When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, Moses asked God's name. God replied, 'This is what you shal tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you.' Thus the phrase 'I AM' was given the divine name.
In Hebrew, 'I AM' was rendered 'Jahweh.' The word 'Jahweh' was so sacred that it was never uttered aloud. Those who proclaimed the Scriptures were taught to substitute the word 'Adonai' which meant 'Lord.' Originally, the written form of the Hebrew language did not have vowels, and so the Hebrew word 'Jahweh' would appear as JHWH (readers were supposed to know what vowels were to be supplied). Later on, written vowel signs were developed and put in the text.
Whenever the work JHWH appeared, copyists would insert the vowel sings for 'Adonai.' This would remind the reader to substitute that word. As time went by, some readers didn't realize this and simply pronounced what was in front of them--the consonants of JHWH with the vowels of 'Adonai.' This resulted in the word 'Jehovah,' a word that never existed.
It is a misreading that continues in some translations of the Bible still today.~~~~~~~As an aside, it was also mentioned that "Ash Wednesday through Saturday has been called 'The Porch of Lent'-an entryway to help us get the feel of this '40 day' season." It is suggested that at this time we reflect on our Lenten goals as we step over the threshold.~~~+~~~For all the blessing that have been bestowed on me this week, I say,
"Thanks be to God"
Friday, February 08, 2008
"Jehovah"
I was reading The Little Black Book today and sneaked a peak at tomorrows entry. The snippet is about "Jehovah" It was really interesting and so I'd like to share it with you if I may.
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"Ash Wednesday through Saturday has been called 'The Porch of Lent'-an entryway to help us get the feel of this '40 day' season." It is suggested that at this time we reflect on our Lenten goals as we step over the threshold.
ReplyDeleteThankyou I have never heard of that expression before 'the Porchof Lent'..I LOVE learning new things:).
Wishing you a Holy Lent:)
Marie
That's an interesting post, and I'm glad I'm not the only one that sneaks a peek at tomorrow's reading! LOL
ReplyDeleteMarie, you know I had never heard that before either but it does make sense...I alway felt like those 4 days were somehow out of place in Lent...you know thing weren't quite "even".
ReplyDeleteMike, this is about the only "sneaking" one can do that won't get us into trouble!
You both have a grand weekend!
"I AM", don't worry it's not the bush on fire who's posting you, I'm just a little friar minor from Rome. Just wanted to tell you that the translation "I AM" is not properly translated, evennif it is what the Church uses for its Liturgy. The translation from the Hebrew would "I AM THE ONE WHO'S CLOSE TO YOU" which again, for the Jewsh would be like "I'll stay before you to pretect you from anything that might happen" and that's why God was also often called "The God of Armies".
ReplyDeleteCiao and ntake care
God bless you
Pace e Bene
br.freddie
This was really interesting!! Thank you for this information...There is always sooo much more I can learn. God Bless!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Cathy! I had never heard of "The Porch of Lent" either!
ReplyDelete