What Is God's Name? - WHAT THE NAME REVEALS

The name uniquely identifies God.  Many scholars conclude that the name Jehovah means "He Causes to Become."  Jehovah God gave insight into the meaning of his name when he referred to himself with these words to Moses:  "I Will Become What I Chose To Become."  (Exodus 3:14)   God's name thus conveys more than his role as the Creator who causes all things to come into existence.  His name expresses his ability to cause himself  as well as his creation to become whatever is needed to achieve his purpose.  While titles may describe God's position, authority, or power, it is only his name, Jehovah, that embodies all that he is and can become.

The name reveals God's interest in us.  The meaning of God's name implies his ongoing attachment to his creation, which includes us.  Moreover, the fact that God has made his name known indicates that he wants us to know him.  After all, he took the initiative to tell us his name before we even knew to ask for it. Clearly, God wants us to view him, not as some vague and distant deity, but as a real Person, we can draw close to. -PSALM 73:28. 

Using God's name reveals our interest in him.  To illustrate, you may ask someone you hope to befriend to call you by your name. How would you feel if that person persistently  refused to use your name?  In time you would likely wonder whether that person really wanted to be close to you. So it goes with God.  Jehovah has told mankind his name, and he encourages us to use. When we do, we show Jehovah that we want to get close to him. Why, he even notices "those meditating on  [or, "treasuring,"] his name"! -MALACHI 3:16.

Learning his name is the vital first step in knowing him. But we must not stop there. We need to discover the Person behind his name.  We need to learn what he is like. 

Next time: What Is God's Name? -WHERE DID GOD COME FROM?

From the jw.org publications