YAHWEH

YAHWEH is the mysterious name which God revealed to Moses from the burning bush (Exodus 3:14; CCC 203-204). It signifies that God is the fullness of Being and of every perfection, without origin and without end (CCC 212-213).

The Sacred Tetragrammaton

In the Hebrew Bible, the name is written with four letters (YHWH) and was considered so holy that it was never pronounced by the Israelites, who used the word 'Adonai' (Lord) instead (CCC 209).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Catholics use this name in prayer? Out of reverence for the sacred name, the Church follows the ancient tradition and uses the title 'Lord' (Dominus) in the liturgy rather than pronouncing the tetragrammaton.