TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

WHAT'S IN THE NAME?

The Names of YHVH, Y'shua, and the Shekinah

B'reisheet (בְּרֵאשִׁית) is the Hebrew name for the first book of the Bible, which is also the first word in the Hebrew text and the name of the first weekly Torah portion (parsha). B'reisheet means "In the beginning."

The English name "Genesis" comes from the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures), which translates B'reisheet as "origins." Therefore, the Greek name for the first book of the Bible is "The Book of Origins."

Genesis describes the origins of everything, starting with the creation of adamah (earth), focusing on the origin of Adam and his descendants, and eventually exploring the origins of the nation of Israel. As we study the first week's reading from the book of Genesis, we will learn not only about YHVH and His son Y'shua but also about ourselves.

After all, this is the story of our origins. When we properly understand the story of our origin, it helps us understand our destination. This is one of my favorite studies out of the fifty-four portions of the Torah.

Elohim and the Nature of YHVH

Let us understand that the word Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is plural. Scholars today often refer to "Father" as Elohim, while Eloah (אֱלוֹהַּ) is a singular title for YHVH. Elohim conveys the idea of YHVH as the one true Father who exists in multiple roles and functions within His divine administration.

Starting with YHVH, Aravat (the Father of Creation), the King of Glory, in Aramaic He is called Yahuah (meaning "Father Protects"). The Sages traditionally refer to YHVH as Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey (יהוה), and it is often understood as "Adonai" (meaning "Lord") in English translations.

Through my study of Hebrew, I've learned that these titles express the different characteristics of the Father, Son, and Ruach Ha-Kodesh (the Holy Spirit). These names are beautiful and meaningful when used properly because they describe the unique roles and attributes of Elohim—YHVH, Y'shua, and Shekinah (the Holy Spirit).

What's in a Name?

In the book of Psalms, YHVH says, "Call upon My name, and I will show you My salvation" (Psalms 50:15). YHVH's name is powerful, and in calling upon His name, we are invoking His salvation, which is found in Y'shua.

Q. But why does it matter to call upon His name?

A. Your name identifies who you are. There is great power in your name because a name carries identity and purpose. In the same way, the name of YHVH identifies His character and His purpose in His Creation. This is why it's important to honor and understand His name.

The Names of the Father
Through my studies, I have come across three names that I believe are significant in understanding the Father's nature:

Aravat (Father of Creation) – As written in (2 Enoch 20:3), Aravat refers to YHVH as the Creator and Father of all creation in Hebrew and all creation knew him by that name.

Yahuah – An Aramaic word meaning "Father who Protects." This name reflects the Father's protective and caring nature.

YaHaVaH – A Hebrew term meaning "Father of Love and Mercy." This name emphasizes the compassionate and merciful nature of YHVH.

I pronounce the Father's name as Yah Ha VaH, using the breath-like sound of the a to symbolize the breath of life that sustains all creation. This is how I have come to know our Father.

Y'shua – YHVH's Salvation

The name Y'shua (יֵשׁוּעַ) is the Hebrew name of the Son, meaning "salvation." According to Strong's Concordance (H3444), Y'shua is derived from the root word Yasha (ישע), meaning "to save" or "to deliver." Y'shua is the Son of Righteousness, the Redeemer, and the King of Kings, fulfilling the promise of YHVH's salvation (Ezekiel 37:19; 38:1-23).

In my understanding, the name Y'shua is a combination of Yah (the shortened form of YHVH, meaning "eternal") and Shua (meaning "salvation"). The "u" sound in Shua is pronounced as "oo," making the name Yah-u-shua (YHVH's Salvation). This is how I have come to know Y'shua our King.

The Holy Spirit: Shekinah – The Feminine Presence of YHVH

In my studies, I have come to understand the Holy Spirit (Ruach Ha-Kodesh) as female. I understand that this concept may be challenging, but I encourage you to pray and seek guidance from YHVH about this. I am just a man, and I could be wrong. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to discern truth in their walk with Elohim. As it is written in )1 Thessalonians 5:21-22), we are called to "test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." (selfishness).

Shekinah (שְׁכִינָה) is a Hebrew word meaning "dwelling," "settling," or "glory." It represents the presence of YHVH in a place of wisdom. This concept is mentioned in the Torah, such as in (Exodus 25:8): "Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them." However, the word Shekinah itself does not appear in the canonical Bible.

Shekinah in the Hebrew Scriptures and Early Hebrew Texts

Think about it logically: If man and woman are both created in the image of YHVH (Genesis 1:27), why would Elohim not also embody a female aspect? 

Shekinah, representing the feminine aspect of the divine presence, is often associated with Wisdom (Chokmah), which the book of Proverbs describes as having a voice and presence in creation (Proverbs 8:1-36). In the Hebrew thought, Shekinah is often referred to as the Daughter of Wisdom.

In (Enoch 42:2), we see the mention of  Shekinah in relation to wisdom. King Solomon also speaks about her in (Proverbs 8), where she declares that she was with YHVH at the creation of the adamah. While modern theology often refers to the Holy Spirit as a "he," the ancient texts (including the Targums) provide us with a more complex view, showing that  Shekinah can be seen as a feminine representation of divine presence.

The Targum, an ancient Aramaic paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures, also refers to the divine presence as Shekinah, especially in texts such as (Exodus 34:9), where the Targum paraphrases YHVH's presence as "Shekinah."

Unity in Elohim: A Family of One
Elohim, though one in essence, exists in different roles—like a family. YHVH, the Father; Y'shua, the Son; and the Shekinah, (Holy Spirit) the Daughter; These roles reflect different functions within the divine unity. Like a family with a father, mother, son, and daughter, we all serve the common goal of glorifying Elohim Echad (one).

Echad (אֶחָד) is a Hebrew word meaning "one" or "unity." We serve Echad Elohim, who exists in unity, even as each member of the Holy Ones who serves a different function in creation to bring Hope of salvation.

Conclusion:
As we explore these divine names and titles—YHVH, Y'shua, and Shekinah—we come to understand more deeply the nature of our Creator and the way He interacts with His creation. Whether we are speaking of the Father, the Son, or the Spirit, we see the divine unity at work in our lives. May we continue to seek knowledge and wisdom from YHVH, our Elohim Echad, and walk in His ways.