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In theBook of Genesis,Jehovah-jireh was the location in the region ofMoriah of thebinding of Isaac, whereJehovah toldAbraham to offer his sonIsaac as aburnt offering. Abraham named the place after God provided aram to sacrifice in place of Isaac. This name, hence, carries the meaning, "The Lord will provide".
In theMasoretic Text, the name isיְהוָה יִרְאֶה (yhwh yirʾeh). The first word of the phrase is theTetragrammaton (יהוה),YHWH, the most common name ofGod in the Hebrew Bible, which is usually given the pronunciationYahweh in scholarly works.[1]Jehovah is a Christian anglicized vocalization of this name using thevowels of the Tetragrammaton according to the Masoretic text. Following a Jewish tradition of not pronouncing God's proper name, YHWH is generally translated inEnglish bibles as "the LORD" or "GOD" in capital letters, just as in Jewish worship it is traditionally not pronounced but the wordAdonai orElohim ("God") is used instead.
The earlySeptuagint translation into Greek gives the meaning as "The Lord hath seen."[2] One Latin version of the Christian Bible rendered the name in Latin asDominus videt ("The LORD sees").[3] TheKing James Version follows this meaning, as quoted above.
Jewish translations of the verse into English include,
And Abraham called the name of that placeAdonai-jireh; as it is said to this day: 'In the mount where the LORD is seen.' –Genesis 22:14 (Jewish Publication Society translation of 1917)
However, some modern translations, including theNIV, render it "the LORD will provide",[4] amplifying the literal meaning along the lines of "the LORD will see to it", and referring to Abraham's earlier words in22:8, "God himself will provide the lamb".[5][6]
Some Jewish commentators see the name as alluding to the future importance of the place as the site ofSolomon's Temple. TheTargumim do not regard "Jehovah-jireh" as a proper name.[7]
Considering the passive construction of Abraham's words in verse 14, "In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen",Calvin comments that it teaches "that God not only looks upon those who are his, but also makes his help manifest to them..."[8]John Wesley andMatthew Henry go further, suggesting that "perhaps it may refer toGod manifest in the flesh."[6][9]
"Jehovah Jireh embodies the belief in God's unwavering provision, echoing the story of Abraham and Isaac.[10] It's a testament to the faith that God will provide for our needs, reassuring believers of His constant care and provision."
John Newton translates "Jehovah-jireh" as "The Lord will provide" in his hymn, "When Troubles Assail."[11] It is also the title of aWilliam Cowper hymn.[12]
Jehovah Jireh is the title of an 1867 book byWilliam Swan Plumer.[13]
"Jehovah Jireh" is the title of several modern songs, including one byDon Moen included on his 1986 debut albumGive Thanks; various others have covered it, includingthrash metal bandDeliverance on their 1989self-titled debut album.
Chandra Currelley performed another song with the same title in the 2006 playWhat's Done in the Dark.
R&B singerFrank Ocean also uses the name "Jehovah Jireh" in his debut album/mixtapeNostalgia, Ultra in the song is titled 'We All Try".[14]
Organizations bearing the name include Jehovah Jireh Children's Homes in Kenya, founded byManasses Kuria, andchurches such asJehovah Jireh Samoan Assembly of God inVictorville,California,United States.[citation needed][relevant?]
Maverick City Music andElevation Worship released a song called "Jireh" in 2021.[15]