Quick Scoop

Jehovah is the name used for God in the Hebrew Bible by many English-speaking Christians, especially in Jehovah’s Witnesses’ teachings, where Jehovah is understood as the one true God, Creator, and Sovereign of the universe.

What the name means

In JW sources, “Jehovah” is presented as God’s unique name and is commonly explained as meaning “He Causes to Become,” reflecting God’s role as Creator and the one who brings his purposes to fulfillment. Other references note that the form “Jehovah” is tied to the Hebrew divine name represented by the Tetragrammaton, YHWH.

In Christianity

Different Christian traditions use different terms and interpretations. Some say “Jehovah” or “Yahweh” when referring to the God of the Bible, while Jehovah’s Witnesses especially emphasize using the name “Jehovah” and reject the idea that God is part of a Trinity.

If you meant the religion

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian-based religious group that began in the late 19th century in the United States, emerging from the Bible Student movement associated with Charles Taze Russell.

Simple takeaway

• Jehovah can mean the biblical name of God.

• In Jehovah’s Witness belief, Jehovah is the only true God and Creator.

• The name is often discussed as a rendering of the Hebrew divine name YHWH.

If you want, I can also explain the difference between Jehovah, Yahweh, and “the Lord” in a very simple way.