Yahweh is the name of God used throughout the Old Testament. It comes from the Hebrew word for “I AM”, emphasizing God’s eternal, unchanging nature. Here are some key Bible verses that reveal truths about Yahweh:
Yahweh is the one true God
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.” (Isaiah 43:10-11)
“This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.” (Isaiah 44:6)
“I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God.” (Isaiah 45:5)
These verses establish that Yahweh alone is God, the first and the last. There are no other gods before or after Him.
Yahweh is eternal
“Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:1-2)
“Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.” (Psalm 93:2)
As the great “I AM”, Yahweh transcends time. He has no beginning or end.
Yahweh is all-powerful
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17)
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2)
Yahweh’s power is unlimited. He can do all things according to his divine purposes.
Yahweh is all-knowing
“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” (Psalm 147:5)
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13)
Yahweh possesses infinite knowledge and wisdom. He knows all things past, present and future.
Yahweh is everywhere-present
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:7-10)
“’Am I only a God nearby,’ declares the Lord, ‘and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:23-24)
There is no place in the universe where Yahweh is not fully present. He fills the heavens and earth.
Yahweh is holy
“Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” (Revelation 15:4)
“Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.” (Psalm 99:9)
Yahweh’s nature is utterly holy, set apart from all moral evil and imperfection.
Yahweh is just
“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)
“The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.” (Psalm 145:17)
All of Yahweh’s actions and judgments flow from his perfect justice and fairness.
Yahweh is loving, gracious and merciful
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” (Psalm 103:8-10)
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Though righteous in judgment, Yahweh acts towards his people with deep, steadfast love and mercy.
Yahweh is sovereign over human history and nations
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.” (Psalm 33:10-11)
“Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings.” (Daniel 2:20-21)
Yahweh reigns supreme over the affairs of mankind and guides the course of history.
Yahweh should be praised and worshiped
“Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” (Psalm 96:2-3)
“Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy.” (Psalm 99:9)
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
Because of who Yahweh is and what He has done, He alone deserves our worship and praise.
Yahweh protects and strengthens his people
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Yahweh gives strength and deliverance to those who trust in Him.
Yahweh disciplines those he loves
“And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, ‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.’” (Hebrews 12:5-6)
Like a good father, Yahweh disciplines his children for their good, to train them in righteousness.
Yahweh is faithful in keeping his promises
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)
“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19)
What Yahweh speaks, he performs. His word can be trusted absolutely.
Yahweh sent his Son Jesus Christ as savior
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” (Galatians 4:4)
In love, Yahweh sent Jesus to save sinners through his death and resurrection.
These verses provide a wide-ranging picture of who Yahweh is, as revealed in Scripture – the one true and eternal God, all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere present, holy and just, loving and merciful, faithful and gracious. He is worthy of all honor, praise and obedience. Through Jesus, he provides the way of salvation for sinners who repent and believe.