14. What does the name Jehovah mean?

¹⁴ To enhance our appreciation for the honor of bearing God’s name, it is good for us to meditate on its meaning. Commonly translated “Jehovah,” the divine name comes from a Hebrew verb that can describe action and can be translated “to become.” Thus, the name Jehovah is understood to mean “He Causes to Become.” This definition well fits Jehovah’s role both as the Creator of the physical universe and intelligent beings and as the Fulfiller of his purpose. As events unfold, he continues to cause his will and purpose to be realized no matter what any opposer, such as Satan, may do in an attempt to thwart the progressive outworking of God’s will.

15. In what way did Jehovah reveal an aspect of his personality as reflected in the meaning of his name? (See the box “A Name Full of Meaning.”)

¹⁵ When commissioning Moses to lead God’s people out of Egypt, Jehovah revealed an aspect of his personality by using a related verb to describe his name, this time in the first person. The Bible record states: “God said to Moses: ‘I Will Become What I Choose to Become’ [or, “I Will Prove to Be What I Will Prove to Be”]. And he added: ‘This is what you are to say to the Israelites, “I Will Become has sent me to you.”’” (Ex. 3:14; ftn.) Thus Jehovah, in any circumstance, will become whatever is needed to accomplish his purpose. To the once-enslaved Israelites, he proved to be a Deliverer, a Protector, a Guide, and a Provider who satisfied all their material and spiritual needs.

16, 17. (a) How can we show our gratitude for the privilege of bearing God’s name? (b) What will we consider in the next article?

¹⁶ Today, Jehovah continues to be true to the meaning of his name by satisfying all our spiritual and material needs. And yet, the meaning of God’s name is not limited to what he himself chooses to become. It includes what he causes to happen with regard to the work of his Witnesses in accomplishing his purpose.