Hebraic-Believer Position Paper:
THE-NAME/HaSHEM -(The LORD)- YHVH
http://tshuvah.weebly.com/02232012thenameyhvh.html
HaShem or: YHVH – Part I:
As much as we'd all like to "think" we have the proper understanding of this - there is much more to it than you might think...
Yes, many (not all) of the Orthodox will not use YHVH in writing, and in speaking many will say HaShem or Adonai instead. Other Orthodox consider Adonai too Holy to use and say: AdoShem. Sometimes you will see Rabbinic writings using YHVH in both English and Hebrew letters, in religious commentaries and discussions, and sometimes when quoting Scripture or directly discussing Scripture - since YHVH without vowels isn't pronounceable is one consideration. Sometimes they just use "Yod-Hay" without vowels in Hebrew letters for a contraction (which is YAH with the vowels – and is in Scripture). Some Orthodox will write and say Elohim, some others consider it too Holy to say and only say EloKim. Some Messianics believe that one should only use Adonai or HaShem; Other Messianics believe that we are to Reverence His Name - and so believe that by not using It in praise and worship those who refrain are deliberately miss-pronouncing His Name (if you will) in that they are substituting something else where His Name should be used - such as when reading Scripture where it is used in the Text - and thus failing to observe the Commandment/Mitzvah to "Remember" Elohim's Name/YHVH to keep It Holy. Some Messianics will only write YHVH when in Scripture or directly discussing Scripture - but as the writing or conversation approaches the mundane will then say HaShem (or some will then use Adonai) to refrain from taking His Name in vain; and of course most Messianics will be sensitive of this issue when speaking to the Orthodox.
There is much evidence that "The Name"/YHVH of Elohim was used during David's time - and there is some indication that from about Ezra's time on (maybe from somewhat earlier during the captivity) that it ceased to be pronounced except in the Temple. In Talmud it says that It was (came to be?) spoken only once per year during Yom Kippur by the high-Priest/Cohen-hagadol, and that then an angel would then come along and smack the people in the head so they'd forget how it was pronounced.
A very small child may mispronounce the term of endearment "Daddy", but the father is happy to hear his child speak to him in love. I will not come between an earthly child and his father - so neither should we I'd think want to come between the Brethren and their heartfelt respect and love unto YHVH in the use of His Name - whether that manifests in them either speaking, or refraining from speaking, out of love and respect to their Heavenly Father - Romans 14 comes to mind. Arguing in condemnation of the Brethren over another's use or non-use, or their possible miss-pronunciation, of Elohim's Holy Name/YHVH seems to me to be worse than their using It, or not using It, out of devotion. So enough already!
Now: Discussion in love is one thing, where a matter is so important - yet when I see folks leveling condemnation upon one another for their heart felt and careful respect in their personal walk before YHVH in this matter, that is another thing, and grievous.
To further clarify...
There are many things that are dogmatic that need clarification, even by heated exchanges, and especially lf ones dogmatic approach to Scripture in a certain areas approaches violating Doctrine and the weightier matters of the Torah. I think everyone who knows me is aware that I'm one of the first to jump into such discussion when need be. Then there are direct violations of Doctrine and the Mitzvot of Torah which must be addressed immediately and harshly if a more gentle rebuke is dismissed. Yet there are disputable dogmatic matters, that are highly personal, that even though there might be a stronger position in the matter (of course - everyone thinks theirs is the stronger position - who really admits and says: I am the weaker brother!), those are just too personal to go beyond gentle discussion into an 'attack' mode, or condemnation, or ridicule of a Brother, whether they are the 'weaker' brother in these matters or the 'stronger' brother.
Over the many years that I've been a Believer - I've held three positions on this subject of The-Name/YHVH; and each time, I was shown more, until I came to where I am at today; which now: I believe that I've heard more clearly from YHVH on this matter, but it took years of Him speaking to me till it made sense. To use a mundane example: one very small child calls his father Da-Da, the little bit older child calls him Dad. The older then tells the younger: his name is Dad - not Da-Da, the younger then says: No it’s not; then the older responds: yes it is so; and on and on - that is discussion, and that is fine. - But should then the older (or the younger) child then say: I'm offended that you call Dad - "Da-Da", and you are wrong stupid - repent idiot (whatever - you get the picture), now then THEY have become the offender and are themselves an offense! - As they have offended their brother and set up a stumbling block before him. Of all the things that fall into this disputable/dogmatic category that can cause an offense if not discussed in love for the Brethren - this is right up there at the top. Dogmatic you'll say? - Yes, though many will not admit it: There is no dictionary in Tanakh that tells us exactly how to pronounce YHVH. / His Name.
But having said all that, personally, I don't have a problem with people using the Hebrew word "HaShem" (Lit. in Hebrew: TheName); but I do have a problem with someone using Adonai when reading Scripture when it is used to replace YHVH - when YHVH is plainly right there in the Scripture, such as when someone is doing the Torah reading. So at least use HaShem if you feel so led, since you don’t believe you can speak the Name of YHVH; but don't substitute an entirely different word (Adonai or Lord). But even then would I condemn them if they do so, as some are so quick to do? -No- But as led I'd point out the above out to them.) Why do I feel this way? Because it says YHVH ! And because while YHVH Alone is Adonai/(Lord), yet all others who are called with the title adonai (lord) are not YHVH ! - At least when one says HaShem they are acknowledging The-Name/YHVH; but when they say Adonai, when reading or quoting the Scripture directly where is says YHVH, they are not remembering The Name - rather, they are replacing The Name with another word entirely ! And that much should be obvious.
Furthermore - the use of such variants as AdoShem and EloKim is less than about 50 or so years old anyway (HaShem has been used by the Orthodox for a long time though, and of course Adonai for centuries.) Pick up The Agadah To The Babylonian Talmud for example by Rabbi Glick (I think that is where I remember seeing this) and you'll see that the English word Jehovah is used in the Rabbinic Orthodox commentary at times if I'm not mistaken - (It's been a long time since I've looked; but then - you'll even see some Orthodox Jews using Rev. as a title about 100 years ago too, but I digress :-)
Now as was pointed out, we are not to offend someone if avoidable, such as in witnessing to the Orthodox. - Which brings up my conclusion. - Two will argue and say: I'm offended that you (say/don't-say, or pronounce, or pronounce incorrectly) The Name of God. Well I'm offended at both of your offenses! To me what one feels led to do in sincerity and love, as best as they know based upon what they believe Scripture says, in crying out in their heart to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is between themselves and Him – and He will deal with how His children speak to Him Himself. Now, do you have an opinion, even a contentious one, then use Scripture and and by all means share it - but don't hammer it ! - To use another mundane example: This particular subject is to me even more than on the level of my talking about making love to my wife, as far as this being a personal matter between me and YHVH. Now, while I 'might' discuss the subject concerning my wife and I under certain circumstances - I'm sure not going to enter into a contentious argument about it !
So... guess you might just want to think of me as a referee giving a warning - that just perhaps: Entering into bitter arguments with your Brother concerning The Holy Name/YHVH of Elohim might just be bordering on taking The Holy Name/YHVH of Elohim in vain! Maybe Yeshua Messiah did reveal The Name of YHVH to us - when He told us that "God is Love" - for if you speak those vowels into the Tetragrammatan you then will also hear echoed in the Hebrew: "Y`aHaVaH" - "God is love" - think about that for a moment!
Shalom
THE-NAME/HaSHEM -(The LORD)- YHVH – Part II:
While I think discussion on The Name of YHVH {HaShem} and the way It "might" be pronounced is fine - I believe that The Sacred Name of YHVH is too Holy for us as Believers in Messiah to argue over.
One think everyone agrees on (or at least they should) is that the proper way to say the contraction of YHVH is "YAH". All evidence shows that is the case; but...
I've heard some cut-down others for the way they pronounce YHVH (or don't pronounce YHVH) and that is just not right. While there is evidence that it probably is pronounced either one of three different ways as presented by scholars (out of the couple dozen ways or however it could be pronounced!) We still do not absolutely know. And not knowing, (short of possibly ALL the ways being Holy as His Name is Holy), then it is wrong to put down others for how they call on YHVH out of a sincere heart.
For (but one) example...
Many years back, I read and article by a scholar of Hebrew (I was sure it was Prof. Young, but I have since been unable to find the article) Professor Young, author of Young's Concordance and Young's Literal Bible Translation - who is one of the foremost Hebrew scholars in the last 150 years. There are many people/scholars that insist that "Yahweh" is absolutely the correct way to say YHVH; however: Prof. Young proves in his article that saying the Hebrew letter 'vahv' as a 'w' appealing to a "wav" imperative is impossible! - And thus "YahWeh" can't be correct (YahVeh by this criteria at best).
But I also believe that it is wrong to tell folks that they are in error for their sincere worship of YHVH using this form of The Name. And what if it is YahWeh?! Sure sure there is less proof for this specific two sylable form - but there are three forms of YHVH out there that have a very well reasoned argument (to one degree or another) for their usage. (I'm sure that most on here have their favorite) - but it still is not 100% conclusive beyond controversy for any one of the three or so! And I'm not going to take the position that one is in error - and I'm correct, when no one is 100% sure who is correct! Even in: The Scriptures 1998, Institute For Scripture Research (PTY) LTD: Messianic translation of the Holy Scriptures {South Africa http://www.messianic.co.za} they couldn't 100% agree amongst their scholars as to the exact way of rendering It in English - and so just use YHVH in Hebrew letters.
Should we study it, yes, and I'll continue to study the issue myself. - But there are few arguments that could cause as much disunity in the Body of Messiah as this one (and judging by the things I see going on lately...oy!) So let's be careful when we tell others that they're in error - or that the form of YHVH they use is perversion - when the issue is still dogmatic as it is not 100% proven - (except in some folks minds).
Again - there are scholars, Messianic included, on all sides of the issue of about 12 or so of the couple dozen or so ways to pronounce YHVH! It doesn't really matter whether there is the in-the-middle contraction (as in Y'hoshua) or the end (as in Eliyahu) as we still just don't know, because in peoples proper names in Tanakh we only have a contraction! - Add to that that some believe it is probably related to Ehyeh from Exodus - yet we still don't know! -(While I personally like one way and believe it to be right, though perhaps two others are correct)- I have read from Professor Young to bubkis, and the bottom line is: NO ONE is 100% sure! Even the Rabbis state that only Mashiach when He comes (again) will be able to reveal the correct pronunciation of YHVH – perhaps in this case they are right.
But I will offer something to consider... usually the notion is to error on the side of caution - having said that: If one reads the Sacred Texts of Tanakh as they've been handed down from the Massoretic Scribes for the Name of YHVH - then they also can't be in condemnation for doing so. Even that Rabbi's say that it is permissible to read It as such if one doesn't catch oneself in time to stop oneself. - (So here is consideration for those who say YHVH should be pronounced as: Yah'hovah or Yehovah.)- So, did the Massoretic Scribes leave YHVH as It was to be used with vowels, and only "say" it was changed? - Some scholars also think this is so. - But again: Even that being the case, we still don't 100% proof this specific form is correct either (regardless of what some would tell you).
Lately some have been discussing the possibility that perhaps as YHVH is unique and Holy in Hebrew - so then all Hebrew vowels with it are Holy. - And I kind of like this reasoning - perhaps it is so.
One final thought...Some years back I was praying to YAH about this, and asked Him how He felt about those who mispronounce His Name. I believe He told me: Do you get upset when your small grandchild comes to you and says your name incorrectly?... No?...Neither am I upset when My Children speak My Name in love and praise and worship to Me.
But there IS one Biblical poetic form of His Name/YHVH used in Scripture, that I’d guess no one would disagree is correct, and that is: "YAH".
FaceBook URL to this article: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150095837958627
[NOTE: I didn’t get into the correct Name of Messiah in this note/study. – That is a separate issue, as we can determine and know that Yeshua is the correct form from several supportive evidences: Hebrew linguistics, historical and manuscript sources, etc… See below for a link of this subject.]...
NOTE: For a note/links/study on the Name Yeshua/(Jesus), see attached to this photo: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=420117271349122&set=a.101379583222894.3164.100000525582384&&src=https%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash4%2F399050_420117271349122_975953416_n.jpg&size=899%2C659
THE-NAME/HaSHEM -(The LORD)- YHVH
http://tshuvah.weebly.com/02232012thenameyhvh.html
HaShem or: YHVH – Part I:
As much as we'd all like to "think" we have the proper understanding of this - there is much more to it than you might think...
Yes, many (not all) of the Orthodox will not use YHVH in writing, and in speaking many will say HaShem or Adonai instead. Other Orthodox consider Adonai too Holy to use and say: AdoShem. Sometimes you will see Rabbinic writings using YHVH in both English and Hebrew letters, in religious commentaries and discussions, and sometimes when quoting Scripture or directly discussing Scripture - since YHVH without vowels isn't pronounceable is one consideration. Sometimes they just use "Yod-Hay" without vowels in Hebrew letters for a contraction (which is YAH with the vowels – and is in Scripture). Some Orthodox will write and say Elohim, some others consider it too Holy to say and only say EloKim. Some Messianics believe that one should only use Adonai or HaShem; Other Messianics believe that we are to Reverence His Name - and so believe that by not using It in praise and worship those who refrain are deliberately miss-pronouncing His Name (if you will) in that they are substituting something else where His Name should be used - such as when reading Scripture where it is used in the Text - and thus failing to observe the Commandment/Mitzvah to "Remember" Elohim's Name/YHVH to keep It Holy. Some Messianics will only write YHVH when in Scripture or directly discussing Scripture - but as the writing or conversation approaches the mundane will then say HaShem (or some will then use Adonai) to refrain from taking His Name in vain; and of course most Messianics will be sensitive of this issue when speaking to the Orthodox.
There is much evidence that "The Name"/YHVH of Elohim was used during David's time - and there is some indication that from about Ezra's time on (maybe from somewhat earlier during the captivity) that it ceased to be pronounced except in the Temple. In Talmud it says that It was (came to be?) spoken only once per year during Yom Kippur by the high-Priest/Cohen-hagadol, and that then an angel would then come along and smack the people in the head so they'd forget how it was pronounced.
A very small child may mispronounce the term of endearment "Daddy", but the father is happy to hear his child speak to him in love. I will not come between an earthly child and his father - so neither should we I'd think want to come between the Brethren and their heartfelt respect and love unto YHVH in the use of His Name - whether that manifests in them either speaking, or refraining from speaking, out of love and respect to their Heavenly Father - Romans 14 comes to mind. Arguing in condemnation of the Brethren over another's use or non-use, or their possible miss-pronunciation, of Elohim's Holy Name/YHVH seems to me to be worse than their using It, or not using It, out of devotion. So enough already!
Now: Discussion in love is one thing, where a matter is so important - yet when I see folks leveling condemnation upon one another for their heart felt and careful respect in their personal walk before YHVH in this matter, that is another thing, and grievous.
To further clarify...
There are many things that are dogmatic that need clarification, even by heated exchanges, and especially lf ones dogmatic approach to Scripture in a certain areas approaches violating Doctrine and the weightier matters of the Torah. I think everyone who knows me is aware that I'm one of the first to jump into such discussion when need be. Then there are direct violations of Doctrine and the Mitzvot of Torah which must be addressed immediately and harshly if a more gentle rebuke is dismissed. Yet there are disputable dogmatic matters, that are highly personal, that even though there might be a stronger position in the matter (of course - everyone thinks theirs is the stronger position - who really admits and says: I am the weaker brother!), those are just too personal to go beyond gentle discussion into an 'attack' mode, or condemnation, or ridicule of a Brother, whether they are the 'weaker' brother in these matters or the 'stronger' brother.
Over the many years that I've been a Believer - I've held three positions on this subject of The-Name/YHVH; and each time, I was shown more, until I came to where I am at today; which now: I believe that I've heard more clearly from YHVH on this matter, but it took years of Him speaking to me till it made sense. To use a mundane example: one very small child calls his father Da-Da, the little bit older child calls him Dad. The older then tells the younger: his name is Dad - not Da-Da, the younger then says: No it’s not; then the older responds: yes it is so; and on and on - that is discussion, and that is fine. - But should then the older (or the younger) child then say: I'm offended that you call Dad - "Da-Da", and you are wrong stupid - repent idiot (whatever - you get the picture), now then THEY have become the offender and are themselves an offense! - As they have offended their brother and set up a stumbling block before him. Of all the things that fall into this disputable/dogmatic category that can cause an offense if not discussed in love for the Brethren - this is right up there at the top. Dogmatic you'll say? - Yes, though many will not admit it: There is no dictionary in Tanakh that tells us exactly how to pronounce YHVH. / His Name.
But having said all that, personally, I don't have a problem with people using the Hebrew word "HaShem" (Lit. in Hebrew: TheName); but I do have a problem with someone using Adonai when reading Scripture when it is used to replace YHVH - when YHVH is plainly right there in the Scripture, such as when someone is doing the Torah reading. So at least use HaShem if you feel so led, since you don’t believe you can speak the Name of YHVH; but don't substitute an entirely different word (Adonai or Lord). But even then would I condemn them if they do so, as some are so quick to do? -No- But as led I'd point out the above out to them.) Why do I feel this way? Because it says YHVH ! And because while YHVH Alone is Adonai/(Lord), yet all others who are called with the title adonai (lord) are not YHVH ! - At least when one says HaShem they are acknowledging The-Name/YHVH; but when they say Adonai, when reading or quoting the Scripture directly where is says YHVH, they are not remembering The Name - rather, they are replacing The Name with another word entirely ! And that much should be obvious.
Furthermore - the use of such variants as AdoShem and EloKim is less than about 50 or so years old anyway (HaShem has been used by the Orthodox for a long time though, and of course Adonai for centuries.) Pick up The Agadah To The Babylonian Talmud for example by Rabbi Glick (I think that is where I remember seeing this) and you'll see that the English word Jehovah is used in the Rabbinic Orthodox commentary at times if I'm not mistaken - (It's been a long time since I've looked; but then - you'll even see some Orthodox Jews using Rev. as a title about 100 years ago too, but I digress :-)
Now as was pointed out, we are not to offend someone if avoidable, such as in witnessing to the Orthodox. - Which brings up my conclusion. - Two will argue and say: I'm offended that you (say/don't-say, or pronounce, or pronounce incorrectly) The Name of God. Well I'm offended at both of your offenses! To me what one feels led to do in sincerity and love, as best as they know based upon what they believe Scripture says, in crying out in their heart to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is between themselves and Him – and He will deal with how His children speak to Him Himself. Now, do you have an opinion, even a contentious one, then use Scripture and and by all means share it - but don't hammer it ! - To use another mundane example: This particular subject is to me even more than on the level of my talking about making love to my wife, as far as this being a personal matter between me and YHVH. Now, while I 'might' discuss the subject concerning my wife and I under certain circumstances - I'm sure not going to enter into a contentious argument about it !
So... guess you might just want to think of me as a referee giving a warning - that just perhaps: Entering into bitter arguments with your Brother concerning The Holy Name/YHVH of Elohim might just be bordering on taking The Holy Name/YHVH of Elohim in vain! Maybe Yeshua Messiah did reveal The Name of YHVH to us - when He told us that "God is Love" - for if you speak those vowels into the Tetragrammatan you then will also hear echoed in the Hebrew: "Y`aHaVaH" - "God is love" - think about that for a moment!
Shalom
THE-NAME/HaSHEM -(The LORD)- YHVH – Part II:
While I think discussion on The Name of YHVH {HaShem} and the way It "might" be pronounced is fine - I believe that The Sacred Name of YHVH is too Holy for us as Believers in Messiah to argue over.
One think everyone agrees on (or at least they should) is that the proper way to say the contraction of YHVH is "YAH". All evidence shows that is the case; but...
I've heard some cut-down others for the way they pronounce YHVH (or don't pronounce YHVH) and that is just not right. While there is evidence that it probably is pronounced either one of three different ways as presented by scholars (out of the couple dozen ways or however it could be pronounced!) We still do not absolutely know. And not knowing, (short of possibly ALL the ways being Holy as His Name is Holy), then it is wrong to put down others for how they call on YHVH out of a sincere heart.
For (but one) example...
Many years back, I read and article by a scholar of Hebrew (I was sure it was Prof. Young, but I have since been unable to find the article) Professor Young, author of Young's Concordance and Young's Literal Bible Translation - who is one of the foremost Hebrew scholars in the last 150 years. There are many people/scholars that insist that "Yahweh" is absolutely the correct way to say YHVH; however: Prof. Young proves in his article that saying the Hebrew letter 'vahv' as a 'w' appealing to a "wav" imperative is impossible! - And thus "YahWeh" can't be correct (YahVeh by this criteria at best).
But I also believe that it is wrong to tell folks that they are in error for their sincere worship of YHVH using this form of The Name. And what if it is YahWeh?! Sure sure there is less proof for this specific two sylable form - but there are three forms of YHVH out there that have a very well reasoned argument (to one degree or another) for their usage. (I'm sure that most on here have their favorite) - but it still is not 100% conclusive beyond controversy for any one of the three or so! And I'm not going to take the position that one is in error - and I'm correct, when no one is 100% sure who is correct! Even in: The Scriptures 1998, Institute For Scripture Research (PTY) LTD: Messianic translation of the Holy Scriptures {South Africa http://www.messianic.co.za} they couldn't 100% agree amongst their scholars as to the exact way of rendering It in English - and so just use YHVH in Hebrew letters.
Should we study it, yes, and I'll continue to study the issue myself. - But there are few arguments that could cause as much disunity in the Body of Messiah as this one (and judging by the things I see going on lately...oy!) So let's be careful when we tell others that they're in error - or that the form of YHVH they use is perversion - when the issue is still dogmatic as it is not 100% proven - (except in some folks minds).
Again - there are scholars, Messianic included, on all sides of the issue of about 12 or so of the couple dozen or so ways to pronounce YHVH! It doesn't really matter whether there is the in-the-middle contraction (as in Y'hoshua) or the end (as in Eliyahu) as we still just don't know, because in peoples proper names in Tanakh we only have a contraction! - Add to that that some believe it is probably related to Ehyeh from Exodus - yet we still don't know! -(While I personally like one way and believe it to be right, though perhaps two others are correct)- I have read from Professor Young to bubkis, and the bottom line is: NO ONE is 100% sure! Even the Rabbis state that only Mashiach when He comes (again) will be able to reveal the correct pronunciation of YHVH – perhaps in this case they are right.
But I will offer something to consider... usually the notion is to error on the side of caution - having said that: If one reads the Sacred Texts of Tanakh as they've been handed down from the Massoretic Scribes for the Name of YHVH - then they also can't be in condemnation for doing so. Even that Rabbi's say that it is permissible to read It as such if one doesn't catch oneself in time to stop oneself. - (So here is consideration for those who say YHVH should be pronounced as: Yah'hovah or Yehovah.)- So, did the Massoretic Scribes leave YHVH as It was to be used with vowels, and only "say" it was changed? - Some scholars also think this is so. - But again: Even that being the case, we still don't 100% proof this specific form is correct either (regardless of what some would tell you).
Lately some have been discussing the possibility that perhaps as YHVH is unique and Holy in Hebrew - so then all Hebrew vowels with it are Holy. - And I kind of like this reasoning - perhaps it is so.
One final thought...Some years back I was praying to YAH about this, and asked Him how He felt about those who mispronounce His Name. I believe He told me: Do you get upset when your small grandchild comes to you and says your name incorrectly?... No?...Neither am I upset when My Children speak My Name in love and praise and worship to Me.
But there IS one Biblical poetic form of His Name/YHVH used in Scripture, that I’d guess no one would disagree is correct, and that is: "YAH".
FaceBook URL to this article: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150095837958627
[NOTE: I didn’t get into the correct Name of Messiah in this note/study. – That is a separate issue, as we can determine and know that Yeshua is the correct form from several supportive evidences: Hebrew linguistics, historical and manuscript sources, etc… See below for a link of this subject.]...
NOTE: For a note/links/study on the Name Yeshua/(Jesus), see attached to this photo: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=420117271349122&set=a.101379583222894.3164.100000525582384&&src=https%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash4%2F399050_420117271349122_975953416_n.jpg&size=899%2C659
RSS Feed
