โ Jehovah: The Sacred Name in Judaic Tradition
Definition and Etymology: ‘Jehovah’ (Heb. โืึฐืึนืึธืโ) is a Latinized form of the Hebrew name for God, represented in Hebrew script as the Tetragrammaton ืืืื (YHWH). The precise pronunciation of Yahweh / Jehovah has been lost to history due to Jewish tradition avoiding its vocalization and using “Adonai” (meaning “Lord”) or “Elohim” (meaning “God”) instead.
Background and Cultural Context: ‘Jehovah’ appears frequently in the Old Testament, but Jews traditionally refrained from saying it aloud due to its sacredness. This practice probably stems from an interpretative reading of Leviticus 24:16, leading to a reverence that verged on superstition. The vowel points of ‘Adonai’ were often added to YHWH, creating the hybridized ‘Jehovah.’
โจ Trivia:
- The LXX (Septuagint), the Greek translation of Hebrew scriptures, translated YHWH to ‘ฮฯฯฮนฮฟฯ’ (Kyrios), meaning ‘Lord.’
- The Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible by St. Jerome, similarly used ‘Dominus.’
Quotations:
“He that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall surely be put to death.” โ Leviticus 24:16
๐น Allah: The Divine Name in Islamic Tradition
Definition and Etymology: ‘Allah’ (Arabic: ุงููู), translates to “The God,” and is derived from ‘al-Ilah,’ where ‘Ilah’ means ‘god’ and ‘al’ is the definite article. ‘Allah’ is the name used exclusively in Islam to refer to the One God and highlights the concept of monotheism inherent in Islam.
Background and Theological Significance: The Qur’an emphasizes Allahโs attributes as among the greatest names, known as ‘Asma ul-Husna’ (The Beautiful Names of Allah). Specific names such as Al-Hayy (The Ever-Living) and Al-Qayyum (The Self-Subsisting) reflect similar reverence in terms of God’s eternal and self-sustaining nature, echoing attributes seen in the Judaic tradition.
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Asma ul-Husna: The 99 Beautiful Names of Allah, each describing distinct attributes of God.
- Ismu l-Aโzam: The Greatest Name, said to carry immense power and known only to the Prophets and God.
Cultural Similarities and Differences:
- Both Judaism and Islam uphold the concept of one true God, avoiding direct anthropomorphic depictions.
- ‘Jehovah’ is unique to the Hebrew Bible, whereas ‘Allah’ has a profound unifying role for Muslims worldwide.
โจ Trivia:
- Some scholars have found parallels between the Hebrew invocation ‘Yahweh’ and the Sufi chant ‘Ya Hu!’ (O He), suggesting a mystical connection.
Quotations:
“Allah, there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.” โ Qur’an 2:255
Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Study
- “The Names of God in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: A Basis for Interfaith Dialogue” by David B. Burrell.
- “The Etymology and Usage of the Name Allah” by Arthur Jeffery.
- “The Tetragrammaton and Sacred Names: A Hebrew and Greek Lexicographical Study” by M. Reisel.
Inspirational Farewell
Strengthen your spiritual tapestry by weaving through the sacred names of the Divine. Understand how languages, cultures, and beliefs unite us under one roof of reverence and awe for the transcendent. The insights garnered from these traditions enlighten our shared journey towards the eternal.
