The Name of God Across Languages: Jehovah, Yahweh, and Allah

The Name of God Across Languages: Jehovah, Yahweh, and Allah

The name of God holds immense significance across different cultures and religions. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, God's name is often rendered as "Jehovah" in English translations of the Bible. Meanwhile, in Hebrew, God is referred to as "Yahweh," and in Arabic, "Allah." This blog post explores the various renderings of God's name, their appearances in different Bible translations, and the shared belief in the one God of Abraham across these traditions.

Jehovah in Bible Translations

The name "Jehovah" appears prominently in some Bible translations. Notably, it appears 5,811 times in the Darby Translation of the Bible. The King James Version (KJV) includes the name "Jehovah" 7 times, reflecting an older tradition of translating the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) into English. However, many modern translations, such as the New International Version (NIV) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), have opted to use "LORD" in small capitals to represent the divine name Jehovah.

Yahweh in Hebrew

In Hebrew, the name of God is rendered as "Yahweh" (יהוה). This name is considered sacred and is often referred to as the Tetragrammaton, consisting of the four Hebrew letters YHWH. Traditionally, out of reverence, Jews avoid pronouncing this name aloud, instead using substitutes like "Adonai" (Lord) or "HaShem" (The Name).

Allah in Arabic

In Arabic, God is called "Allah" (الله). This name is used by Arabic-speaking Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. For Muslims, Allah is the one and only God, who revealed himself through prophets including Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. The use of "Allah" underscores the monotheistic belief shared among these Abrahamic faiths.

Shared Belief in the God of Abraham

Despite the linguistic differences, Jews, Christians, and Muslims all worship the same monotheistic God. This shared belief is rooted in the figure of Abraham, who is revered in all three traditions.

Biblical Scriptures:

• "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one." (Deuteronomy 6:4, NIV)

• "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8, NIV)

Quranic Verses:

• "Say, He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge." (Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1-2)

• "And [mention, O Muhammad], when We took from the prophets their covenant and from you and from Noah and Abraham and Moses and Jesus, the son of Mary." (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:7)

Abraham, often called "Father Abraham," is a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He is considered the patriarch of the Abrahamic religions, and his descendants are the Jewish and Muslim communities.

In the Bible, Abraham is recognized as the father of Isaac, who became a patriarch of the Israelites. Isaac's son, Jacob (later named Israel), had twelve sons who became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel, forming the basis of the Jewish people.

• Biblical Scripture: "Then God said, 'Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.'" (Genesis 17:19)

In the Quran, Abraham is also acknowledged as the father of Ishmael (Ismail in Arabic), born to Hagar. Ishmael is regarded as an important prophet and is traditionally considered the ancestor of the Arab people, from whom Muslims trace their lineage.

• Quranic Verse: "And mention in the Book [the story of] Ishmael. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet." (Surah Maryam 19:54)

• So, Abraham is a foundational figure connecting the lineages of both Jewish and Muslim communities, emphasizing the shared heritage and spiritual legacy he represents. His story underscores the common roots and shared beliefs of these faith traditions.

To sum it up, Jews are descendants of Father Abrahams son Isaac, and Muslims are descendants of Father Abrahams son Ishmael.

Conclusion

The different names for God—Jehovah, Yahweh, and Allah—reflect linguistic and cultural variations, yet they all point to the same divine being worshipped by billions worldwide. Recognizing this shared belief can foster greater understanding and unity among followers of these faiths. By appreciating the diverse ways in which God's name is invoked, we can find common ground in our spiritual pursuits and shared heritage.

In our journey through life, we often seek guidance and wisdom beyond our own understanding. St. Mykul’s prayer is a beautiful expression of this desire, a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and alignment with Jehovah’s will. It serves as a reminder of the profound connection we can cultivate with the divine, allowing us to become vessels of His wisdom and love.

St. Mykul’s prayer:

“I pray for Jehovah to speak through me all the time, and I pray for Jehovah to remove all my thoughts, and implant His thoughts all the time, as I do not even want my thoughts.”