Calling on the Name: What Scripture Really Says About Using YHVH’s Name

Throughout history, many believers have wrestled with the idea of calling on the Name of God. For some, it evokes deep reverence. For others, it stirs hesitation, perhaps even fear. After all, what if we accidentally misuse His name? What if we’re being irreverent?

But Scripture gives us clarity, not confusion. The Bible does not forbid the use of God’s personal name. Instead, it consistently encourages people to call on the Name. This is done not generically, but specifically, by name: YHVH.

This article explores what Scripture actually says about calling on the Name. It examines the difference between misuse and proper use. Additionally, it explains why hiding the Name out of misguided reverence contradicts God’s clear instructions.

A Pattern of Proclamation

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals a repeated call to proclaim, bless, and trust in the personal Name of God: YHVH. This is not merely a poetic phrase; it is a consistent spiritual pattern.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Hebrew Scriptures, we see the call to call on the Name of YHVH from the earliest generations:

“Then began men to call upon the name of YHVH.” — Genesis 4:26

“I will proclaim the name of YHVH. Oh, praise the greatness of our God!” — Deuteronomy 32:3

“Give thanks to YHVH, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples.” — 1 Chronicles 16:8

The Psalms are especially rich in this theme:

“I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of YHVH.” — Psalm 116:13

“Our help is in the name of YHVH, who made heaven and earth.” — Psalm 124:8

Clearly, calling on the Name was seen as a source of identity, deliverance, and connection with the Creator.

New Testament Echoes

The New Testament writers, steeped in the Hebrew Scriptures, carry this pattern forward:

“Everyone who calls on the name of YHVH will be saved.” — Romans 10:13 (quoting Joel 2:32)

“Baptized in the name of Yeshua” (Acts 2:38), a Name that literally means “YHVH saves.”

“Calling on His name” was a marker of discipleship (Acts 22:16).

Thus, both covenants consistently affirm the power and necessity of calling on the Name. This is not as a ritual. It is a living declaration of relationship and trust.

Reverence or Restriction?

So why, then, do many today avoid using the Name? Often, it comes from a place of well-meaning reverence. Centuries of Jewish tradition discouraged vocalizing the divine Name, fearing mispronunciation or unintentional misuse. Substitutes like Adonai (Lord) or HaShem (the Name) became customary.

However, while the motive may have been reverence, the result has been restriction. A silencing of the very Name God told us to call upon.

Ironically, Scripture never commands us to avoid saying His name. In fact, it repeatedly does the opposite. The command to call on the Name of YHVH is a directive, not a suggestion. Substituting the word “Lord” for His actual Name creates confusion, especially when lord could refer to anyone.

By removing YHVH’s personal Name from regular speech, we’ve replaced intimacy with formality, and obedience with tradition.

Misuse vs. Use

A common objection comes from the Third Commandment: “You shall not take the name of YHVH your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

Let’s pause and look at what this means. The Hebrew word translated “take” is nasa—to lift, carry, or bear. The command isn’t about verbal pronunciation alone; it’s about representing the Name with integrity.

What It Means to Take His Name in Vain

Taking His name “in vain” (Hebrew: shav) refers to using it emptily, deceitfully, or for personal gain. This aligns with the Ten Words in The Moses Scroll. They warn against lifting YHVH’s Name to deceive. It’s a call not to misuse His Name through false intentions or actions. It’s not the speaking of His Name that offends, but the use of it to mislead or manipulate.

Examples include:

Swearing falsely “by God’s name”

Using the Name for manipulation or curses

Claiming divine authority when God has not spoken

But none of these suggest that calling on the Name in worship, prayer, or praise is wrong. On the contrary, using the Name rightly is the antidote to using it in vain.

Examples of Proper Use

Moses declares the Name before Pharaoh.

David blesses the Name in public worship.

Elijah calls on the Name on Mount Carmel.

Joel prophesies salvation through the Name.

Yeshua reveals the Name to His disciples (John 17:6).

These are all examples of faithful, reverent, and obedient use—not misuse. Hiding the Name, then, isn’t protecting it. It’s neglecting it.

A Call to Boldness and Honor

Throughout Scripture, the invitation to call on the Name is not limited to a particular time, temple, or tribe. It’s a universal call that crosses boundaries of language, ethnicity, and geography.

YHVH’s Name is a covenant name. He revealed it not for secrecy, but for relationship.

Trust Scripture Over Tradition

YHVH Himself told Moses His Name “is to be remembered from generation to generation” (Exodus 3:15). That’s a command with no expiration date.

The traditions that replaced His Name with titles like “Lord” or “God” may have been well-intended, but they contradict the biblical mandate. Scripture never instructs us to erase, avoid, or substitute His Name. It tells us to proclaim, trust, and glorify it.

To be clear: reverence doesn’t mean restriction. We can speak His Name with awe and love, just as a child calls out to a father. Not in flippancy, but in faith.

Honoring the Name by Using It

Honoring YHVH’s Name means using it the way He told us to. That includes:

• Calling on the Name in prayer
• Praising the Name in worship
• Blessing others in His Name
• Teaching and testifying about His Name

The boldness to use YHVH’s Name is not arrogance, it’s obedience. And it honors Him far more than hiding what He revealed.

Conclusion

The Bible is not vague about this: Calling on the Name of YHVH is a foundational act of faith. From Abraham to Revelation, the righteous have always known the power, protection, and presence that comes through the Name.

It’s time we return to that pattern.

Avoiding His Name out of fear may seem pious, but it contradicts the clear instructions of Scripture. Calling on the Name of YHVH is not misuse. It’s trust. It’s covenant loyalty. And it’s obedience.

We weren’t told to silence the Name.

We were told to remember it, proclaim it, and call on it.

Let us do so boldly, faithfully, and with deep reverence, because hiding His Name isn’t holiness.

It’s disobedience.

A Simpler Voice: The Moses Scroll and the Ten Words

If the conversation around calling on the Name has stirred something in you, I have a recommendation. You should read The Moses Scroll by Ross K. Nichols. This fascinating book presents the text of the ancient leather strips. Moses Shapira brought them forward in the 1800s. Many now believe these strips are connected to the Dead Sea Scrolls. What makes them so powerful is their simplicity. These Ten Words are written in the first person. It is as if YHVH Himself is speaking directly to us. Yeshua emphasized this same heart-centered approach in His teachings. Personally, I believe Yeshua was familiar with these very words. He taught in the same spirit: truth over tradition. He valued substance over ceremony and relationship over religion.

Please explore my other articles on whole-body wellness, spiritual restoration, and Hebraic insights if you’re interested in more content like this. If you love good food with meaning behind it, be sure to check out the recipe section. Each recipe is designed to nourish both body and soul.

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