spy Car]

I can't believe I messed up "the name of G-d" in the poll.

 

I meant no disrespect and feel like a "dunce" :blushing:

 

Divine intervention?

 

Bill

[Michelle in MO]

I'm used to both the NIV and the NASB. I believe the NAS (New American Standard) has YHWH written in the margins, at least my older version does. I do like that, but I am used to seeing "Lord" written out.

[Pamela H in Texas]

Yahweh is a Hebrew form of the word. Jehovah is the English version. It's similar to how certain names are said a little differently from one language to another. I use the English version (and occasionally the Spanish). I choose not to substitute a title in for his name. Just as I like being called MY name, I assume God likes being called HIS name. Well, and he was clear about it having it put in the scriptures over 7000 times. Even Jesus said that his name was to used and honored. I understand the superstition Jews fell into, but I don't get mainstream Christians refusing to recognize Jesus' father by name when Jesus himself, more than once, said we must know him (Jesus' father), use his name, etc.

 

Anyway, I know it's controversial but I think it's terribly sad.

[Janna]

I wouldn't mind seeing Yahweh or YHWV and I don't mind seeing the LORD, Jehovah, or I AM. There are so many names, and as long as they are uttered with reverence, I don't see the problem?

 

I didn't realize there was controversy over this and am amazed. Even though the Bible versions I grew up with don't have Yahweh, I grew up knowing that was His name. Come to think of it, when did Bibles stop putting it in there? Because now I'm thinking I *did* grow up reading that name in the Bible. Now I'm surprised that it's not there. And I did go and look...

 

I grew up with the NIV and the NAS. I have the NIV currently, but would love an Interlinear.

[beansprouts]

Jews, at least orthodox (and even conservative Jews) would not vocalize the name. Some won't even write other than G-d in English, and refer to G-d as HaShem (the name). I'm used to this.

 

I was told recently that it is very much like how we teach children to address grown-ups by title and not first name. Likewise they do not address the God by His first name.

 

I have always used, and still prefer The Lord.

[Jenny in Atl]

I always heard.. "he who has no name".

[Spy Car]

I was told recently that it is very much like how we teach children to address grown-ups by title and not first name. Likewise they do not address the God by His first name.

 

I have always used, and still prefer The Lord.

 

I figured you for an "Adonai" enthusiast ;)

 

Bill

[beansprouts]

I figured you for an "Adonai" enthusiast ;)

 

Bill

 

You're right I do love that name. It's just that I have used The Lord all my life, and Adonai only recently. I am sure in time Adonai will become more natural for me. :001_smile:

 

I also find it interesting how each name speaks to different qualities.

[Spy Car]

You're right I do love that name. It's just that I have used The Lord all my life, and Adonai only recently. I am sure in time Adonai will become more natural for me. :001_smile:

 

I also find it interesting how each name speaks to different qualities.

 

When (if) you get around to the Arabic "names" of God, you'll find 99 "qualities" or attributes of God. Such as al-Rahman (the beneficent) or al-Rahim (the merciful).

 

BTW (on the improbable chance anyone is interested) "Allah" is not the "name of "God" in Islam, it simply means "God" in Arabic and refers to the God of Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic). Same G-d as the Jews.

 

Bill

[beansprouts]

When (if) you get around to the Arabic "names" of God, you'll find 99 "qualities" or attributes of God. Such as al-Rahman (the beneficent) or al-Rahim (the merciful).

 

BTW (on the improbable chance anyone is interested) "Allah" is not the "name of "God" in Islam, it simply means "God" in Arabic and refers to the God of Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic). Same G-d as the Jews.

 

Bill

 

 

That sounds like a fascinating study. :001_smile:

[athena1277]

Other: Yes, I know what you're talking about. No, I don't have strong feelings about it in any direction. I'll be respectful of the convictions of those around me, but in translation/transliteration, I just don't consider it an issue.

 

:iagree: It doesn't matter to me which way it is written

[Spy Car]

That sounds like a fascinating study. :001_smile:

 

A link to get you started on you studies :D

 

http://www.sufism.org/society/asma/

 

You'll notice some of the names start with "ar-" or "as-" as opposed to "al-" (which is the "article" equivalent of "the" in English). In Arabic some article configurations, while written "al", are vocally transformed in taking on the sound of the incoming consonant. So al-Rahim (written form) becomes ar-Rahim (spoken form).

 

Too Much information? :tongue_smilie:

 

Bill

[beansprouts]

A link to get you started on you studies :D

 

http://www.sufism.org/society/asma/

 

You'll notice some of the names start with "ar-" or "as-" as opposed to "al-" (which is the "article" equivalent of "the" in English). In Arabic some article configurations, while written "al", are vocally transformed in taking on the sound of the incoming consonant. So al-Rahim (written form) becomes ar-Rahim (spoken form).

 

Too Much information? :tongue_smilie:

 

Bill

 

 

I'll take a peek maybe tomorrow. Thanks!

[coffeefreak]

At first I didn't understand what you were talking about, and then my husband cleared it up.:D

 

I wish my Bible would call the Lord what he's called in each passage. So, when he's Jehovah, or Yahweh, or Adonai etc, that's what it says. I just like it.

[coffeefreak]

BTW (on the improbable chance anyone is interested) "Allah" is not the "name of "God" in Islam, it simply means "God" in Arabic and refers to the God of Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic). Same G-d as the Jews.

 

Bill

 

Bill,

I'm interested and I think it's an important piece of information! I'd learned that in college as did my hubby. It's too bad people aren't willing to accept it.

Dorinda

[Peek a Boo]

Other: Yes, I know what you're talking about. No, I don't have strong feelings about it in any direction. I'll be respectful of the convictions of those around me, but in translation/transliteration, I just don't consider it an issue.

 

 

yeah. ;)

[Peek a Boo]

When (if) you get around to the Arabic "names" of God, you'll find 99 "qualities" or attributes of God. Such as al-Rahman (the beneficent) or al-Rahim (the merciful).

 

yeah... i've been shopping for Egyptian Arabian horses the past 6 months and just the other day came across one w/ a Hebrew name about one of the qualities of God. Everyone else usually tries to give them Egyptian-esque names like Shaikh Mah Badi ;)....

It hit me that i would REALLY like to start an Egyptian Arabian horse farm called Out of Egypt and give all the horses Hebrew names. I think i need more capital tho! :D

[Lovedtodeath]

I also find it interesting how each name speaks to different qualities.

It is true that God has many names and titles throughout the scriptures and we can learn from all of them. YHWH (in English, Jehovah) is used far more often than any other name, title, or term, and is often used in combination with some of the others. It is important to me because:

Though Scripturally designated by such descriptive titles as "God," "Sovereign Lord," "Creator," "Father," "the Almighty," and "the Most High," his personality and attributes—who and what he is—are fully summed up and expressed only in this personal name. "That people may know that you, whose name is Jehovah, You alone are the Most High over all the earth."--Psalms 83:18

The name Jehovah comes from the Hebrew verb ha·wah´, "become," and actually means "He Causes to Become." This reveals Jehovah as the One who, with progressive action, causes himself to become the Fulfiller of promises. Thus he always brings his purposes to realization. Only the true God could rightly and authentically bear such a name.

 

"everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved."--Acts 2:21

"Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will get away safe."—JOEL 2:32.

 

"The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection."—Prov. 18:10.

 

"but I come to thee in the name of Jehovah"--David, speaking in 1 Sam. 17:43-47

Some Bibles have left the name Jehovah in these scriptures and taken out of others. Ex 6:3; Ps 83:18; Isa 12:2; 26:4.

I wish my Bible would call the Lord what he's called in each passage. So, when he's Jehovah, or Yahweh, or Adonai etc, that's what it says. I just like it.

The New World Translation does this. You may be interested in a book called: "TRUTH IN TRANSLATION: ACCURACY AND BIAS IN ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT"

Author: Jason David BeDuhn is the Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. He holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Illinois, an M.T.S. in New Testament and Christian Origins form Harvard Divinity School, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Study of Religions form Indiana University, Bloomington.

The Nine English Translations Compared in BeDuhn's book are:

 

- The King James Version (KJV)

- The A mplified Bible (AB)

- The Living Bible (LB)

- The New American Bible (NAB)

- The New American Standard Bible (NASB)

- The New International Version (NIV)

- The New World Translation (NW)

- The (New) Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

- Today's English Version (TEV)

[coffeefreak]

[/color]You may be interested in a book called: "TRUTH IN TRANSLATION: ACCURACY AND BIAS IN ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT"

Author: Jason David BeDuhn is the Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. He holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Illinois, an M.T.S. in New Testament and Christian Origins form Harvard Divinity School, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Study of Religions form Indiana University, Bloomington.

The Nine English Translations Compared in BeDuhn's book are:

 

- The King James Version (KJV)

- The A mplified Bible (AB)

- The Living Bible (LB)

- The New American Bible (NAB)

- The New American Standard Bible (NASB)

- The New International Version (NIV)

- The New World Translation (NW)

- The (New) Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

- Today's English Version (TEV)

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Thanks! I am interested!

blessings!

Dorinda

[ELaurie]

I prefer to use "The LORD" (among Christians) or Adonai (among Jews) out of respect for the Name. YHVH is acceptable too, IMHO, but I prefer not to use Yahweh or Jehovah, in part because we do not know how the tetragrammaton was once pronounced, and in part because we know that Jehovah is a mistranslation. I'd rather not say ti at all than pronounce it incorrectly, but that is just a personal preference.