Insight

Many people today know God by many different names, but I wanted to shine a light on His original Hebrew name — a name that some traditions and cultures around the world consider too holy to even speak. Yahweh, written as YHWH, means “I AM WHO I AM.” This sacred name first appears in the Hebrew Bible and is used throughout every book except Esther, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs.

We gain a powerful understanding of this name in Exodus 3, when Yahweh speaks to Moses through the burning bush. Moses is uncertain about how to convince the Israelites that the path before them is truly from God. Yahweh reassures him by declaring His eternal identity — “I AM” — reminding Moses that He is present, powerful, and faithful.

We see even more depth when Yahweh introduces Himself to Abraham, forming a covenant that establishes His everlasting promises. From generation to generation, Yahweh has revealed Himself as consistent, relational, and unchanging — the eternal I AM.