The Name of God in the New Testament
Exploring the Name Yahovah in the New Testament
"Howard is looking into the name Yahovah in the New Testament, which doesn’t appear even once in the Greek New Testament."
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Howard is investigating the absence of the name "Yahovah" in the Greek New Testament, which is notably missing throughout the text.
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He is comparing various Hebrew versions of the New Testament to identify any instances where the name Yahovah is present, focusing particularly on distinct translations.
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While examining different Hebrew versions, particularly Shemos Heever Matthew, he observes that it is markedly different from other texts such as Duay and Monser, suggesting it may represent an original Hebrew composition rather than a mere translation.
Hebrew Translations of the New Testament
"Many translations have Yahovah in them; that is their translations from the Greek into Hebrew."
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Numerous translations incorporate "Yahovah" by translating from Greek back into Hebrew, providing insights into how the name is rendered in these contexts.
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An example is highlighted by Delitzsch's translation, in which the term “Mal Yahovah” (Angel of Yahovah) is used, despite the Greek version referencing “Lord.”
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The discussion raises an interesting point concerning rabbinical practices regarding the representation of the name, as rabbinical texts commonly replace the Tetragrammaton with "Hashem" (meaning "the Name").
Significance of the Septuagint in Understanding Yahovah
"The Septuagint does not have the name Yahovah; it mostly uses 'Kyrios' for Lord."
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The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of Jewish scriptures, lacks the name Yahovah, often replacing it with titles like "Kyrios" (Lord) or "Theos" (God).
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It is argued that the absence of the name in the New Testament may be attributed to Jewish traditions as they transitioned to a practice of avoiding the pronunciation of Yahovah.
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The critical question arises whether the original manuscript of the New Testament written by authors such as Matthew and Mark featured Yahovah, or if "Kyrios" was used consistently.
Variations and Manuscript Evidence
"Howard looked into Hebrew versions to see where they translated from Greek, specifically regarding the name Yud Vav."
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Howard's research into Hebrew versions intended to uncover the instances of "Yud Vav," a representation of Yahovah, leading to further investigation into rabinnic interpretations and existing manuscripts.
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Various translations by Jewish scholars, including Ginsburg, have similar translations that include "Mal Yahovah," which deviates from the Greek text, indicating more direct Hebrew influences.
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The discussion implies that notable differences between Hebrew and Greek verses suggest original usages that might present deeper insights into early Christian understanding of the divine name.