The Names of Yahweh
Discover nine biblical names and descriptions of Yahweh, their Hebrew meanings, Scripture references, and how they reveal the character of our heavenly Father.
Yahweh Nissi
Meaning: The LORD Is My Banner
Hebrew transliteration: Yahweh Nissi
Original pronunciation guide: Nee See
After Israel fought Amalek, Moses built an altar and named it in recognition of Yahweh’s help. The banner recalls who stood with Israel in that battle.
Pray: Thank the Father for a time he helped you, and ask for courage to depend on him in the struggle before you.
Yahweh Shammah
Meaning: The LORD Is There
Hebrew transliteration: Yahweh Shammah
Original pronunciation guide: Shah Mah
Ezekiel closes his vision of restored Israel by giving the city a name that celebrates Yahweh’s presence among his people.
Pray: When you feel alone, tell the Father where you long for his presence and thank him for drawing near.
Yahweh Yireh
Meaning: The LORD Will Provide
Hebrew transliteration: Yahweh Yireh
Original pronunciation guide: Year Ray
Abraham offered the ram caught in the thicket in place of Isaac and named the place for Yahweh’s provision. The Hebrew verb is related to seeing; in this story Yahweh sees the need and provides.
Pray: Name a need before the Father and ask him to help you trust that he sees it and will provide as he knows best.
Yahweh Shalom
Meaning: The LORD Is Peace
Hebrew transliteration: Yahweh Shalom
After Yahweh reassured a frightened Gideon that he would live, Gideon built an altar and named it for the peace Yahweh had spoken to him.
Pray: Tell the Father what frightens you and ask for peace as you take your next step.
Yahweh Raah
Meaning: The LORD Is My Shepherd
Hebrew transliteration: Yahweh ro‘i
Original transliteration: Yahweh Raah
Original pronunciation guide: Raa (like "at")
The psalmist calls Yahweh his shepherd and says he lacks nothing. The image is one of personal care, guidance, and provision.
Pray: Ask the Father to guide one decision today, and thank him for the care you have already received.
Yahweh Tsidkenu
Meaning: The LORD Our Righteousness
Hebrew transliteration: Yahweh Tsidkenu
Original transliteration: Yahweh Tzidkaynu
Original pronunciation guide: Zide Canoe
Jeremiah 23 gives this name to the promised righteous king from David’s line. Jeremiah 33 applies the same wording to Jerusalem as it looks ahead to the city’s safety and restoration.
Pray: Ask the Father to make your choices just and to bring justice where people have been wronged.
Yahweh Rapha
Meaning: The LORD Who Heals
Hebrew transliteration: Yahweh rof’ekha
Original transliteration: Yahweh Rapha
Original pronunciation guide: Raa Phuh
At Marah, Yahweh identifies himself as Israel’s healer in the context of a call to listen and obey and a promise concerning the diseases of Egypt.
Pray: Bring a specific need for healing to the Father and ask for help to trust him while you wait.
Yahweh Mekaddishkem
Meaning: The LORD Who Sanctifies You
Hebrew transliteration: Yahweh Mekaddishkem
Original transliteration: Yahweh M'Kaddesh
Original pronunciation guide: Me Kah Dish
In Exodus, the Sabbath is a sign that Yahweh makes Israel holy. In Leviticus, Yahweh calls his people to holiness and obedience and identifies himself as the one who sets them apart.
Pray: Ask the Father to show you one way to live as someone who belongs to him, and ask for help to obey.
Yahweh Sabaoth
Meaning: The LORD of Hosts
Hebrew transliteration: Yahweh tseva’ot
Original transliteration: Yahweh Sabaoth
Original pronunciation guide: Saa Be Awth
Elkanah went to Shiloh each year to worship and sacrifice to Yahweh of hosts. The title evokes Yahweh’s command over hosts, or armies, and appears here in a setting of worship.
Pray: Praise the Father for his authority, and entrust to him something beyond your power to change.