The Name of God

Professor

COURSE PREVIEW

In this course, we look at the personal name of the God of Israel: יהוה (YHWH). This topic always raises so many questions: What is God’s name? How should it be pronounced? What does it mean? What is the name’s broader significance in the context of the whole Bible? How is the name YHWH connected to Creation? Take the time to explore this special name together with Dr. Yeshaya Gruber. Consider how it has been understood in Jewish and Christian traditions.

We will also explore the options that exist for translating this special name. No doubt you have wondered why people stopped pronouncing the name of God at some point in history. Does God’s name have special power if pronounced in a certain way? What about the name of Jesus/Yeshua — does it connect to God’s name? Join us as we delve deeper into the study of God’s name and work through these tough questions to understand a name that is central to the whole Biblical narrative!

Course Features

Sessions 21
Duration 4 hours
Language English

- Lecture1.1
  What is God's Name?
- Lecture1.2
  The Quantum Theory of God's Name (part 1)
- Lecture1.3
  The Quantum Theory of God's Name (part 2)
- Lecture1.4
  The One Who Causes Being
- Lecture1.5
  Pronouncing God's Name
- Lecture2.6
  The Vowels of God's Name
- Lecture2.7
  Substitutions and God's Name in the LXX
- Lecture2.8
  Translating and Reconstructing God's Name
- Lecture2.9
  God's Name in the "New Testament"
- Lecture2.10
  God's Name in Rabbinic Tradition
- Lecture2.11
  God's Name and Messiah's Name
- Lecture2.12
  Objections to Translations or Substitutions
- Lecture3.13
  The Name YHWH vs Elohim
- Lecture3.14
  When Did the Name YHWH Become Known?
- Lecture3.15
  Was YHWH Known by All Peoples?
- Lecture3.16
  Knowing God Through His Name
- Lecture4.17
  Questions and Some Clarifications
- Lecture4.18
  Moses and the Arabic Name of God
- Lecture4.19
  God's Name in Aramaic
- Lecture4.20
  God (not the Name)
- Lecture4.21
  The Elephantine Names of Gods

Dr. Yeshaya Gruber

Professor of Jewish History and Culture at Israel Bible Center

Dr. Yeshaya Gruber (B.A., M.A., McGill; Ph.D., Georgetown) is Professor of Jewish History and Culture at the Israel Bible Center. His research focuses on Jewish and Christian texts, traditions, and interactions throughout history. He travels extensively speaking about Biblical and historical themes and participating in Jewish-Christian dialogue.

Dr. Gruber has held research and teaching positions in Jerusalem, Athens, Sydney, and Baltimore. He lives in Israel with his family and is also a Research Associate at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Academic Director of Kol Hakatuv Ltd.

- Lecture1.1
  What is God's Name?
- Lecture1.2
  The Quantum Theory of God's Name (part 1)
- Lecture1.3
  The Quantum Theory of God's Name (part 2)
- Lecture1.4
  The One Who Causes Being
- Lecture1.5
  Pronouncing God's Name
- Lecture2.6
  The Vowels of God's Name
- Lecture2.7
  Substitutions and God's Name in the LXX
- Lecture2.8
  Translating and Reconstructing God's Name
- Lecture2.9
  God's Name in the "New Testament"
- Lecture2.10
  God's Name in Rabbinic Tradition
- Lecture2.11
  God's Name and Messiah's Name
- Lecture2.12
  Objections to Translations or Substitutions
- Lecture3.13
  The Name YHWH vs Elohim
- Lecture3.14
  When Did the Name YHWH Become Known?
- Lecture3.15
  Was YHWH Known by All Peoples?
- Lecture3.16
  Knowing God Through His Name
- Lecture4.17
  Questions and Some Clarifications
- Lecture4.18
  Moses and the Arabic Name of God
- Lecture4.19
  God's Name in Aramaic
- Lecture4.20
  God (not the Name)
- Lecture4.21
  The Elephantine Names of Gods