The distinction between the names of Deity expressed as “God” and “LORD” is important. You may be sure the Holy Spirit, who inspired all of Scripture, did not allow the names for Deity to be used haphazardly or capriciously. Where the word “LORD” was needed, “LORD” was used, and where the word “God” was needed, “God” was used. Whether or not it is recognized by us, the right term was always used in the right place. This is what divine inspiration requires, and, without divine inspiration, the Bible possesses no true authority.
The distinction between uses of “God” and “LORD” centers around the emphasis that each makes. “God”, we have suggested, speaks primarily of power or strength, such as that needed to call forth all of creation merely by speaking it and willing it to be so. “God” emphasizes the general or generic aspect of the being of the Deity. “God” is the Almighty is, whereas “LORD” is the personal designation of the Deity. “LORD” is God’s personal name. For a human, “man” is what I am, but what I am is very generic or impersonal. However, when you add “Marv Wiseman” to what I am, it becomes personal. “Man” is what I am, “Marv” is who I am. “God” is what the Deity is. “LORD” or “Jehovah” is His name. It is who He is.
Does God have a name, a personal name? Certainly. His name is “LORD” in English, or “Jehovah” or “Yahweh” in Hebrew. Of all the names for Deity in the Bible, this name “LORD” is used more than any other…6823 times to be exact. And, this should not surprise us because God is a very personal, relational being. His very name and the frequency with which the Bible uses it should confirm that. He tells us by the name He goes by that He is relational with those whom He created in His own image and likeness. This means the availability of the Deity for relating to man is advertised in the very use of His name.
Our English word “L-O-R-D”, all in capital letters, is “Jehovah” in the original Hebrew. In addition to the name “LORD” or “JEHOVAH” being God’s personal name, it is also a term that elevates this One, this LORD, above all other beings. “LORD” means “One above whom and beyond whom there is no other.” Utter unrivaled supremacy is set forth, conveyed in the very name of the One who possesses it.
It’s also reflected in the idea that connects with the fact of His self-existence. How could He not be above and beyond all others if He is the One who exists because of Himself? Isaiah states it thusly, in chapter 45, “I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides Me, there is no God.” This concept is repeated frequently, particularly in the Old Testament. “God” is what the Deity is. “LORD” is His name.
CC-04-16
Published by