God's Name
Religious Studies A: AQA GCSE Religions, topic 5.1.3
God's Name
Many Jews will not write the word 'God'; instead, they will write 'G-d'. When written in Hebrew, the word God must not be pronounced and any texts containing the name God must be treated with the utmost respect.
Speaking
- When written in Hebrew, Jews do not even read the name of God as its written.
- This 4 letter name, often written as either YHVH or YHWH in English, is the holiest of names and must not be pronounced.
- Jews substitute the word 'Adonai' ('Lord') into their worship and prayers.
- In regular conversation, the word 'Hashem' (‘the name’) is used.
Texts
- Any texts that contain the name of God must be treated with respect.
- When the texts wear out, they are not thrown away. Instead, they are buried in a Jewish cemetery with other worn out texts.
Test yourself on God's Name
Many Jews will not write the word God. What do they write instead?
Which of the following is not a word used by Jews to replace the word God?
How do Jews use God's name?