Written by Paul J Bucknell on December, 09, 2025

God’s Name in the New Testament: Why isn’t God’s Name, Yahweh, 
 used in the NT?

“For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 1:11 NASB)

Names hold significance. Early in the Old Testament, God revealed His Name, Yahweh. However, the Hebrews eventually ceased saying it aloud, and over time, His name Yahweh was lost in many translations. While the Jews read aloud Lord (Adonai) whenever the Name appeared in the Scriptures, they did not alter the original written text. The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, went further than the Jews by translating YHWH as Lord (kyrios), treating it as a title rather than a name. Undoubtedly, the Septuagint influenced subsequent translations, including modern versions.

This article explores the importance of Yahweh’s Name in both Old and New Testament communities, mainly because it is absent in the New Testament translations. I previously discussed how God’s name is incorrectly translated in the Old Testament as ‘Lord’ (Article | Video). We will briefly review the limited use of His Name before exploring its significance in more detail. Our primary focus is to understand the purpose of God’s revelation of His Name and to determine whether this purpose was lost in the New Testament due to translation issues.

1. A Factual Study on Yahweh in OT/NT

Although Yahweh is used 5903 times in the Old Testament (Legacy Standard Bible), God’s Name is not stated or directly inferred in the New Testament. It’s hard to understand why this significant issue is distorted and then permitted. 

Is this a language usage concern? The New Testament was written in Greek rather than Hebrew. Yahweh is a Hebrew name that is difficult to translate into Greek. The translators chose the term 'Lord' (GK: kyrios), which was not a personal name but a respectful title for prominent figures such as Caesar and Christ. However, 'kyrios' also functioned as a common term for 'sir' and ‘master.' By Jesus’ era, Jews no longer used God’s Name (Yahweh) in speech. Still, Jesus apparently did not regard this as an issue and adhered to the tradition. 

When reading Isaiah 61:1, “The Spirit of the LORD God is upon me, because the LORD anointed me,” Jesus uses the Greek word for “Lord” (kyrios) in Luke 4:18. We cannot confirm whether He pronounced God’s Name while reading in the synagogues. Still, the absence of any fuss about His reading suggests He did not.

Early in the Old Testament, beginning in Genesis 2:4, Yahweh is identified as God’s name, distinguishing Him from all the other gods. Even the prophets, writing to different kings or peoples, openly refer to Yahweh and His judgments. “Speak and say, ‘Thus says Lord Yahweh, “Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great monster that lies in the midst of his canals of the Nile, That has said, ‘My Nile is mine, and I myself have made it.’” (Ez 29:3 LSB). However, the title 'Lord' is not unique to a single individual. Many figures or deities, including Caesar, Zeus, and Jesus, have been known by this designation  (1 Cor 12:3; 2 Cor 11:31).

Many passages in the New Testament cite the Old Testament, sometimes referring to the Hebrew Bible but more often to the Greek Septuagint (LXX). There is no evidence that translating the name 'Yahweh' was problematic, for they used the standard term 'Lord' in these quotations, whether from the Hebrew Bible or the Septuagint.

In summary, Yahweh appears more than 5,000 times in the Bible, but exclusively in the Old Testament. It is not used in the New Testament, even though there was an opportunity to do so when quoting the Hebrew Bible, sometimes indicated with a parenthesis, such as when Jesus gave Peter a new name (John 1:42). They conventionally substituted the Greek title lord (kyrios) for Yahweh when quoting the OT. Significantly, Jesus and the apostles did not vary from this pattern. However, there are some key discoveries found when considering the significance of God’s Name (YHWH) in the Old and New Testaments.

2. The Significance of God’s Name

Did we forfeit anything by not using God’s Name, Yahweh, in the New Testament era? Or was this absence compensated in other ways? We think the latter and will elaborate.

The Significance of Names

Yahweh’s revealed Name in the Old Testament set Him apart from other gods. The name of the Israelites’ God, Yahweh, conveyed strength and power. He parted the Red Sea and freed His people from Egypt. Rahab testifies, “For we have heard how Yahweh dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt and what you did…” (Joshua 2:10). These thousands of references to Yahweh convey much about His majesty, care, purpose, design, and methods. This is the God of the Old Testament, the God of the Jews, who is fully committed to fulfilling His redemptive plan and drawing people from all nations to Himself.

The Greek translation of Yahweh (kyrios) and, later, in English as Lord/LORD, was established early in the Septuagint period. Around 250 BC in Alexandria, Jews adopted this Greek rendering. Although the term Lord was widely accepted and regularly used by Jews, it functions as a title rather than a proper name. It does convey significant respect when used for Roman emperors (Caesars). This reverence is evident when the title ‘Lord’ is applied to Jesus Christ.

So why was Jesus so willing not to utter God’s Name, YWHW, and instead commonly use Father to address God? He knew Hebrew and Aramaic. Nor was it fear. Jesus repeatedly demonstrated his willingness to challenge the status quo, even when confronted by Jewish leaders. So we must not suspect that He was afraid, or ignorant of the Scriptures.

Nevertheless, we question whether centuries of neglecting His Name, Yahweh, have negatively impacted people, possibly skewing their understanding of God. Let’s begin by exploring the importance of a name.

• Personhood: A name reflects personal features and relationships, as distinct from impersonal forces. 
• Identity: A name distinguishes one person from another.
• Characteristics: A name becomes associated with a person’s different acts, events, histories, purposes, and character.
• Grouping: A name reflects the person’s ability to maintain relationships with other people. Who does he favor?

Our question, however, is why did Jesus and the apostles not follow up and connect more closely with Yahweh’s name in the New Testament? We find no hint of such a discussion.

Significance of Knowing God

Before exploring the details, it’s evident that God desires for people to know Him. He works to make Himself accessible and personal. Like Allah and humans, the term ‘God’ belongs to a shared category. Yet, in the creation account, God reveals His Name (Gen 2:4). When we link this show of might and power to the creator, His Name reveals a God concerned with relationships, needs, and others. Since humans are created in God’s image, they can grasp and welcome this feature about God. It is His Name that reveals this part of His character. Yahweh not only “made earth and heaven” (Gen 2:4), but also mankind, “Yahweh God formed man of dust” (2:7). Later, He spoke with man, “ And Yahweh God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may surely eat” (Gen 2:16 LSB).

Prayer, as an example, is deeply connected to human needs. People turn to prayer in times of need, seeking help from the Creator of earth and sky and finding hope through their relationship with Yahweh. This act of divine self-revelation has been a constant theme across history, serving as a way for humans to connect with their Creator. Ultimately, God’s goal is to reveal Himself and support humanity, which is, in essence, to save.

God presents Himself as approachable and desires people to trust Him because He is good. As our Judge, His personal aspect, combined with His redemptive plan, is essential for establishing a relationship with us. This is why prophecy and the coming of the Messiah are crucial. Ultimately, God took on human form, living and suffering among us (Phil 2:5-11). Jesus’ death on the cross highlights and meets this purpose: He suffered so we wouldn’t have to. God entered human history, blending Himself with time and human limitations to establish and maintain a vital spiritual connection. God revealed His identity to humanity through Jesus, whose name means “Savior.” 

One might assume God’s Name is printed throughout the New Testament pages, no matter what language. However, God chose a different way to communicate and reveal Himself more fully to the peoples.

God Revealed Himself in Jesus

Names are hard to translate, though I’m not sure that is the reason Yahweh is not used. Someone gave me a Chinese name before going to serve in Taiwan. It seemed Chinese, but it wasn’t an authentic Chinese name. When pronounced, it used Chinese sounds to recreate the familiar sounds of my English name. But anyone who understands Chinese names knows that they are rich in meaning, with each character having significance. When arriving in Taiwan, they thought I needed to have a real Chinese name, even though it wouldn’t sound like my English name. Only retaining the initial sound of my surname with a ‘B’ sound, similar to my English surname. However, my Chinese name has rich meaning, typical of Chinese names. However, when my name is quickly translated into other languages, they also rely on the sound, not the meaning, for translation.

There are four aspects of God’s Name in the New Testament: (1) What Jesus called God. (2) How God communicates a deeper message than giving us a name. (3) Our privilege of being God’s children. (4) The significance of Jesus’ Name. While we may not be able to address every point in full, we aim to demonstrate that the Gospel offers a richer understanding of intimacy with God.

(1) Jesus called God His Father

It is no secret that Jesus called God His Father and encouraged us to do likewise. “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (Mat 6:9). Or, “So that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good…” (Mat 5:45).  The Old Testament does respectfully use this term father for God. “ Do we not all have one Father? Is it not one God who has created us?” (Mal 2:10). Mark has the fewest Gospel examples of Jesus calling God His Father, but he does. “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Mark 13:32).

And while Jesus is not recorded of using God’s name, Yahweh, He chose a more personal term: Father, carrying a profound family significance. Not everyone can call God 'Father,' only His children. Jesus, being God’s Son, had a relationship that went beyond mere acquaintance. My children call me Dad or Daddy; they don’t have to say my name, which would feel a little awkward. Jesus said, “And He was saying, 'Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me” (Mark 14:36).

Jesus called God His Father, emphasizing their close bond and His role as His Son, the Son of God. He carried out His Father’s will. As the Savior, Jesus was the Son of God and perfectly reflected His Father’s will. This theme of devotion and commitment to doing His Father’s will became especially clear as His crucifixion approached.

We should note something strange that has everything to do with God’s name. Jesus not only knows about God, He knows Him. He descended from being with Him (John 3:13). He’s here to bring us into this family relationship with our joint Father. 

I hope you see that Jesus holds privileges going far beyond the Old Testament’s cautious Law and is willing to grant us entry into the New Covenant by faith in Christ. Under the New Covenant, there is complete forgiveness, allowing us to become very intimate with our Maker. This familiarity should greatly influence our relationship with God as believers. In this sense, we need not be concerned about whether something is lost due to God’s name not being used; we have something grander: “Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6).

(2) God reveals more through the Father

Jesus introduced us to God the Father. Paul states, “Through whom (Jesus) we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God” (Rom 5:2).

Using a person’s name carries greater significance than merely identifying a person. A name identifies someone, but it often serves additional purposes. Consider a reference form where one declares their identity and relationship. Knowing a name gives us some reason to approach, but it doesn’t grant full access. In contrast, when we call God ‘Father,’ it represents more than just a title—it signifies a sense of belonging. It grants us not only access but also the comfort of ‘sitting on His lap’ and sharing our everyday concerns. Because of the wealth of deep intimacy provided, we shouldn’t be overly concerned about losing God’s Name in the Old Testament. Instead, I will deepen this intimacy further in the third point.

(3) Our privilege of being God’s children

We are privileged to call God ‘Father’ through Jesus. This passage from John 1 highlights these critical aspects. These words come after Jesus declares Himself as the eternal Word (John 1:1-2). The opening verses of the chapter seek to identify the glory surrounding His person.

9 This (Jesus) was the true Light that, coming into the world, enlightens every person. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and yet the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own people did not accept Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God” (John 1:9-13).

However, once Jesus is introduced, we must come to know Him to understand God. Jesus connects us to God’s family. Knowing Jesus’s name alone is not sufficient; genuine belief and faithful follow-through are essential. The phrase "As many as received Him” highlights the shared identity of all believers. We become part of God’s family and are called His children, thereby giving us the ability to call God our Father (i.e., without using God’s name). Knowing Jesus is sufficient.

Jesus was willing for people to see Him as the Messiah, the Christ, as the way to understand and relate to God. We must admit that we often overlook God’s Name because we frequently use Jesus’ name. Jesus means Savior, reflecting God‘s redemptive work among us and His ongoing creation of a community that loves Him. This links the Old Testament name of God, Yahweh, to Jesus in the New Testament. As the Son of God, Jesus aligns Himself with the Creator, His Father. Jesus, the Son, did the Father’s will. Although He could have used the name Yahweh, He chose not to. Instead, He referenced the Old Testament and was satisfied with the translation ‘Lord.’ Through Jesus, individuals can overcome barriers marked by grand titles and personally come to know God. Finally, we'll briefly examine how Jesus shared Yahweh’s name, though we acknowledge Yahweh also can refer to God the Father.

(4) The Significance of Jesus’ Name

There is a clear contrast in how Jesus’ name is introduced.

As a babe, “You shall name Him Jesus.” 

Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they shall name Him Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”

Numerous other verses emerge to help us identify Jesus, the Savior and Lord. 

As the Lord, we should worship Him.

“So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Phil 2:10).

John is perhaps more explicit than Matthew, who gives Jesus the name “Emmanuel,” meaning “God is with us.” God came in flesh. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). These mysteries are too profound to fully understand, but we do know Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. As a result, those who know Him no longer struggle with knowing God Himself. There are ample sources that go further into this, but I want to conclude with one more intriguing insight embedded in John’s Gospel.

Jesus, the great “I Am”

God reveals the meaning behind His name, Yahweh, in Exodus 3:14. “And God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am’; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

John reveals that Jesus uses the Name “I am” seven times to describe Himself. Although numerous verses distinguish Jesus from Yahweh, in these verses, we are to interpret God’s Son, Jesus, as the Messiah, Yahweh, His Name made in human form. While John 1:1 affirms Jesus’ deity (“He was God”), note the clever way John introduced Jesus as Yahweh through the “I am” statements (see the above diagram).

Exploring how frequently and closely Jesus is associated with Yahweh, the Word revealing God to humanity, would require much more time. Remember that Jesus introduced us to the Father, sharing the same family name. Therefore, knowing Christ becomes our highest goal and hope, for in knowing Christ, we come to know God. As we know Christ Jesus more deeply, we know God more deeply.

“More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ” (Phil 3:8).

“We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is” (1 John 3:2).

Summary

Translators should have used Yahweh for God’s holy Name in the Old Testament. However, in the New Testament, God provides an improved way, not just a name to call out. But in believing in Jesus, we can now address God as our Father, just as Jesus did. When we know Jesus, we know the Father: “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father” (John 13:7).

From the beginning, God revealed His Name to reveal His approachability. Though man’s sin interfered with knowing God, the Lord exercised His perfect redemptive plan by which He redeemed people from all over the world to join His family. With Christ’s introduction, we can join God’s family and take on His life and purpose. Although God’s Name was not explicitly used in the New Testament, we gain a clear glimpse of Jesus, who revealed God to humanity. Believing in His Name, the Name of Jesus, leads us to know God.

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13 NASB)

“I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13 BSB).

Study Questions for God’s Name in the NT

1. How many times is Yahweh, God’s name, mentioned in the Old Testament compared to the New Testament?
2. Where does God’s Name appear for the first time in the Bible, and why is it important?
3. Why is Yahweh, God’s Name, often omitted in most translations in both the Old and New Testaments?
4. List at least three key characteristics of a name.
5. What do you believe God intended for people to understand from mentioning His Name over 5,000 times in the Old Testament?
6. What distinguishes calling someone a name from calling them your father?
7. How did Jesus guide us to pray to God? 
8. What unique hint did John give that Jesus, in some way, is Yahweh, through His Name in the Gospel of John? 
9. Do you see God as a personal being involved in your life, or as more distant? How do you approach Him?