Picture His Name
Picture His Name
God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” (Exod. 3:14)
Say the Name
When God revealed Himself at the burning bush, He said Moses was to call Him YHVH, which our English translates as “I AM.” These four Hebrew letters sound like “Yode-Hey-Vav-Hey.” Today, it is rarely pronounced by Orthodox Jews for fear they might use it casually. But Christians aren’t afraid to call on the name of “Yahweh” or “Lord.”
Ancient letters such as Egyptian hieroglyphics, the Chinese alphabet, and Hebrew letters were little pictures or symbols that represented an idea. They were “ideograms”—like the symbols for male, female, or disabled that you might see in various public places. When you look at the “picture meanings” for the Hebrew letters YHVH, God’s plan for the world comes into sharp focus.
See the Name
Yode is a small letter that is also the symbol for “hand.” Hey looks like an open window and represents the idea of “look” or “behold.” Vav looks like and refers to a hook, nail, or peg. Ancient Hebrews might not have understood the significance of these symbols, but Christians are brought to yet another point of devotion as we consider the name of God.
Symbolically speaking, the holy name of God, YHVH, can be translated as “Behold, the hand. Behold, the nail.” Behold, the Savior of the world who died for you. God’s name spells love.
Bottom Line
When we take God’s name in vain, we mock His work to redeem us through the cross.