Jehovah and Jesus
What Do "Yahweh" and "Jehovah" Mean?
Yahweh comes from the Hebrew name for God, written as YHWH in the Old Testament. In ancient Hebrew, vowels were not written, but native speakers understood the pronunciation. Jehovah is the same name, but using Latin equivalents of the Hebrew letters (JHVH). Over time, "Jehovah" became the English translation of the Latin form. Essentially, Yahweh and Jehovah are different pronunciations of the same name—one in Hebrew, the other in English.
Today, "Yahweh" is more commonly used because it is a closer approximation of the original Hebrew pronunciation.
The Meaning of Yahweh
The name Yahweh comes from the Hebrew word for "I am." When God spoke to Moses at the burning bush, Moses asked for His name. God replied:
"God said to Moses, 'I am who I am.' And he said, 'Say this to the people of Israel: "I am has sent me to you."' God also said to Moses, 'Say this to the people of Israel: "The LORD [YHWH], the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you." This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.’”
—Exodus 3:14–15
To fully understand Yahweh’s significance, consider these key points:
YHWH Means "The One Who Is"
The four-letter name YHWH (known as the Tetragrammaton) comes from the Hebrew verb "to be." It can be translated as "I am who I am," "I will be what I will be," or "I am the One who is."
This name highlights God's self-existence and self-sufficiency. Unlike all other beings who depend on Him for life, God depends on no one.
This is why, in John 8:58, when Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I am," the Jewish leaders considered it blasphemy—because He was claiming the name of God Himself.
Ancient Hebrew Scribes Considered YHWH Too Sacred to Pronounce
Because of the sacredness of God's name, Jewish scribes replaced its pronunciation with "Adonai" (which means "Lord" or "Master").
Later, when vowels were added to Hebrew texts, scribes inserted the vowels of Adonai into YHWH, leading to variations like Jehovah.
To respect this tradition, most English Bibles translate YHWH as "LORD" (in all capital letters). When "Lord GOD" appears in the Bible, "GOD" in all caps represents YHWH.
Though we believe "Yahweh" is close to the original pronunciation, the meaning is more important than the exact way it's said. Jehovah remains a sacred name for God, even if it is not technically accurate.
Yahweh and Jesus
Yahweh is the name of Israel’s God—the same God who came to earth as Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1:21 states:
"She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
The name Jesus comes from the Latin form of the Greek Iēsous, which comes from the Hebrew Yeshua—meaning "Yahweh saves."
This directly connects Jesus to Yahweh:
Yahweh will save His people from their sins.
Jesus will save His people from their sins.
This is just one of many instances where Jesus and Yahweh are shown to be the same.
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Is Jesus Yahweh?
Hebrews 1:10-12 quotes from Psalm 102:25-27, a passage originally referring to Yahweh:
“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”
Hebrews 1 as a whole speaks about Jesus, and verse 10 specifically uses the Greek word κύριος (Kyrios), meaning "Lord." Since this passage is quoting an Old Testament text about Yahweh, the writer of Hebrews is directly applying the name and attributes of Yahweh to Jesus. This is one of several instances in Hebrews 1 where Jesus is exalted above the angels and equated with God Himself.
Another example is found in Romans 10:13, where Paul quotes Joel 2:32:
“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
Joel 2:32 originally referred to Yahweh, yet Paul introduces this verse right after stating:
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
The implication is clear: the "Lord" (κύριος) in verse 9—Jesus—is the same "Lord" in verse 13—Yahweh. Paul is identifying Jesus as Yahweh, the one on whose name people must call for salvation.
Paul reinforces this in 1 Corinthians 1:2:
“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.”
This phrase again mirrors Joel 2:32, confirming that the Lord we are to call upon is Jesus Christ.
Similarly, 1 Peter 3:14-15 quotes Isaiah 8:12-13, where the prophet calls the people to honor "the Lord of hosts"(Yahweh). However, Peter modifies the wording, urging believers to honor "Christ the Lord" instead. Once again, Jesus is given the title κύριος, which in this context is a substitute for the Hebrew YHWH (Yahweh).
A Key Question for the Watchtower Organization
The divine name Yahweh (YHWH) does not appear in any Greek New Testament manuscript—not even in places where the Old Testament originally used it. The inspired New Testament writers always used κύριος (Lord) when quoting Old Testament passages about Yahweh.
So why did the Watchtower Organization insert the name Jehovah in its New World Translation, even where the Greek text says κύριος, especially when these passages clearly refer to Jesus Christ?
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Jesus Says, "I AM"
In Revelation 22:13, Jesus declares:
"I AM Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."
In John 8:58, Jesus boldly proclaims:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
This statement directly echoes Exodus 3:14, where God reveals His name to Moses:
“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.’”
The Significance of "I AM"
When God calls Himself "I AM" in Exodus 3, He is revealing His divine nature:
He is eternal, unchanging, and self-existent.
He depends on no one and nothing.
He is infinite, glorious, and sovereign over all creation.
By applying "I AM" to Himself in John 8:58, Jesus is making a direct claim to divinity. He is not just a prophet, teacher, or helper of God—He is God Himself. He is the God of Israel, greater than Moses because He is the God of Moses.
The Jewish leaders understood exactly what Jesus was claiming. That’s why, in John 8:59, they picked up stones to kill Him—for blasphemy.
The Seven "I AM" Statements of Jesus
In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven key "I AM" statements, each revealing an essential truth about His divine nature and role in salvation:
I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48-51)
Jesus alone can satisfy our deepest hunger—our need for spiritual life.
I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12, 9:5)
Jesus is the true and eternal light, shining in the darkness of sin and spiritual blindness.
I AM the Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7-9)
Jesus is the only way to enter into God’s kingdom.
I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-14)
Jesus knows, loves, and protects His people, guiding them like a shepherd cares for his flock.
I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-26)
Jesus has power over life and death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.
I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)
Jesus is the only way to God, the source of all truth, and the giver of eternal life.
I AM the True Vine (John 15:1-5)
Jesus is the source of spiritual life, and apart from Him, we can do nothing.
Jesus Is the God of the Old Testament
Every act of redemption in the Old Testament pointed to Jesus—God in the flesh. The "I AM" statements reinforce His identity as Yahweh, the God of Israel. From the burning bush in Exodus to the fulfillment of prophecy in the New Testament, Jesus reveals Himself as the eternal, self-existent Lord who came to redeem His people.
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Jesus Says, "I AM"
1) I Am the Bread of Life
OT Background: Exodus 16; Deuteronomy 8:3; Psalm 78:23-25
NT Fulfillment: John 6:22-59, especially 28-35
Synopsis:
After feeding the 5,000, Jesus addresses the crowd that followed Him, not because they understood His miracles but because they desired more physical bread. He redirects them to a deeper truth: He Himself is the Bread of Life, offering eternal sustenance beyond physical hunger.
In the Old Testament, God provided manna in the wilderness, but it was a temporary provision (Exodus 16). Jesus, however, is the true and eternal bread sent from heaven. Just as the Israelites needed to receive manna daily, Jesus must be received in faith. He alone satisfies our deepest needs and grants eternal life.
2) I Am the Light of the World
OT Background: Exodus 13:17-22; Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 49:6
NT Fulfillment: John 8:12-30; also John 1:4-5, 3:19-21, 9:5, 12:35-36
Synopsis:
Jesus proclaims, "I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).
In the Old Testament, God's presence guided Israel as a pillar of fire in the wilderness (Exodus 13). This divine light protected and led them to safety. Jesus fulfills this by leading His people out of spiritual darkness and into eternal life.
Additionally, Isaiah prophesied that the coming Messiah would be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6). Jesus fulfills this prophecy, bringing salvation not only to Israel but to the entire world.
3) I Am the Door (Gate) & 4) I Am the Good Shepherd
OT Background: Psalm 118:20 (door); Ezekiel 34; Jeremiah 23; Isaiah 40:11; Numbers 27:15-18; Micah 5:4
NT Fulfillment: John 10:1-18
Synopsis:
In John 10, Jesus makes two related "I Am" statements:
"I am the Door"—He is the only entrance into God’s kingdom.
"I am the Good Shepherd"—He knows, loves, and lays down His life for His sheep.
The Old Testament repeatedly refers to God as Israel’s shepherd (Psalm 23, Isaiah 40:11). Yet, the Jewish leaders had become corrupt, acting as false shepherds (Ezekiel 34, Jeremiah 23). Jesus rebukes them and declares Himself the True Shepherd, fulfilling God's promise to personally care for His people.
Unlike the Pharisees who oppressed the people, Jesus gathers, protects, and sacrifices Himself for the sheep.
5) I Am the Resurrection and the Life
OT Background: Genesis 1-3; Isaiah 53:10
NT Fulfillment: John 11:17-27
Synopsis:
At Lazarus' tomb, Jesus declares:
"I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." (John 11:25)
In the Old Testament, Adam’s sin brought death into the world (Genesis 3), but Jesus—the second Adam—came to reverse the curse (Romans 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 15). Unlike the first Adam who failed, Jesus offers eternal life, restoring what was lost.
His resurrection power is not just for the future—it is present and active in those who believe in Him.
6) I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
OT Background: Exodus 26:33; Leviticus 16
NT Fulfillment: John 14:6
Synopsis:
Jesus declares:
"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
In the Old Testament, access to God was through temporary means—the temple, sacrifices, and the High Priest(Exodus 26, Leviticus 16). These were shadows of the one true way to God—Jesus Himself.
He is:
The Way—The only path to reconciliation with God.
The Truth—The full revelation of God.
The Life—The source of eternal life.
All prior religious systems pointed to Him and are now fulfilled in Him.
7) I Am the True Vine
OT Background: Isaiah 5:1-7 (desolate vineyard); Isaiah 27:2-6 (fruitful vineyard)
NT Fulfillment: John 15:1-6
Synopsis:
Jesus says:
"I am the True Vine, and my Father is the Vinedresser." (John 15:1)
Throughout the Old Testament, Israel was often described as a vineyard. However, it frequently failed to produce good fruit (Isaiah 5). Jesus now claims to be the True Vine, fulfilling Israel’s destiny.
Those who abide in Him will bear spiritual fruit and flourish, while those who reject Him will be cut off. Jesus is the new and perfect Israel, providing life and sustenance for all who remain in Him.
Conclusion: Jesus Is the "I AM"
Each of Jesus’ "I AM" statements reveals His divine nature and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He is not just a teacher or prophet—He is God in the flesh, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the only source of eternal life.
Through Him, we find:
✅ Sustenance (Bread of Life)
✅ Guidance (Light of the World)
✅ Access to God (Door)
✅ Care and Protection (Good Shepherd)
✅ Victory Over Death (Resurrection and Life)
✅ The Only Way to Salvation (Way, Truth, and Life)
✅ Spiritual Growth and Fruitfulness (True Vine)
Jesus is Yahweh—the eternal, self-existent "I AM" who came to save and redeem.
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Should We Worship Jesus?
The answer to this question largely hinges on Jesus’ identity. If Jesus is regarded as deity in the same sense as His Father, then we should worship Jesus. If the New Testament documents identify Jesus with Yahweh, then we should worship Jesus. If He is merely a prophet of God, the worship of Jesus would not be appropriate. Given the Bible’s insistence that worship is to be directed to God alone, any God-fearing individual will need a satisfactory answer to this all-important question.
The apostle Paul called Jesus “our great God and Savior” (Titus 2:13) and points out that, prior to His incarnation, Jesus existed in the “form of God” (Philippians 2:5–8). God the Father says regarding Jesus, “Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever” (Hebrews 1:8). The apostle John says that “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word [Jesus] was God” (John 1:1). Other passages identify Jesus as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16–17; Hebrews 1:2).
Jesus receives worship several times in the Gospels (Matthew 2:11; 28:9, 17; Luke 24:52; John 9:38; 20:28). Jesus is never said to reject such adoration. Rather, He accepts such worship as well-placed. So, does the Bible portray Jesus as fully deity? The answer is certainly “yes.”
With that being said, Christians need to recognize that the Bible also teaches the deity of the Father (John 6:27; Romans 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2) as well as the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3–4; 1 Corinthians 3:16). And yet, the Scriptures teach that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4). How can this be?
The Christian church has historically taught that the Bible clearly portrays God as one Being who exists in three Persons. This doctrine is known as the Trinity. Within the one Being that is God, there exists eternally three coequal and coeternal persons, namely, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We contend that this is the clear teaching of Scripture and should be affirmed by any biblically faithful Christian.
Jesus Christ is due our full worship and devotion. To fail to worship Him would be sinful.
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