PEOPLE'S COMMENTS on the NAME JEHOVAH, WITH ANSWERS

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This page contains the comments which Jehovah's witnesses and other people have sent to the Bible College concerning our Bible Study on the name Jehovah, with answers. In each case the sender has given permission for their comments to be posted here for others to see. In some cases we have made minor grammatical corrections such as punctuation, use of capitals, spelling corrections etc., but as far as possible we have not altered the meaning of what they have said in any way. If the original writer of the comment has any objections, please contact us. We have tried to add some honest answers to their comments, so we have inserted answer numbers after their comments for reference. For example: when you come to a (1) in the comment, you can see the answer to that point that has been stated under (1) in the answers. Thank you to all those who have written to us.

Comment 1

I believe the fact that you say that there is no way that Jehovah is God's name has false teaching. Yes the translation of "YHWH" from the Hebrew language is "JHVH" (1) and because the Hebrew language does not contain vowels and only consonants the name Jehovah translation, rather than other religions who completely removed the name of God from any of there bibles. The name "Yahweh" carries the meaning "he causes to become" as pointed out in the bible, but "Jehovah" as a name carries the exact same meaning, which is the point of the name, (2) not how it is said, but the fact that this meaning of the name is very, very important we are as Christians and followers of God meant to use his name. As the bible says "Draw close to God and he will draw close to you", can you really get close to someone if you addressed them as Lord, King or Your Majesty and never actually personally used their name. (3) Also many people have heard the use of the word Hallelujah, well this is actually two words from the Hebrew language "Hallelu" meaning "Praise" and "Jah" is the shortening of the name "Jehovah", before you distribute your opinions you must find all facts regarding this. (4)
Mr. H from Australia 21/7/2009.

Answers 1

(1) JHVH does not come from the Hebrew language as there is no letter J in that language. According to Jehovah's Witnesses own literature it comes from the Latin, [AID TO BIBLE UNDERSTANDING 1971 Watchtower and Bible Tract Society p885] where the Y sound comes from a letter that looks like our letter J. In Latin it was pronounced as a Y, but when it was taken from Latin to English they retained the letter J instead of returning to a Y, which is what they should have done. If it had been transliterated from Hebrew into English it would have been done as a letter Y because both languages have that letter which both sound the same and it would have been wrong to change it.
(2) If "Yahweh" was the original in Hebrew as you seem to accept, then why not "Yahweh" in English? My name is Roy in English. When I go to foreign countries they call me Roy, they do not try to twist my name into something else to suit their language and call me by that. If they call me Ron or Ray, I correct them because that is not my name; they are somebody else's names. So why try to change God's original name into something else. Many people refer to God as Yahweh in English; is that wrong? See also Question 8 (1) and Answers 8 (1). How can "Jehovah" have the same meaning as "Yahweh" when it is a different name. "Jehovah" was made up by putting the vowels of "Adonai" into the Tetragrammaton, which Hebrew experts (I have quoted 3 in my study) say is an impossible form. It is therefore not the original name.
(3) Jesus' disciples called him Lord and got close to him. Jesus got extremely close to his Father by calling him "Father", so why did he not use the name Jehovah? For a real child of God, "Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." (Galatians 4:6). Notice, "Father, Father" not "Jehovah, Jehovah!" Abba is Aramaic for father.
(4) I must point you back to my first comment. "Jah" does not come from the Hebrew; the letter J does not exist in that language. The Hebrew word is "Yah".
Roy. 22/7/2009

Comment 2

This is a one sided site ... we knew that this is opposed to Jehovah's witnesses beliefs. (1)
You as a person has a name ... but you're just a creation. How come that God's real name doesn't matter when we are praying????? ... knowing that HE is a CREATOR? (2)
Another thing is about what you have said in New testament that Jesus said to pray to the Father ... but that's serve as a model prayer and not exactly we are going to pray to the Father. (3)
Another point is that how we would be able to communicate with the Father when we didn't even know his name ... there's a lot of Fathers especially there's a lot of God's ... have you realized that ... another thing. (4)
Mr. A from Philippines 22/7/2009.

Answers 2

(1) I am not opposed to all Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs. I agree with you about not celebrating Christmas or birthdays (See proof), that we should preach about the second coming of Jesus. See proof. I agree we should not go to war, lie, steal, covet, and many other things. I only disagree where I believe you are wrong, and the name Jehovah is one of those places where I disagree with you.
(2) Then why didn't it matter to Jesus, who never used that name, but always addressed God as his "Father" if it is so important. He taught his disciples to address God as their Father (Matthew 6:9, Luke 11:1-2, John 16:23-27). Why isn't that good enough for you?
(3) Jesus said, "When you pray, say, Our Father ... " (Luke 11:2). This is how he told us to address God and it is plain New Testament teaching.
(4) If Jesus and the New Testament apostles could do it without using his name then where is the problem? I don't remember my son ever calling me by my first name, it was always "Dad" or something similar. My real name has been used by many who didn't have a real relationship with me. Concerning God, the term "Father" expresses relationship. Yes, there are lots of false God's, but only one is my spiritual Father. This is what Jesus said, "And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, who is in heaven." (Matthew 23:9). "God has sent the Spirit of his son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." (Galatians 4:6). If you were born again, as Jesus said you must be (John 3:7), this would not be a problem to you.
Roy, 22/7/2009.

Comment 3

It is interesting that you condemn the name "Jehovah" without providing a better alternative. As you pointed out, the actual pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton is lost due to the Hebrew form of consonant writing only. A more accurate pronunciation would probably be "Yahweh" or a form of that. (1) Why is it that you say Jesus instead of the his actual name in Hebrew of Yeshua? (2) We speak English, and the pronunciation of Jehovah and Jesus will vary language by language. It is still far more important to use the names of both in our language, because it helps us to develop a personal relationship to our Creator, and his qualities which is the main thing. I believe you are knit-picking over minor technicalities. We all know the actual pronunciation is lost. The titles of Lord, God, Father are just that, titles. We use the name to develop a close relationship with the Creator, learn his qualities, and try to serve him the best we can. (3) Also, when Jesus or his apostles read from the Hebrew books of Isaiah and others, do you not think he would have read the name as written there? (4)
Mr. L, from USA 27/7/2009.

Answers 3

(1) I agree "Yahweh" is a far more likely pronunciation than "Jehovah", so why don't you use that instead. I have now been able to prove "Yahweh" to my own satisfaction.
(2) Some say it is Yeshua, some say it is Yehoshua, and some say it is Yashua. Which is right? In Greek we have the name written down as ἰησοῦς (Gtr. yesous) (Matthew 1:16, 3:13 etc.). In the Latin it is written "Jesus" which is where our English name probably comes from, although in Latin it would sound like "Yesus". The name Jesus is not then a made up name like the name Jehovah, it is just copied from one language to another, although it is pronounced slightly different from the Greek.
(3) What can show a closer relationship than a son calling his father, "Father" or "Dad". I don't know any children who call their father by their real name. My son never did it with me. Jesus spoke to his father many times with the opportunity to use his name, but always addressed him as "Father" in scripture. This was an example for all the sons of God. Nobody ever had a closer relationship with God the Father than Jesus. I suggest you follow his example.
(4) Actually we have a quote of Jesus reading from Isaiah where he read, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor," (Luke 4:18). This is a quotation of, "The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor." (Isaiah 61:1). Here the Hebrew for "Lord GOD" is "adonai YHWH" and the Hebrew word for "LORD" is "YHWH". The Greek equivalent used for "Lord GOD" in Luke is "kuriou", which means "Lord". Now why didn't Jesus read both words? Either he left out YHWH altogether, or he left out "adonai" and substituted "kurios" for YHWH. He also refused to quote God's name YHWH a second time, and used the word "he" instead. Jesus refused to say God's name in Matthew 4:7 where he is quoting Deuteronomy 6:16 and YHWH was used. Also in Matthew 4:10 he refused to use God's name again where he is quoting Deuteronomy 6:13 and 10:20, where again YHWH is used. Again in Matthew 23:39 he had opportunity to use God's name when quoting Psalm 118:26 but used "kurios" instead. Why did Jesus continually refuse to use God's name when he had the opportunity if it was so important to use the name? These New Testament quotations are inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), so whichever way you look at it he had the opportunity to pronounce the name and he didn't do it. If saying God's actual name was not important to Jesus, then why should it be so important to you?
Roy, 27/7/2009. Updated 12/10/2009.

Comment 4

I have learned from the Bible, study aids, my churches, history books, ministers, Muslims, and Jehovah's Witnesses that the English usage of none of the persons names in the Bible are correct in English, so that being the case why are you guys so focused on Jehovah being used as God's name? (1) Jesus isn't the right pronunciation either but when you accepted Christ what name did you use? Gentiles are not Hebrew speaking so it stands to reason since the Gospel had to be preached to all nations God knew that pronunciation would not be a factor. (2) Us all coming together and teaching one thing is what's more important.(3) World wide in 2009 how many people pronounce Yahweh and Yashua verses Jehovah and Jesus? (Isaiah 54:13; Micah 4:2; John 17.11; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Tim 1:3). Thank you for the definitions.
Mr. F. 27/7/2009.

Answer 4

(1) The bible says, "You shall not take the name of YHWH your God in vain." (Exodus 20:7), therefore the name does carry more importance than other people's names, and there is a judgment for breaking this commandment. Would you be insulted if someone made up a name for you and instead of calling you "Fredrick" they called you "Frograck" or something?
(2) I admit a slight variation in pronunciation from one language to another may not be a problem. In Greek we have the name written down as ἰησοῦς (Gtr. yesous) (Matthew 1:16, 3:13 etc.). In the Latin it is written "Jesus" which is where our English name probably comes from, although in Latin it would sound like "Yesus". The name Jesus is not then a made up name like the name Jehovah; it has not had the vowels of another word put into it to make it into another name. Jesus is just copied from one language to another, although it is pronounced slightly different from the Greek.
(3) I agree that God's true people coming together and teaching the same thing is important, but unity in error is the Devil's plan not God's. If you really want to serve God you must confess truth not error.
Roy, 28/7/2009.

Comment 5

I don't like religious debates. However, most religions teach that God and Jesus are the same. If so, then why the debate of God's name. It is, or is it not Jesus. Is Jehovah just a title? We know who Jesus is and his name. Is YHVH/YHWH the translation of Jesus' name?
Ms. M, from USA 27/7/2009.

Answer 5

It is true that Jesus Christ was "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). He was "God manifest in the flesh" (1 Timothy 3:16). However God has many names in the Old Testament; I suggest you take a look here and see proof.
Roy, 28/7/2009.

Comment 6

Jehovah's Witnesses are true and real ... we are the true one and only religion ... those who condemn us shall be punished by God Jehovah.
"The truth" 28/7/2009.

Answer 6

I do not doubt the sincerity of Jehovah's Witnesses as I have spoken to many of them. However, just believing that you are right is no guarantee that you are right as the scripture teaches:

(Proverbs 12:15) "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes:"
(Proverbs 14:12; 16:25) "There is a way that seems right to a man; but the end of it are the ways of death."
(Proverbs 16:2) "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes;"
(Proverbs 21:2) "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes:"

You really need to be born again by the Spirit of God to know the real truth (John 3:3-7).
Roy, 28/7/2009.

Comment 7

Is it the reason that Jesus was murdered by the Jews is that he was using his fathers name ( Jehovah or Yahweh ) the elders and the scribes did not like that so they accused him of Blasphemy and killed him. (1) I could of sworn that Jesus commanded us to make his fathers name known. (2)
Mr. L, from Texas USA 31/7/2009

Answers 7

(1) The reason they tried to stone Jesus (John 10:25-33) is given like this:

(John 10:33) "For a good work we do not stone you, but for blasphemy, and because you, being a man, make yourself God."

This was because he claimed to be the son of God as he did also in another place:

(John 5:18) "Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was his Father, making himself equal with God."

By claiming to be the son of God and saying things like, "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30), the Jews understood that he was claiming equality with God. Also in another place they claimed he blasphemed for forgiving a man's sins, which only God could do (Mark 2:5-7). However, Jesus did not blaspheme and his words were true.
(2) Jesus did of course make God's name known to people (John 17:6, 17:26), but the name has more than one meaning and does not always refer to a literal name. It can mean "authority" and it can mean "character". Jesus could do nothing of his own self (John 5:19; 5:30; 8:28), but spoke only what the Father told him to say (John 3:34; 8:28; 12:50; 14:10; 17:8), and did only what the Father showed him to do (John 5:36; 9:4; 17:4). In this way he manifested God's name (character and authority) to everybody. We can also make God's name known in the same way as Jesus did by speaking only the Fathers words (Isaiah 59:21) and doing the same works that Jesus did (John 14:12).
Roy, 31/7/2009.

Comment 8

I am surprised that you quarrel about the proper pronunciation of God's name when you admit you do not know the right pronunciation. I am also surprised you will not accept a variation of your name when visiting a country that does not speak your language. A name is for the purpose of identification and there is nothing wrong in the use of any form of the person's name. We are told in the Bible that Dorcas and Tabitha mean the same thing and I believe she may not have disapproved the use of Tabitha in place of Dorcas by some people. (1) God's name means "He causes to become" and Jehovah, Yahweh, Yahowah or any other form of it conveys the same meaning. (2) The important thing is to use the name, although you seem to think otherwise. Your explanation of your acceptance of Jesus but not Jehovah is not satisfactory when both names were not used by ancient Hebrews. Actually Jehovah's Witnesses use all these names depending on where they may live on the planet. So it is not as if we are averse to the use of Yahweh for that too is his name. Many Bible names are pronounced quite differently from the original way they were pronounced in ancient times, yet that hasn't made the use wrong today. Jeremiah is one good example. And your answer to that is that that of God is different because he said his name should not be used in vain. I am truly surprised at your understanding of what using something in vain means. It amused me the way you were trying to explain Jesus statement about making his father's name known and manifest to the people he gave him. Of course that your understanding is very very wrong. (3)
The book of Daniel mentions a people with insight who will come at the time of the end and who will shine like the brightness of the expanse and bring many to righteousness. These people are here and just as Isaiah prophesied they will learn war no more. You said you agree with these people on the matters of neutrality in nations' warfare. That is good. But what is your believe regarding trinity, immortality of the human soul, hell fire and the likes-teachings that emanate from pagan antiquities and are not supported by the bible? If you believe in any of these I doubt if you would ever have insight about God's name. (4)
If you accept that we are in what the bible refers to as last days, then you must agree with me that true Christians should be around the globe today as people from all nations and tongues and tribes. Ask yourself this question: Are people of your brand of Christianity around the globe preaching the good news about God's Kingdom? The answer is no because over here in Nigeria I am yet to see one of your members for those I meet, although they believe like you in trinity and hell fire go all out to slaughter other humans in war. (5)
Dr. G. from Nigeria 1/8/2009.

Answers 8

(1) I appreciate that you have based you argument on a biblical example. Thank you for that. My understanding is that her name was Tabitha in Hebrew, which means a deer or a gazelle or something similar. A deer or a gazelle in Greek would be Dorcas, so this was a translation of meaning. Now if you do this with my name, in English it would be Roy, in Hebrew it would be Melek, in Greek it would be Basileus, and in Latin it would be Rex. I would not accept these different names in different countries, but the important question is, "How do they transfer names from one language to another in the bible and in reality?"
Take the name Abraham in English, in Latin it is Abraham, in Greek it is Abraam (Greek does not allow the "h" sound in the middle of a word), and in Hebrew it is Avraham (the "v" sound comes from the letter Beth (ב) which is also pronounced like a "b" with a Daghesh dot in it). Now Abraham means "father of many nations" (or something similar) in Hebrew. So have they translated "father of many nations" into Greek and Latin and English to get his name in those languages? The answer is no. They have simply transferred the letters of the name from one language to the other, allowing for slight changes in pronunciation because of language differences.
Now look at the name David in English. In Latin it is David, in Greek it is Dabid (Greek has no equivalent for a "v" or a "w" so they substituted another letter), in Hebrew it is David, or Dawid, depending how you choose to pronounce the letter Vav (ו). Now have they taken the meaning of his name, "beloved", and then translated this meaning into these other languages to get his name in those languages? The answer is again no. They have just transferred the letters of the name as best they can from one language into another language, and in many cases it sounds the same.
Now in Acts 9:36 it tells us that her name was Tabitha, and if you translate the meaning of that name into Greek you get Dorcas. Now she is called Dorcas in verse 39, but the New Testament was written in Greek, which may be why they recorded this information there. It may be that she was part Jewish and part Greek which is why they have recorded the two names like this, but I cannot say for certain.
However, is this translating the meaning of a name into another language where the name Jehovah comes from? The answer is no. Your own literature tells us that the vowels of Adonai were placed under the consonants YHWH to make up the name, and that it was first recorded by a Spanish Dominican Monk named Raymundus Martini in 1270 a.d. (AID TO BIBLE UNDERSTANDING 1971 Watchtower and Bible Tract Society p884-885). Now before this thing was done the name Jehovah would be unknown in any language.
(2) How can "Jehovah" have the same meaning as "Yahweh" when it is a different name. "Jehovah" was made up by putting the vowels of "Adonai" into the tetragrammaton, which Hebrew experts (I have quoted 3 in my study) say is an impossible form. I do not know anyone in the bible who had multiple names which all had the same meaning. Could you show me some biblical examples please? If Yahweh is God's name in English then Jehovah and all others are not. If Jehovah were God's name in English then Yahweh and all others would not be. Which is the right one? How should we pronounce the original YHWH? Even your own literature says:

"Since certainty of pronunciation is not now attainable, there seems to be no reason for abandoning in English the well-known form "Jehovah" in favor of some other suggested pronunciation."
(AID TO BIBLE UNDERSTANDING 1971 Watchtower and Bible Tract Society p885).

Jehovah has been shown to be a made up name. If your reason for keeping it is because in English, Jehovah is "a well-known form", then it is nothing more than a man made tradition which has been established for many centuries. If that is your basis of truth then why do you not accept the Trinity and Christmas, for they are also man made traditions, which are more well known, and have been established for many more centuries?
(3) A man's ignorance should not amuse a man of God. Did you read the article? If not I suggest you read it now. If you can show me anywhere in the New Testament where Jesus spoke his Father's literal name I would appreciate it.
(4) I do not believe in the Trinity, and what I believe about Hell comes from these scriptures (Matthew 13:40-42, 13:49-50, 25:41, 25:46, Mark 9:43-48, Revelation 14:9-12, 19:2-3, 19:20, 20:10, 20:15, 21:18). I do not read Pagan antiquities.
(5) Elijah thought that he was the last prophet of God alive (1 kings 19:14). What was God's response? "Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal," (1 Kings 19:18). God has his people all over the world, although they may not be known to you and me. However, to enter God's kingdom you must be born again (John 3:3-7). I suggest you reverence these words of Jesus More than the words of the Watchtower. Doing that is your only hope of being part of it. I don't believe in the Trinity or killing people.
Roy, 2/8/2009.

Comment 9

Let us say that the name Jehovah is not the true name of God. What is the name? What is the correct translation for the name of God? (1)
As per my understanding the word father is not a name it is a title. Because if you read Joel 2:32, one text in the bible telling how important the name is, and one situation in the bible history how important the name is you can find and read it in Exodus 3:11-17. My way of understanding we can call father in spiritual way if we have one belief. How about the others who have other beliefs? Based on Matthew 28:19-20 how you teach and introduce God (if you don't know the name) to the others who have other beliefs, 1 Corinthians 8:5-6? My way of thinking when I preaching the name Jehovah I'm not miss-follow the one written on Exodus 20:7, because when I'm preaching the Jehovah name of God I have a good intention. (2)
For your comment with my comment and question you are freely to send me email. One more thing like I wrote upside (at the top) of this letter one of the many written on holy bible (Joel 2:32). Kindly give me verse where I can find that there is no problem to not use the name of God. (3)
Mr. C. from the Philippines, 2/8/2009.

Answers 9

(1) At this point in time I do not know anyone who really knows the Old Testament pronunciation of YHWH, but is certainly is not Jehovah. We know that Jehovah is a made up name.
(2) Good intentions are not an excuse for doing something wrong. Read Romans 3:7, 7:14-24, you will still be judged for it. Where did anyone ever preach the name Jehovah in the New Testament? Nowhere! Everywhere in the New Testament the name that they preached was Jesus Christ (Acts 4:2, 8:5, 8:12, 8:35, 11:20, 17:18, 19:13, Romans 16:25; 1 Corinthians 15:12; 2 Corinthians 11:4, Philippians 1:18). Become a New Testament Christian and start preaching Jesus! Jesus is the name that you need to introduce people to, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12).
(3) Joel 2:32 says, "And it shall come to pass that Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved". In Old Testament times people began to call on the name of the LORD very soon after the fall of Man (Genesis 4:26). This was not a problem because Eve knew how to say it (Genesis 4:1), but towards the end of the Old Testament the name became lost through lack of use. Is that a problem to us in the New Testament? No, because we are told whose name to call upon.

(Acts 7:59) "And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on the Lord and saying, Lord Jesus receive my spirit."

Now the New World Translation of Jehovah's Witnesses have perverted this scripture by changing "he was calling on" to "he made appeal", but if you look in their Interlinear it translates "calling upon". Stephen was calling on the name of Jesus Christ, not Jehovah.

(Acts 9:14) "And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name."

Here Ananias was speaking to Jesus because he told Saul that Jesus had sent him (Acts 9:17), so New Testament Christians were calling on the name of Jesus.

(1 Corinthians 1:2) "To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours."

Now the New World Translation has not hidden the truth here that New Testament Christians were calling on the name of Jesus Christ, but where it says that those who were sanctified were "in Christ Jesus" it has added words to read "in union with Christ Jesus" without any manuscript authority. They have not even indicated that these are added words, but their interlinear shows that the words "union with" are not in the Greek. This is done in many other places in the NWT also without manuscript authority. There is one more scripture which says that people called on the Father (1 Peter 1:17). Now if you want to call on the name of the Lord, use the name of Jesus Christ like the New Testament Christians did, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12). Nobody in the New Testament ever called on the name Jehovah!
Roy, 2/8/2009.

Comment 10

Hello my brother from another mother, just wanted to comment about Yahweh's name usage. I was raised Catholic but due to hypocrisy turned away from that religion. I have studied with Jehovah's witnesses over a period of years and am satisfied our heavenly creators name Jehovah is appropriate to use in this day and age. It seems you consider yourself to be extremely wise and are content to go through life calling upon God, and Lord and anything else other than our heavenly name, just like our forefathers have done for generations. To which God do you address your prayers to? Baal? Isis? Hercules? Satan? (1) When your child is in a big crowd and calls to dad how many dads take note? (2) The vast array of gods mankind has bowed his head and prayed to over the last 6000 years must truly affect the heart of our creator. How does our heavenly father know you are talking to him? (3) He has a name that identifies him as you do, as I do, as we all do, why are you so bent on turning people away from using our creators name? (4) Our creator loves you my brother as I'm sure you love him, remove the veil Satan has draped in front of you my friend and may Jehovah's will be done in your life, in the name of our heavenly king Jesus the Christ, our Savior and Jehovah's first born of all creation, peace to you.
Mr. D, New Zealand 8/8/2009.

Answers 10

(1) Jesus taught his disciples to address God as their Father (Matthew 6:9, Luke 11:1-2, John 16:23-27). Jesus said, "When you pray, say, Our Father ... " (Luke 11:2). This is how he told us to address God and it is plain New Testament teaching. I simply follow the instructions of Jesus. Why isn't that good enough for you?
(2) I think any father who had a close loving relationship with his son would recognise his own son's voice.
(3) My God is omniscient, he knows everything.
(4) I believe that Jehovah is a false name for God, and that it is an insult to make up a name for him, which is what has been done. So I am turning people away from a false name, not a true name.
Roy, 11/8/2009.

Comment 11

When Christ taught us how to pray, he said: Our father who are in heaven, Holy be your NAME .... question is what is your NAME? So that means Jesus wants us to sanctify God's name, a priority on all our prayers. (1) The English word Jehovah has been used many centuries ago. (Iehovah, Geova, Iova, Yahoua, etc. ... Jah or Yah is a short name for English Jehovah). (2) Your article is good but has no good conclusion. It just get back to where you started. (3) I Hope you can have a good article about the real God's name.
That is very important for us humans living here on earth to call that holy name that we can directly get in touch with him especially in these troubled times. (4) Thanks for your good effort & good research.
Mr. S, Philippines, 8/8/2009.

Answers 11

(1) Did Jesus sanctify God's name when he was on the earth? I believe he did, but it was not by calling him Jehovah, or by teaching his disciples to call God Jehovah.
(2) The fact that it has been used for a number of centuries does not make it right.
(3) I believe that it has highlighted a definite error, and that gives people an opportunity to correct themselves.
(4) Jesus taught us how to pray and get in touch with God, but it was not by calling him by a made up name (Matthew 6:9, Luke 11:1-2, John 16:23-27). Why don't you just call him "Father"?
Roy, 11/8/2009.

Comment 12

I'm a Sunday school teacher in our church and this will be a great topic for our Sunday school lessons. I will make a copies of this and give to my students for them to study so they know how to rebut or answer Jehovah's witnesses. Because JW's are so active proclaiming that Jehovah is the father and the name of God.
Mr. D, Canada 9/8/2009.

Comment 13

I have read your comments with interest and agree with many of your stated arguments, however, I wish to add a point of clarification. While it is true that no one can know HOW to pronounce God's name for the reasons stated, neither can we know how to pronounce the name of Jesus for that also is definitely NOT his name. (1) The nearest we could say it in English would be YESHUA yet whenever the name of Jesus is mentioned, the whole world KNOWS who we mean. Therefore it seems to me that as GOD knows WHO we mean when praying to him, the important thing is to USE whatever the accepted name is in whatever language we speak. (2) This applies to other Biblical names as well such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, thus to be politically correct we would have to CHANGE almost every other name in the Bible. The apostles and early fathers certainly knew how to pronounce God's personal name but they are not here to tell us. (3) Satan too knows how to pronounce it but although he IS still here with us to this day, HE won't tell us what it is either, therefore surely it is better to use the accepted name and title of all Biblical characters. At least that way, everyone knows WHO we are speaking about. (4)
Mr. B, Australia, 10/8/2009.

Answers 13

(1) In Greek we have the name written down as ἰησοῦς (Gtr. yesous) (Matthew 1:16, 3:13 etc.). In the Latin it is written "Jesus" which is where our English name probably comes from, although in Latin it would sound like "Yesus". The name Jesus is not then a made up name like the name Jehovah, it is just copied from one language to another, although it is pronounced slightly different from the Greek.
(2) Let us suppose that some Satanic cult decided to make up a name for God and call him "Micky Mouse", so that within their organisation the name Micky Mouse would be well known, and everyone would know who it was referring to. Now if you as a Christian were witnessing to these people, and you realised that they used the name Micky Mouse for God, would you start to use it when talking to them, and accept that Micky Mouse was the best name for God just because it was in common use and everyone knew who it referred to? What mockery would that be to God? If you would not accept that, then why accept some Spanish monk named Raymundus Martini making up the name Jehovah and start using that?
(3) Did they really know? I would like to see your proof, for in the whole of the New Testament it is never recorded once. We have no record that Jesus or the Apostles ever used it. Actually we have a quote of Jesus reading from Isaiah where he read, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor," (Luke 4:18). This is a quotation of, "The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor." (Isaiah 61:1). Here the Hebrew for "Lord GOD" is "adonai YHWH" and the Hebrew word for "LORD" is "YHWH". The Greek equivalent used for "Lord GOD" in Luke is "kuriou", which means "Lord". Now why didn't Jesus read both words? Either he left out YHWH altogether, or he left out "adonai" and substituted "kurios" for YHWH. He also refused to quote God's name YHWH a second time, and used the word "he" instead. Jesus refused to say God's name in Matthew 4:7 where he is quoting Deuteronomy 6:16 and YHWH was used. Also in Matthew 4:10 he refused to use God's name again where he is quoting Deuteronomy 6:13 and 10:20, where again YHWH is used. Again in Matthew 23:39 he had opportunity to use God's name when quoting Psalm 118:26 but used "kurios" instead. Why did Jesus continually refuse to use God's name when he had the opportunity if it was so important to use the name? These New Testament quotations are inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), so whichever way you look at it he had the opportunity to pronounce the name and he didn't do it. If saying God's actual name was not important to Jesus, then why should it be so important to you?
(4) When referring to dead people who we never speak to I don't think it is so important. When referring to the living God, who we do speak to, and who is worthy of all reverence and praise, then we should not call him by invented names.
Roy, 12/8/2009. Updated 12/10/2009.

Comment 14

I have encountered a number of different sects within the Christian Community. All of them spout how there's is the one true religion. In particular the Jehovah's Witnesses, mainly because my boyfriend is or was one. His mother is constantly telling me how it is the right religion, because they worship God (Jehovah) and don't consider Jesus to be God but rather the son of God, unlike some other religions. Now I have encountered that type of Christian who never mentions God but rather his son; which is a good thing but out of its boundaries. I have met some who believe in the "trinity". I have read the bible backwards and forward and personally have not come across any trinity (as it is called). Yes there is the Father, the son and the holy spirit, but I digress. The reason I am typing is because I wanted to thank you for giving me clarity on my gut feelings. Sometimes when we seek answers we have the weakness to fall for the first thing that comes along and we believe it is the correct answer and not just on the list of answers to choose from. My future mother in law puts so much emphasis on how it is the way to be that I needed to listen to my own mind and research. God did say use wisdom in all things right?
Ms. G, USA, 11/8/2009.

Answers 14

I agree you ought to research, for God says, "Ask and it shall be given you, seek and you shall find;" (Matthew 7:7). If you wonder who to ask, try this; "If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men liberally and it shall be given him," (James 1:5). If you ask God (not the Watchtower) for wisdom and truth, and seek for it through the scriptures (Proverbs 2:1-9), then I believe that he will truly bless you.
Roy 12/8/2009.

Comment 15

I don't understand your point against the one true gods name. Do you want witnesses to be known as Yehweh's Witnesses? (1) You mentioned you address god as father. And you acknowledge YEHWEH as Gods name. Do you ever address God as YEHWEH AND IF SO WHEN? (2) I must also ask about how I read on your site, how using the name JEHOVAH is using gods name in vain? Are you saying his name shouldn't be used, or kept in the dark or,-all whom witness and announce the coming of the one true gods' kingdom,-do you want them to not specify at all,-as to who's name is to be sanctified? -and if you were to say.-the LABEL OR TITLE as the father, as to be that one who is to have his name sanctified. THEN SURELY YOU MUST SPECIFY THE ONE BY NAME, AS WHO IS TO BE SANCTIFIED. (3) I PERSONALLY, as one of Jehovah's witnesses, wouldn't have a problem as to be called one of Yahweh's OR JEHOVAH'S witnesses as they both CAUSE people TO BECOME aware of the truth about our heavenly father. (4) And, one of those truths is that god does have a name. I HOPE THAT OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN GETS HIS NAME, WETHER IT BE- YEHWEH OR JEHOVAH, SANCTIFIED, not only on Earth as it is in heaven, but in [your] heart as well! I certainly do appreciate your sense of need for accuracy to be rightly applied to our heavenly fathers name. You obviously take in knowledge from the bible. I ALSO KNOW that my NEEDS thru prayer have been met when our heavenly fathers name - JEHOVAH is used, and my voice goes unheard as if god never knew me, when I don't use God's name! PLEASE PRAY USING YEHWEH OR JEHOVAH about this matter, so you TOO, can move on. (5) A person with your energy, should help to sanctify and let the NAME OF YEHWEH BE KNOWN,AND IF WE ARE IMPERFECT IN OUR TRANSLATIONS, I'M SURE THEN HE WILL JUDGE US ALL BY THE HEART.- AND YOUR SUGGESTING THAT A WITNESS uses GOD'S name in vain WHEN USING THE NAME JEHOVAH. --YOU must see the vanity in trying to slander ANY form of the almighty's name, (6) or Question his sovereignty while the rest of us, including YOU! SHOULD! finish God's work thru the ministry THAT YEHWEY'S SON STARTED. --WHY WASTE THE VERY VERY SHORT TIME LEFT ON A TRANSLATION, WHEN WE KNOW THE IDENTITY OR DEITY TO BE ONE AND THE SAME. --LAST EXAMPLE, --HOW ABOUT THE NAME, SPELLING, & TRANSLATION OF JESUS AND DEJESUS (DEHASUSE) ALTHOUGH SPELLED AND SPOKEN DIFFERENTLY WE KNOW THESE AS ONE AND THE SAME. (7)
SINCERLY- "DAVID" ONE OF YEHWEHS', JEHOVAH'S WITNESS's.
David 16/9/2009.

Answers 15

(1) No. Why don't you become Jesus' Witnesses? It was always Jesus that people were called to witness for in the New Testament. Jesus said, "But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses for me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8). See also Acts 2:32, 5:32, 10:39, 13:31. Where was anybody ever called a "Jehovah's Witness" in the New Testament church?
(2) No, never.
(3) So I ask why did Jesus or the apostles never use that name in communication with each other or when praying? Jesus did of course make God's name known to people (John 17:6, 17:26), but the name has more than one meaning and does not always refer to a literal name. It can mean "authority" and it can mean "character".
(4) Jesus made more truth known about his heavenly Father than anyone who has ever lived, but never is it recorded in the New Testament that he ever used the Name. In fact he avoided using it: see Answers 13 (3).
(5) I have heard testimony of people getting answers to prayer when praying to Mary and other false Gods. It doesn't prove God's name. See Ezekiel 14:1-5. Jesus got all his prayers answered but never used his name (John 11:42).
(6) How can I be slandering God's name, when JEHOVAH is a false name for God, and I am just telling people that it is not God's name?
(7) This has already been answered, see Answers 3 (2).
Roy 27/10/2009

Comment 16

When we pray we pray to the one that we know, who knows we mean the prayer to him, so me calling him Jehovah or even life giver, he know we mean him. Because I call him Jah or another name isn't what matters. You pick on one point. Just say what makes you feel right. I feel right saying Jehovah.
MS 7/12/2009

Answers 16

In the Satanic literature it outlines the Devil's golden rule.

"Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law .... there is no law beyond do what thou wilt."
The Book of the Law (Page 13) by Satanist Aleister Crowley

Your attitude towards how you address God in prayer seems to follow this Satanic rule. I am sure Moses felt right when he struck the rock in Numbers 20, but it cost him his life. David also probably felt right when he moved the Ark of God on an ox cart instead of the priests carrying in on poles through the golden hoops (1Chronicles 13), but Uzzah died for his error. Examples are numerous in scripture of similar things. My encouragement to you is to base how you address God and what you do on what the word of God says, particularly the New Testament, and not on what feels good. Get a better bible translation, the NWT contains many errors.
Roy 10/12/2009

Comment 17

Good research on the subject. I would rather we focus on important things. I can deduce from your article that you appear to be a sincere seeker of truth. We must however acknowledge that we cannot understand every minute technical detail about God, but our faith based on solid evidence causes us to continue treading the Christian path. It's needless to throw stones on a fruitless tree. I wish to call your attention to the fact that Jesus' primary mission on earth was to give his perfect life on behalf of mankind as a ransom, and to preach the good news of God's kingdom, and not to give orders that people should be born again. (1) Jehovah's Witnesses are renowned for heralding that coming kingdom worldwide and I believe that's where we should focus-imitating Christ and nothing less. (2)
Bamenda 17/2/2010

Answers 17

(1) Nobody can give people orders to be born again, it is a sovereign act of God. However Jesus did say that we should be born again:

(John 3:3) "Most truly I say to you, Unless anyone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."
(John 3:5) "Most truly I say to you, Unless anyone is born from water and spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
(John 3:7) "Do not marvel because I told you, You people must be born again."

Now I have quoted the New World Translation here, and Jesus made it very clear that people must be born again. When Jehovah's witnesses say that we do not have to be born again they deny the word of God and Jesus Christ. No Jehovah's Witness has ever been able to show me a scripture that "born again" is only for 144,000. The problem is that they reverence the words of the Watchtower more than the word of God, and that makes the Watchtower their God. Jesus said:

(Matthew 24:35) "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away."
(John 12:48) "The word that I have spoken is what will judge him in the last day."

So Jesus' words will not pass away, and they will judge everyone in the last day. If you are not born again you cannot be saved.

(2) I agree that we should focus on imitating Christ, and nothing less, but Jehovah's Witnesses do not do that. Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, and preached the truth. Jehovah's Witnesses do none of these. Jesus listed signs that would follow true believers:

(Mark 16:17-18) "These signs will accompany those believing. By the use of my name they will expel demons, they will speak with tongues, and with their hands they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing it will not hurt them at all. They will lay their hands upon sick persons, and these will become well."
(John 14:12) "Most truly I say to you, He that exercises faith in me, that one also will do the works that I do, and he will do works greater than these, because I am going my way to the Father."

Now let me remind you that Jesus' words will not pass away, and what he said will judge you in the last day. None of these signs follow Jehovah's Witnesses because they reverence the words of the Watchtower more than the words of Jesus. Let me give you some good advice; lay aside the teachings of the Watchtower and study THE BIBLE ONLY. God bless you.
Roy 18/2/2010

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