Dear Divine, What Is Your Name?

Exodus 3:13-15

What’s in a name? Some people have names that have a specific meaning. Others are family names that have been passed down over generations and have come to carry certain expectations. 

 

Here in the Bible, we find many examples of names and their meanings. Some of these names are easy enough for our minds and mouths to manage. And some – not so much. Like the one in Genesis 41:45, and the one in Isaiah 8:1,3. There’s also that one in Judges 3:8-10. There are also numerous names that are changed to give new meaning to the name bearer. For example, God changed Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Saul to Paul, etc. Names are important.

 

I've been thinking through some names for God and their meaning. The account about of the burning bush in the passage can be seen as a theological conundrum and I love theological conundrums! Moses is out of his depth and is looking for a way out. The task he is being given is so heavy that he knows that he will need to bulk up his resume. So, he asks God (WE call God, God). “Who should I say, sent me?” God does away with a lengthy discussion and tersely responds with the tetragrammaton. God does that in at least two other occasions. Once with Jacob when he asks the divine messenger for a name. The response is evasive, "Why do you ask my name?" Similarly, when Manoah asks the angel of the Lord, "What is your name?" The reply is: "Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding." 

God’s name is a 4-letter word. I once heard a holy roller declare, "God's name is not a four-letter word!" (Meaning something else of course 😅) Well! Newsflash! God's name IS a four-letter word 👀 יהוה =YHWH/YHVH = "I Am That I Am". This ambiguity underscores the idea that God's name transcends human language and understanding. 

It is the original unpronounceable name, made pronounceable much later when the Masorite scribes added vowel points. (Is that even allowed?) It feels disrespectful and much like calling someone outside of their name. Interesting, but that is another topic altogether! 

 

Many names affect the way someone perceives the name-bearer, or even the way they perceive themselves. It is a well-known fact that because of certain perceptions, some people get overlooked for jobs and other opportunities because of their names. This unjust and often conscious bias perpetuates stereotypes and creates unnecessary barriers to understanding and empathy. Think about the name that God offered up and how it reflects on the injustice of judging someone's character based on their name. It's always something with people. 

Names carry immense cultural, familial, and personal significance. They are not mere identifiers but are deeply intertwined with one's heritage, beliefs, and history. In these not-yet-united-with-Christ states, many individuals from diverse backgrounds find themselves subjected to judgment, mispronunciation, or even ridicule because their names are perceived as different or "difficult."

Every culture has its own unique naming conventions, often rooted in ancient traditions and languages. What might seem unusual or complex to one person may be perfectly normal and meaningful to another. It is crucial to recognize and respect this diversity in names, as it contributes to the richness of our global tapestry.

When we judge someone based on the spelling or pronunciation of their name, we engage in a form of unconscious bias. This bias can affect how we perceive a person's abilities, intelligence, or trustworthiness, often without any basis in reality. Such judgments hinder genuine connections and contribute to discrimination and prejudice. It is likely that that's the plan all along. 

The unpronounceable name of God serves as a lesson in humility. It reminds us that, as finite beings, we cannot fully comprehend the full nature of God. It encourages us to approach matters of faith and scriptural interpretation with awe, reverence, and openness, rather than attempting to confine God within the limitations of human language and doctrines. 

#NamingGod #tetragrammaton #YHWH #sacredname