Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell? Proverbs 30:4 (RSB)
The Sacred Names of the Heavenly Father and of His Son are important! And as we see here, the author of this Proverb asks for the “name” of the Father and of the son, singular each time. I was inspired to write this article by Almighty Father Yahweh my Elohim, by posts that I have observed on social media and by a Scripture I just read this morning from Isaiah: “Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I.” (Isaiah 52:6 RSB)
Here are some statements I have seen on social media (these are paraphrases of some ideas I have seen floating round):
“I don’t want to argue about names, all names are ok, it’s not a salvation issue.”
“He has many names.”
“He knows my heart, He knows who I mean.”
“The true pronunciation of the Father’s name was lost.”
Now, let’s see what Yahweh says about these ideas.
Joel 2:32: “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of Yahweh shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as Yahweh hath said, and in the remnant whom Yahweh shall call.” (RSB)
Joel 2:32: “It will happen that whoever will call on Yahweh’s name shall be saved; for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape, as Yahweh has said, and among the remnant, those whom Yahweh calls.” (WEB)
And as we see in Revelation, the name of Yahweh is a mark given to His elect. (Revelation 14:1)
So, it seems that we are told the name we are to call on for salvation, and that same name will be on the foreheads of the elect.
Does it matter to our Heavenly Father what we call Him? Does He have many names?
Let’s see what Yahweh says of His own name: “I am Yahweh. That is my name. I will not give my glory to another, nor my praise to engraved images.” (Isaiah 42:8 WEB) If our Heavenly Father says His name is Yahweh, then that is it and no other pronunciation or spelling of the Heavenly Father’s Name (ex. other vowels inserted within the consonants YHWH, a transliteration of the Hebrew letters yod-hey-waw-hey) is acceptable or correct. This Scripture makes it clear what His name is, and nowhere does He say that we can call Him whatever name we want to or feel in our hearts. Notice again the word “name” in this Scripture. The word “name” in Hebrew is “shem” which is Strong’s Number 8034, meaning name, an appellation, as a mark, memorial of individuality, honor, authority, character. For more information see https://biblehub.com/hebrew/8034.htm
Is the pronunciation of the Father’s Name lost?
Here is some evidence:
-From archaeology, we have ancient writings from other cultures that did have written vowels: https://armstronginstitute.org/768-the-soleb-inscription-earliest-discovered-use-of-the-name-
yahweh
-From scholars: https://yrm.org/scholars-attest-to-the-royal-name-yahweh/
-From Hebrew Gospels, who published series on YouTube (see series “The True Pronunciation of YHWH, the Creator’s Name” and “Is ‘Yehovah’ the true pronunciation of the Creator’s Name?”)
-From Jews who have been in Israel for generations and support the pronunciation “Yahweh.” https://yrm.org/jews-and-yahweh/
Based on all this evidence, we see the statement that “we do not know the original pronunciation of the Heavenly Father’s Name “Yahweh”” is not true.
“…and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell?” (from Proverbs 30:4)
The name of the Son is Yahshua, (note that “salvation” is mentioned) as we see in the following Scriptures:
Matthew 1:21: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name YAHSHUA: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (RSB)
Acts 4:10-12: “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Yahshua Messiah of Nazareth, whom ye impaled, whom Yahweh raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. … Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (RSB)
For more information on how we know the names of Yahweh and Yahshua, you can see articles under the Sacred Names Studies tab on the YRM website.
If someone uses an erroneous name, is this something that needs correction?
Since we know the correct Sacred Names, then yes, I believe we can correct those who use erroneous names. In addition, Yahweh’s Word says to give correction.
2Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of Yahweh, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of Elohim may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (RSB)
Of course, we do need to keep in mind that we need to operate by Fruits of the Spirit, the first of which is love (Galatians 5:22-23) and to keep our communications with each other gracious (Proverbs 15:1; Colossians 4:6). So, while correction is acceptable, we can give loving correction that puts away falseness and gives edification (Ephesians 4:25-29).
In summary, we see that Scriptures tell us the name of the Father is Yahweh and the Son is Yahshua. The word “name” is used, as in singular, not names. These names are important for salvation. The pronunciation of the Heavenly Father’s Name has been preserved. We have evidence for both the Father’s name, Yahweh, and the Son’s name, Yahshua. If someone uses an erroneous name, we can give loving correction and edification as needed.
It seems the responsibility for teaching and correcting others does not solely lie with ordained Elders. Based on a conversation I had with a dear brother in the faith, I agree that a good read about responsibilities of those who lead a flock as well as sheep (members) of the flock (remembering that Yahweh will judge everyone) is found in Ezekiel 34.
A personal note …
I am convicted and firmly believe in calling on, knowing, and proclaiming the true Sacred Names of our Heavenly Father Yahweh and His Son Yahshua, because Yahweh and Yahshua don’t compromise on this, as we see in the Scriptures.
Because of love for Yahweh and His Son Yahshua, and love for His Word, and knowing the promise of His Kingdom to come, I try my best to spread seeds like we read about in the Parable of the Sower, and to do my part to carry out the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20 as commanded by Yahshua. I know others do as well, and may Yahweh lead us and guide our steps as we do this, through Yahshua Messiah.
My hope is that these efforts will help more people come to walk on the narrow path that leads to salvation, following the steps of Yahshua Messiah who taught His Father’s Name (John 17:26), lived by His Word (John 15:10), and left us an example to follow (1Peter 2:21).