Translations of the names of God

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The translation of the names of God in the Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT) varies across the NRSV, ASV, and KJV due to different translation philosophies and textual traditions. Below are the standards or protocols typically followed by each version:

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1. King James Version (KJV)

• Old Testament:
  • The Hebrew name YHWH (Tetragrammaton) is translated as “LORD” (in small caps) to reflect the tradition of substituting the divine name with Adonai (“Lord”) in Jewish reading practices.
  • The term Elohim is rendered as “God.”
  • Adonai (Lord/Master) is translated as “Lord” (without small caps).
• New Testament:
  • The Greek term Kyrios is translated as “Lord,” referring to God or Christ.
  • Theos is translated as “God.”

The KJV adheres to a formal equivalence approach, emphasizing reverence and consistency with liturgical tradition.

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2. American Standard Version (ASV)

• Old Testament:
  • Unlike the KJV, the ASV preserves the divine name YHWH and translates it as “Jehovah” in many instances, reflecting the translators’ desire for a closer representation of the Hebrew text.
  • Elohim is translated as “God.”
  • Adonai is rendered as “Lord” or “Lord Jehovah” when combined with YHWH.
• New Testament:
  • Similar to the KJV, Kyrios is rendered as “Lord,” and Theos is rendered as “God.”

The ASV emphasizes textual accuracy and aims for a closer representation of the original languages.

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3. New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

• Old Testament:
  • The NRSV follows a similar convention to the KJV, translating YHWH as “LORD” (in small caps) to maintain the Jewish tradition of not pronouncing the divine name.
  • Elohim is rendered as “God.”
  • Adonai is translated as “Lord.”
  • The NRSV also seeks to modernize the language and clarify ambiguities in the Hebrew text.
• New Testament:
  • As with the KJV and ASV, Kyrios is rendered as “Lord,” and Theos as “God.”

The NRSV adopts an inclusive and ecumenical approach, aiming for both accuracy and contemporary readability.

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Key Differences:

1. Divine Name YHWH:
   • KJV & NRSV: Use “LORD” (small caps).
   • ASV: Uses “Jehovah” directly.
2. Translation Philosophy:
   • KJV: Formal equivalence with reverence for liturgical tradition.
   • ASV: Formal equivalence with a focus on Hebrew textual fidelity.
   • NRSV: Balance of formal and dynamic equivalence, emphasizing inclusivity and modern readability.

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In Isaiah 7:6-7, the Hebrew name for God used in the phrase “thus says the Lord God” is אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה (Adonai YHWH).

Here’s a breakdown:

• אֲדֹנָי (Adonai): This means “Lord” or “Master,” used as a respectful title for God.
• יְהוִה (YHWH): This is the Tetragrammaton, the covenant name of God, often rendered as “Yahweh” or replaced with “LORD” in many English translations.

Together, אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה is often translated as “Lord GOD” or “Sovereign LORD.” This combination emphasizes God’s supreme authority and covenant faithfulness.

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In the story of the burning bush (Exodus 3:13–15), the name of God is revealed as יְהוָה (YHWH), often pronounced as “Yahweh.” Additionally, God uses the phrase אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה (Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh), which is translated as “I AM WHO I AM” or “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.”

Here’s a breakdown:

1. Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה): This phrase is God’s response when Moses asks for His name. It emphasizes God’s self-existence, eternality, and unchanging nature. It is often interpreted as “I AM” or “I AM THAT I AM.”
2. YHWH (יְהוָה): This is the Tetragrammaton, derived from the same root as Ehyeh (היה, “to be”). God identifies Himself with this name in Exodus 3:15, saying, “This is my name forever, and this is my title for all generations.”

In summary, in the burning bush story, God’s name is both Ehyeh (as a declaration of His being) and YHWH (as His eternal, covenantal name).

Exodus 3 From the ASV – At the Burning Bush by the Elohist writer

¹³ And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? What shall I say unto them? ¹⁴ And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. ¹⁵ And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, Jehovah, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. ¹⁶ Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, Jehovah, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, hath appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: