Jehovah’s Witnesses are best known for going door-to-door to share their faith and distribute literature. You likely have seen them in your community from time to time. But why do they refer to God as Jehovah? Here are some quick answers:
- They believe Jehovah is God’s name revealed in the Bible
- The name Jehovah distinguishes the true God from false gods
- Using God’s name is a sign of respect and a way to give him glory
In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at why Jehovah’s Witnesses use this distinctive name for God. We’ll examine their history, beliefs, and practices to understand where this tradition comes from.
History of the Name Jehovah
Jehovah’s Witnesses trace their origins back to the late 19th century. A small group of Bible students in Pennsylvania began meeting to study the scriptures. They were led by Charles Taze Russell, who later founded the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in 1884. This organization would become the entity overseeing Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide today.
These early Bible students put great emphasis on using God’s name. They believed the name had been removed from mainstream Bible translations and needed to be restored. In their view, removing God’s distinctive name diminished his importance.
In the Hebrew Old Testament, God’s name is represented by four consonants called the Tetragrammaton: YHWH or JHVH. Bible scholars eventually developed the name Jehovah based on those consonants and vowel markings. While we don’t know for certain how God’s name was originally pronounced, Jehovah’s Witnesses view Jehovah as the best rendering.
Key Dates
| 1884 | Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society founded |
| 1931 | “Jehovah’s Witnesses” adopted as official name |
| 1950 | New World Translation completed using Jehovah throughout |
So while the name Jehovah has a long history, it took on special importance for those early Bible students who believed they were restoring true Christianity. Their preaching work and Bible translation solidified the name in the religion we know today.
Jehovah in the Bible
Jehovah’s Witnesses point to several passages that convince them Jehovah is the name of God that should be used. Here are some key examples:
The Tetragrammaton in the Hebrew Scriptures
The four Hebrew consonants (YHWH) representing God’s name appear nearly 7,000 times in ancient Bible manuscripts. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe God would not have inspired these writings if he did not want his name known and used. The removal of that name in translations is seen as a serious issue.
Bible Verses About God’s Name
- “I am Jehovah. That is my name.” (Isaiah 42:8)
- “This is my name forever.” (Exodus 3:15)
- “Let them know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” (Psalm 83:18)
These and other verses reinforce for Jehovah’s Witnesses that God places great importance on his name and commanded it to be used.
Jesus’ Name Includes God’s Name
Jehovah’s Witnesses point out that the name Jesus contains the name Yah/Jah, a shortened form of Yahweh/Jehovah. They believe this links Jesus closely to Jehovah God.
The Divine Name in the New World Translation
In 1950, Jehovah’s Witnesses released their own Bible translation called the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. A key feature of this translation is its use of God’s name. The translators inserted the name Jehovah into the New Testament, even though no Hebrew manuscripts contain the Tetragrammaton there.
Jehovah’s Witnesses maintain that there is evidence the New Testament writers would have used God’s name if they had written in Hebrew. The New World Translation restores the divine name in the places where the writers likely would have used it. For example, the New World Translation renders Jesus’ words at John 12:28 as:
“Father, glorify your name.” Therefore, a voice came out of heaven: “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.”
Other modern translations typically say “glorify your name” or “glorify it” without using the name Jehovah.
Excerpts from New World Translation Using Divine Name
| Matthew 6:9 | “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified.” |
| Acts 2:21 | “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” |
| Romans 10:13 | “For “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” |
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe restoring the divine name clarifies Bible truths and gives God his rightful place of importance.
The Significance of God’s Name for Jehovah’s Witnesses
For Jehovah’s Witnesses, using God’s name is much more than a matter of accurate translation. His name represents his identity and place in the universe. Here are some key beliefs behind their use of the name:
Identity
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe God’s name identifies him as the Creator and rightful Sovereign of the universe. It distinguishes him from all false gods. Using his name allows humans to know the true God.
Relationship
Calling on God’s name in prayer strengthens a person’s bond with him. Jehovah draws close to those who draw close to him by using his name.
Salvation
Only those who call on the name of Jehovah will receive salvation. His name is linked to the hope of eternal life in paradise on earth.
Worship
Using God’s distinctive name is an important aspect of worship. It gives him proper honor and recognition.
Conclusion
Jehovah’s Witnesses use the divine name Jehovah based on their understanding of historical preservation and translation of that name in the Bible. More importantly, they feel using God’s distinctive name allows humans to know the true God, draw closer to him in worship, and receive the blessings of salvation. The name Jehovah is central to their identity and relationship with God. By promoting the use of God’s name worldwide, Jehovah’s Witnesses feel they are giving him the honor and glory that rightly belong to him.