Discover the biblical meaning of God’s name Yahweh and how it is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Learn why God’s name reveals His character, love, and salvation.

Throughout the Bible, people have always questioned: Does God have a name? The Bible clearly answers this question and explains its deep significance. God not only has a name, but He reveals it to show His people who He is, so they can know Him personally, trust Him fully, and walk with Him closely.

This article will explain the meaning of God’s name, Yahweh, how it reflects His character, and how His name is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

1. God Reveals His Name to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM”

The first time God clearly reveals His personal name is when Moses encounters the burning bush. When Moses asks what he should tell the Israelites, God says:

“I AM WHO I AM… I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14, ESV)

The Hebrew word behind this is YHWH, which is the sacred and covenant name of God.

What Does Yahweh Mean?

The name Yahweh means:

• The Self-Existent One
• The Eternal One
• The One who simply is

God has no beginning, no end, and is not dependent on anything or anyone. He is the unchanging, ever-present, eternal God.

“I am the LORD; that is My name.” (Isaiah 42:8, NIV)

This divine name is a sign of God’s covenant love and His desire for a personal relationship with His people.

2. The Meaning of Yahweh (Jehovah)

The name Yahweh, also written as Jehovah, appears over 6,800 times in the Old Testament. In many English Bibles, it is written as LORD (in all capital letters).

Why Is This Name Important?

It shows that God is unchanging.

It shows that God is personal and not distant.

It expresses His faithfulness to His promises.

The ancient Israelites held this name in great reverence and did not pronounce it aloud. Yet God said:

“This is My name forever… from generation to generation.” (Exodus 3:15, NIV)

God revealed His name so His people could know Him intimately.

3. God’s Name Reveals His Character

In the Bible, a name describes who someone is, their nature, and their purpose. God reveals different forms of His name to help us understand His heart.

Here are some of the powerful compound names of Yahweh:

• Yahweh-Jireh – The Lord Will Provide (Genesis 22:14)
• Yahweh-Rapha – The Lord Who Heals (Exodus 15:26)
• Yahweh-Shalom – The Lord Is Peace (Judges 6:24)
• Yahweh-Rohi – The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23:1)
• Yahweh-Tsidkenu – The Lord Our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)

These names show that God is:

• A provider
• A healer
• A protector
• A shepherd
• A righteous savior

Knowing His names strengthens our faith and reveals the many ways God cares for us.

4. The Name of God Fulfilled in Jesus Christ

In the New Testament, God reveals Himself even more fully through Jesus.

“In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
“The Word became flesh and lived among us.” (John 1:14)

Jesus shares the same divine identity as Yahweh.

Jesus Declares Himself as “I AM”

When Jesus says:

“Before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58)

He uses the same divine name God used in Exodus. His listeners understood this as a direct claim to deity.

The Meaning of the Name “Jesus”

The name Jesus (Hebrew: Yeshua) means:

“Yahweh saves.”

This connects the Old Testament name of God with His saving work in the New Testament.

“You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
“God exalted Him… and gave Him the name above every name.” (Philippians 2:9)

Through Jesus, the eternal “I AM” comes close, walks with us, and brings salvation.

5. Calling on the Name of the Lord

From Genesis to Revelation, God calls people to trust in His name.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Joel 2:32; Romans 10:13)

This promise is fully fulfilled in Christ. Faith in the name of Jesus brings forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life.

“There is no other name under heaven… by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

The name of God carries power, power to heal, redeem, and transform.

Conclusion: The Name of the Lord Reveals His Heart

So, does God have a name?

Yes and His name reveals exactly who He is.

Yahweh the eternal, self-existent God
Jesus Yahweh who saves

God’s name shows His love, His faithfulness, and His desire to be known.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
“From the rising of the sun… the name of the LORD is to be praised.” (Psalm 113:3)

When we know His name, we understand His heart.

When we call upon His name, we draw near to Him.

When we trust in His name, we find peace, strength, and salvation.