Dictionary of Bible Themes – 1235 God, the Lord
Resources chevron-right Dictionary of Bible Themes chevron-right 1000 God chevron-right 1200 God, titles and descriptions of chevron-right 1205 God, titles and names of chevron-right 1235 God, the Lord
1235 God, the Lord

1235 God, the Lord

The translation of the Hebrew name “Yahweh” which is the personal name of God whose meaning was revealed to Moses. It emphasises that God is the one who is eternal, unique, unchangeable and always actively present with his people. It expresses God’s role as Israel’s Redeemer and covenant Lord.

The name of God, the Lord

The Lord is the personal name of God Isa 42:8 “The Lord” is the NIV rendering of the Hebrew “Yahweh”.

The name’s meaning Ex 3:14-15 This forms part of God’s explanation of who he is. “I Am” (in Hebrew closely resembling “Yahweh”) expresses the ever-present, unchanging, totally dependable character of God.

The name is revealed to Moses Ex 6:2-3 The name had been used previously (e.g., Ge 4:26) but its meaning was not fully understood until God revealed it to Moses in the context of the exodus from Egypt.

The name is glorious and awesome Dt 28:58-59 See also Jos 7:9; 1Sa 12:22

The name is not to be misused Ex 20:7 pp Dt 5:11 The misuse referred to here is swearing falsely by God’s name. See also Lev 19:12; Lev 24:11,15-16 The Jews came to believe that just uttering the name “Yahweh” was an offence and as a result its exact pronunciation has been lost. What merited the death penalty here was using God’s name as a curse.

God’s character is revealed by his name the Lord

He is unique Ex 8:10; Dt 4:35,39; 1Ki 8:60; Isa 45:5,18; Joel 2:27

He is eternal Ge 21:33; Ps 9:7; Ps 29:10; Ps 102:12; Ps 135:13; Isa 26:4

He is holy Lev 11:44; 1Sa 2:2; Ps 30:4; Isa 43:15

He is powerful Ex 15:6; Jos 22:22; Ps 93:4; Jer 10:6

He is majestic Ps 83:18; Ps 93:1; Ps 97:9; Isa 2:10,19,21; Mic 5:4

He is compassionate and gracious Ex 34:6-7; Ps 103:8; Ps 145:8-9

He is faithful and true Ps 145:13

He is unchangeable Ps 33:11; Ps 110:4; Mal 3:6

He is actively present with his people Dt 31:6; Jos 1:9; 1Ki 8:57; Hag 1:13

God reveals the relevance of his name the Lord by his actions

In creation Jer 33:2 See also Isa 42:5; Isa 43:15 “The Lord” is Creator of the universe but also the Creator of the people Israel; Isa 45:18 Human beings are the purpose of God’s creation; they know God as “the Lord”.

In the deliverance of his people from Egypt Ex 6:6 Deliverance is a central concept in the revelation of the divine name. See also Ex 12:51; Ex 14:30; Ex 16:6; Ex 20:2; Lev 26:13; Ps 81:10

In establishing a covenant with his people Ex 6:7 See also Ex 29:46; 2Sa 7:24 pp 1Ch 17:22; Jer 14:9

In the judgment of his enemies Ex 12:12 See also Ex 7:5; Ex 8:22-23; 1Sa 17:45-47; 2Ch 14:11-13

In the restoration of his people Eze 36:36 See also Ps 102:15-22; Isa 60:15-22; Eze 37:6,13-14 The theme “then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord” (with slight variations) runs throughout the book of Ezekiel and is connected to divine acts of judgment and restoration.

God, the Lord denotes God’s lordship

He is the Sovereign Lord Eze 2:4 “Sovereign Lord” is the NIV rendering of “Adonai Yahweh”, the favourite divine title in Ezekiel. See also Ge 15:2,8; Dt 3:24; Jos 7:7; Jdg 6:22; 2Sa 7:18-29; Ps 73:28; Isa 61:1; Jer 1:6; Am 1:8

He is the Lord Almighty 1Sa 1:3 “The Lord Almighty” is the NIV rendering of “Yahweh Sabaoth” (“the Lord of hosts”) which emphasises the sovereignty of “the Lord”. See also 1Ch 11:9; Ps 24:10; Ps 46:7,11; Isa 2:12; Jer 39:16; Hag 2:6-9; Zec 1:3-4,6; Mal 1:14

He is the Lord, the Lord Almighty Isa 1:24 “The Lord, the Lord Almighty” is the NIV rendering of “Adonai Yahweh Sabaoth” which is often associated with the Lord’s authority to rule and to judge. See also Ps 69:6; Isa 3:15; Isa 19:4; Jer 2:19; Jer 46:10; Jer 49:5; Am 9:5

As the Lord, God interacts with his people

He enforces the moral code Lev 18:1-5 The phrase “I am the Lord” occurs over 40 times in Leviticus chapters 18-26 and is the authority behind the moral law given to God’s people. See also Lev 11:44-45; Lev 19:2

He makes his people holy Lev 22:32 See also Ex 31:13; Lev 20:8; Lev 21:8; Eze 20:12; Eze 37:28

He is the object of his people’s worship Ex 4:22-23 The purpose of Israel’s redemption from Egypt was that they would be free to worship the Lord. See also Ex 12:31; Ex 23:25; 1Ch 16:29 pp Ps 96:9; Ps 29:2; Ps 99:5; Ps 100:2; Jnh 1:9

Jesus Christ takes God’s name to himself

Jn 8:58-59 The form of expression used by Jesus Christ meant that he was clearly identifying himself with the divine name “I Am”. The response of the crowd confirms this.

See also

1035God, faithfulness
1130God, sovereignty
1165God, unique
1205God, titles of
1230God, the Lord
1325God, the Creator
1345covenant
2018Christ, divinity
5394lordship
7160servants of the Lord
9220day of the Lord

Bible Gateway Recommends

Useful Dictionary of Derived Words - eBook
Useful Dictionary of Derived Words - eBook
Retail: $5.99
Our Price: $4.79
Save: $1.20 (20%)
Children's Dictionary
Children's Dictionary
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $8.99
Save: $4.00 (31%)
Useful Dictionary of Verbs with Prepositions - eBook
Useful Dictionary of Verbs with Prepositions - eBook
Retail: $5.99
Our Price: $4.79
Save: $1.20 (20%)
Flourish: Devotions for a Well-Tended Heart
Flourish: Devotions for a Well-Tended Heart
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $6.49
Save: $3.50 (35%)
Useful Verbs and Tenses - eBook
Useful Verbs and Tenses - eBook
Retail: $5.99
Our Price: $4.79
Save: $1.20 (20%)
Crossword Companion - eBook
Crossword Companion - eBook
Retail: $5.99
Our Price: $4.79
Save: $1.20 (20%)