Topical Bible: Yud-kay-vav-kay

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Introduction:
Yud-Kay-Vav-Kay, often represented as YHWH, is the tetragrammaton, or four-letter name of God, found in the Hebrew Bible. This name is considered the most sacred and ineffable name of God in Jewish tradition. In English translations, it is commonly rendered as "LORD" in small capital letters. The name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenantal relationship with His people.

Biblical References:
The name YHWH appears over 6,800 times in the Hebrew Scriptures. One of the most significant occurrences is in Exodus 3:14-15, where God reveals Himself to Moses at the burning bush: "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And He said, 'This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.' God also said to Moses, 'Say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, 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 this is how I am to be remembered in every generation.'" (Exodus 3:14-15).

Theological Significance:
YHWH is central to the understanding of God's nature and His relationship with humanity. The name is derived from the Hebrew verb "to be," indicating God's eternal existence and unchanging nature. It emphasizes His role as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. In Isaiah 42:8, God declares, "I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols." .

Covenantal Aspect:
YHWH is closely associated with God's covenantal promises. In Genesis 12:1-3, God makes a covenant with Abraham, promising to make him a great nation. This covenant is reiterated and expanded throughout the Scriptures, with YHWH as the faithful covenant-keeper. In Deuteronomy 7:9, it is written, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments." .

Worship and Reverence:
The name YHWH is treated with great reverence in Jewish and Christian traditions. In Jewish practice, the name is not pronounced as written; instead, "Adonai" (Lord) or "HaShem" (The Name) is used in its place. This practice underscores the holiness and sanctity of God's name. In Christian worship, the reverence for YHWH is reflected in hymns, prayers, and liturgies that acknowledge His majesty and sovereignty.

Christological Connections:
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is identified with YHWH, affirming His divinity. In John 8:58, Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you," Jesus declared, "before Abraham was born, I am!" . This statement echoes the divine name revealed to Moses, asserting Jesus' pre-existence and oneness with the Father. The Apostle Paul also affirms this connection in Philippians 2:9-11, where he writes, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." .

Conclusion:
The name YHWH encapsulates the essence of God's identity as the eternal, self-existent, and covenant-keeping God. It is a profound expression of His holiness, sovereignty, and faithfulness, central to both Jewish and Christian theology.

Concordance

Yud-kay-vav-kay (1 Occurrence)

Exodus 6:3
and I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, as God Almighty; but by my name Jehovah I was not known to them.
(See JPS)

Thesaurus

Yud-kay-vav-kay (1 Occurrence)
Yud-kay-vav-kay. You-ward, Yud-kay-vav-kay. Zaanaim . Multi-Version
Concordance Yud-kay-vav-kay (1 Occurrence). Exodus ...
/y/yud-kay-vav-kay.htm - 6k

You-ward (9 Occurrences)
You-ward. You've, You-ward. Yud-kay-vav-kay . Multi-Version Concordance
You-ward (9 Occurrences). ... (ASV). You've, You-ward. Yud-kay-vav-kay . Reference
/y/you-ward.htm - 9k