On YHWH
There are few helpful books on the four-letter Divine Name in Hebrew and its use (or non-use) by Christians. Yes, journal articles abound, but I've struggled to find the answers I've wanted consistently, efficiently, and affordably.
Tetragrammaton: Western Christians and the Hebrew Name of God From the Beginnings to the Seventeenth Century fills an important gap for most seminary-level libraries and scholarly study.
Questions abound.
- Shall the Name be said aloud that we may pray, praise, and give thanks?
- Must it only and always be presented as יְהוָ֥ה? Is YHWH acceptable?
- Should the name be replaced with a pious substitute?
- What of HERR, SENOR, Lord, LORD, and Lord?
- Where did "Jehovah" come from? Is it a faithful representation?
I had these questions and many more. I found some helpful answers in this title.
Tetragrammaton: Western Christians and the Hebrew Name of God from the Beginnings to the Seventeenth Century
Series: Studies in the History of Christian Traditions, Volume: 179
Author: Robert J. Wilkinson
The Christian Reception of the Hebrew name of God has not previously been described in such detail and over such an extended period. This work places that varied reception within the context of early Jewish and Christian texts; Patristic Studies; Jewish-Christian relationships; Mediaeval thought; the Renaissance and Reformation; the History of Printing; and the development of Christian Hebraism.
The contribution of notions of the Tetragrammaton to orthodox doctrines and debates is exposed, as is the contribution its study made to non-orthodox imaginative constructs and theologies. Gnostic, Kabbalistic, Hermetic and magical texts are given equally detailed consideration.
There emerge from this sustained and detailed examination several recurring themes concerning the difficulty of naming God, his being and his providence.
Copyright Year: 2015
E-Book (PDF) Published ISBN: 978-90-04-28817-1 Publication date: 04 Feb 2015
Hardback Published ISBN: 978-90-04-28462-3 Publication date: 05 Feb 2015
(Publisher's website)
My interest in this as a Christian is to understand why different translations (English and others) take different approaches to YHWH.
Several English translations do use Yahweh, like the Legacy Standard Bible, a 2021 revision of the 1995 New American Standard Bible, which also has a 2020 revision. Both the LSB and NASB 2020 are recognized by the Lockman Foundation.
One may also know of The Jerusalem Bible, a Roman Catholic translation, which uses Yahweh. (Jonah was translated by J. R. R. Tolkien.) My personal copy has illustrations by Dali.
There is also the mixed approach of the Holman Christian Standard Bible which occasionally used Yahweh, something its revision, the Christian Standard Bible, does not.
Lesser-known translations, appear to attempt to modernize public domain English translations like the American Standard Version and add so-called "Hebrew Roots" influence, specifically the use of יְהוָ֥ה. I'm concerned about inaccuracy and sectarianism, to be honest.
My interest in this as a pastor comes from regular preaching and teaching, and regular questions about how the English Standard Version, our primary translation, uses Lord in the Old Testament.
It is fair to note the subtitle's self-imposed limits: ...to the Seventeenth Century. This is not a reference on recent translation decisions. Yet, I found it enormously helpful to give the historical background for many of the vernacular translations still in use today, especially because the author gives arguments for and against decisions that are revisited by every revision and new translation to date.
I was least interested in chapters dealing with magic (4, 7, 9, 12), though these chapters did offer some (intentional?/unintentional?) insight into historic and modern movements with unconventional opinions about the Divine Name that consider unfavored uses of the Divine Name to be especially blasphemous.
The most helpful chapters to most readers in my circles are Chapter 10 (The Tetragrammaton in Vernacular Bibles, Popular Print, and Illustration) and Chapter 11 (The Tetragrammaton and Scholars at the Time of the Protestant and Catholic Reformations).
A search for the Lord's revealed name on bookstore sites will reveal how confusing the internet is to many. These days, almost anyone can write and publish a book. Low-quality no-scholarship titles abound. And too much satanic jewelry. In the desert of respectable scholarship on YHWH, Tetragrammaton: Western Christians and the Hebrew Name of God From the Beginnings to the Seventeenth Century is the book that's out there, available, and worth scholarly study. As of this writing, I have seen this book on sale for less than $245.00.
For laypeople, I recommend Blessed Be His Name: Revealing the Sacred Names of God by Kevin Golden (Concordia Publishing House, 2021).
Given their importance and relevance to many readers, I have a suggestion for the publisher. A new offprint of pages 351-415 could be a very valuable to pastors and scholars on a more modest budget, would be more affordable in paperback, and would provide additional income to the publisher.
Rev. Paul J Cain is Senior Pastor of Immanuel, Sheridan, Wyoming, Headmaster Emeritus and Instructor of Liberal Arts at Martin Luther Grammar School and Immanuel Academy, a member of the Board of Directors of the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education, First Vice-President of the Wyoming District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and Chairman of its Board of Directors, Rhetoric Teacher for Wittenberg Academy, a regent for Luther Classical College, a Director for Steadfast Lutherans and Associate Editor of Curriculum for Steadfast Press, and Editor of Lutheran Book Review. He has served as an LCMS Circuit Visitor, District Worship Chairman, District Evangelism Chairman, District Education Chairman/NLSA Commissioner, and District Secretary. A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Rev. Cain is a contributor to Lutheran Service Book, Lutheranism 101, the LSB Hymnal Companion hymn and liturgy volumes, and is the author of 5 Things You Can Do to Make Our Congregation a Caring Church. He is an occasional guest on KFUO radio. He has previously served Emmanuel, Green River, WY and Trinity, Morrill, NE. Rev. Cain is married to Ann and loves reading and listening to, composing, and making music.
