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Jehovah

Jehovah Je*ho"vah, n. [Heb. usually y[e^]h[=o]v[=a]h (with the vowel points of [a^]d[=o]n[=a]i Lord), sometimes (to avoid repetition) y[e^]h[=o]vih (with the vowel points of [e^]l[=o]h[=i]m God); but only the four Heb, consonants yhvh are conceded to be certainly known.] A Scripture name of the Supreme Being, by which he was revealed to the Jews as their covenant God or Sovereign of the theocracy; the ``ineffable name of the Supreme Being, which was not pronounced by the Jews. [1913 Webster]

Bible Dictionary

Jehovah
(i am; the eternal living one). The Scripture appellation ofthe supreme Being, usually interpreted as signifyingself-derived and permanent existence. The Jews scrupulouslyavoided every mention of this name of God, substituting in itsstead one or other of the words with whose proper vowel-pointsit may happen to be written. This custom, which had its originin reverence, was founded upon an erroneous rendering of(leviticus 24:16) from which it was inferred that the mereutterance of the name constituted a capital offence. Accordingto Jewish tradition, it was pronounced but once a year, by thehigh priest on the day of atonement when he entered the holy ofholies; but on this point there is some doubt. When Mosesreceived his commission to be the deliverer of Israel, theAlmighty, who appeared in the burning bush, communicated to himthe name which he should give as the credentials of hismission: "And God said unto Moses, "I AM THAT I AM (ehyea asherehyeh); and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children ofIsrael, I AM hath sent me unto you." That this passage isintended to indicate the etymology of Jehovah, as understood bythe Hebrews, no one has ventured to doubt. While Elohimexhibits God displayed in his power as the creator and governorof the physical universe, the name Jehovah designates hisnature as he stands in relation to man, as the only almighty,true, personal, holy Being, a spirit and "the father ofspirits," (numbers 16:22) comp. John 4:24 Who revealed himselfto his people, made a covenant with them, and became theirlawgiver, and to whom all honor and worship are due.