What does YHWH (the LORD) mean?
Quick answer
YHWH is the covenant name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush. It comes from the Hebrew verb "to be" and is connected to "I AM WHO I AM" — God’s declaration of his self-existence, eternal nature, and faithful presence.
Exodus 3:14 — "God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’" This is the name that names everything else.
YHWH is also called the Tetragrammaton (four letters). Jews historically have not pronounced it aloud out of reverence.
In Jesus’ "I am" sayings, he claims this name for himself. To say "I am the bread of life" is to wear YHWH’s name.
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Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.