David P. Larsen

This question is really one of whether we live by the Spirit or by technically by the Law. Paul mentions this in Romans. "But now we have been released from the law, since we have died to what held us, so that we may serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old letter of the law". Romans 7:6 (HCSB) 

The quick answer is No, we don't have to. Although the proper Names for God the Father and Jesus are in the original Hebrew, 'YHWH' and 'Yeshua', Scripture nowhere emphasizes that we are required to use the proper Hebraic forms of God's ('G-ds') Name. 

Actually in the Law the Hebrews were not to even utter the 'name' of God, that is YHWH. There is even some debate as to what letters are even to be added to YHWH to be able to pronounce it. It was referred to as the "unspeakable' Name of God, and for some to even try violated the 3rd commandment.

"Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses His name." Exodus 20:7 (HCSB) 

This commandment. As with many admonitions in Scripture are intended for us to have awe and respect for God, thus the abundance of verses about the 'fear of the Lord'. It is important for us to know who God is and thus submit and honor Him. This is part of what it means to truly believe. 
Not just believe He exists, but to believe and act in who is is in His character, "You believe that God is one; you do well. The demons also believe—and they shudder." James 2:19 (HCSB) 

There are many languages in the world today and most of them pronounce words and names differently. Although using the Hebraic Names may be a good way to honor God, we should not require others to do something that is not clearly taught in Scripture. God knows our hearts, and we should concentrate on Loving Him and Others as Jesus taught.


“What is written in the law?” He asked him. “How do you read it?” He answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. “You’ve answered correctly,” He told him. “Do this and you will live.” Luke 10:26-28 (HCSB) 

"But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him: The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked." 1 John 2:5-6 (HCSB)

September 07 2014 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Vincent Mercado Supporter Skeptic turned believer, Catholic, father of 3

If you are a Jew and you speak Hebrew, then calling Jesus "Yeshua" and God "Yahweh" will come naturally. However, for most of us who speak English, and not Hebrew, "Jesus" and "God" is enough. There is no rule that requires us to call Jesus "Yeshua" and God "Yahweh".

September 08 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeanine Schaefer animal advocate & culinary mad scientist

While "Yeshua" and "Yahweh" are both fine and correct names for Jesus and God, Most scholars will agree that the Hebrew name for Jesus is the name spelled yod-shin-vav-ayin. The way it appears in English will depend on the method of transliteration. Some will write Yeshua, others will write Y'shua. These are simply attempts at writing in the English language a word that, when pronounced, will sound like you are reading it in the Hebrew. It has a specific meaning, salvation.Other names that have been suggested have different meanings. For example, Joshua, or Yehoshua, means God saves. However, none describe Him as clearly as Yeshua.

There is no correct Hebrew name for God. He calls Himself, "Asher eh-h'yeh asher." I am that which I am. The tetragrammaton, the four-letter Name that is used in the Scripture, is yod-hey-vav-hey. It has no vowels, and therefor cannot be pronounced. Words like Jehovah are attempts to put vowels into the tetragrammaton. However, there is no "J" in Hebrew, so that cannot be a real Hebrew name.

I know my father's name. But whether I know his name or not, it is not a name that I use. I address him as dad. I don't even use it when talking to other people who know him. I say, "My father," or "my dad." And the other people do, too. "Your father."It is, in fact, more intimate to call them by their relational names than by their given names. It is the same thing with our Father in heaven.

There is no need to call Him by His name, even if we knew exactly how to say it. That is why in Judaism the term Adonai is used. It means Lord, or my Lord. Orthodox Judaism replaces the tetragrammaton with the word Hashem, which simply means "the name." No attempt at pronunciation would ever be made. In fact, there are those who go so far as to avoid even certain Hebrew words, for fear of getting too disresepectful. The Hebrew word eloheynu means our God. There are those who will pronounce the word as elokeynu in order to avoid any disrespect. While this degree of caution may be considered excessive, the intent behind it is nonetheless completely valid. 

There are MANY other names for Jesus and God in the Bible, but ultimately, which name you use is up to you and how you choose to reverence God. Being formal, intimate, or using a name for it's particular meaning or somewhere in-between is all fine.

However, Jesus and God (and the Holy Spirit) ARE one. John 10:30 "I and the Father are one", John 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am."

March 13 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report