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    Theology & Doctrine

    God vs. Jehovah — Are They Different Names?

    God vs. Jehovah — Are They Different Names? 'God' is a title (Elohim); 'Jehovah' (or YHWH) is God's personal covenant name. Both refer to the same one true God, used together throughout Scripture.

    Key verse: Exodus 3:14-15 (KJV)

    'God' is a title (Elohim); 'Jehovah' (or YHWH) is God's personal covenant name. Both refer to the same one true God, used together throughout Scripture.

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    Quick Answer

    'God' is a title (Elohim); 'Jehovah' (or YHWH) is God's personal covenant name. Both refer to the same one true God, used together throughout Scripture.

    "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM... The LORD God of your fathers... this is my name for ever." Exodus 3:14-15 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    'God' is a title (Elohim); 'Jehovah' (or YHWH) is God's personal covenant name. Both refer to the same one true God, used together throughout Scripture.\n\nScripture sets out the truth plainly. Exodus 3:14–15 declares: "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM... The LORD God of your fathers... this is my name for ever." This is the anchor of the answer.\n\nPsalm 83:18 confirms and broadens the picture: "That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth." When believers understand the distinction, confusion fades and obedience clarifies. Both ideas are grounded in God's character and meet ultimately in the person and work of Christ.

    Key Scripture References

    "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM... The LORD God of your fathers... this is my name for ever."
    "That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth."
    "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

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    Deep Dive Commentary

    For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:

    Related Reading

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    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside Exodus. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read Exodus on day 24 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “God vs. Jehovah — Are They Different Names?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    'God' is a title (Elohim); 'Jehovah' (or YHWH) is God's personal covenant name. Both refer to the same one true God, used together throughout Scripture.\n\nScripture sets out the truth plainly. Exodus 3:14–15 declares: "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM... The LORD God of your fathers... this is my name for ever." This is the anchor of the answer.\n\nPsalm 83:18 confirms and broadens the picture: "That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth." When believers understand the distinction, confusion fades and obedience clarifies. Both ideas are grounded in God's character and meet ultimately in the person and work of Christ.

    Jesus and the Father are one God in essence but distinct in Person. The Father sent the Son; the Son does the Father's will; both share the one divine nature.

    The Trinity is one God in three eternal, distinct Persons; modalism teaches one God in three changing modes or roles. Scripture supports the Trinity, not modalism.