Hashem is a Hebrew term meaning "the Name" and is used in Jewish tradition as a reverent substitute for the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), the sacred and unpronounceable name of God.
This practice stems from the commandment in Exodus 20:7 not to take the Lord's name in vain, reflecting a deep reverence for the divine name's holiness.
In formal worship and scriptural reading, Jews typically substitute "Adonai" (Lord) for YHWH, while "Hashem" is commonly used in everyday speech and casual conversation to refer to God without uttering the sacred name.
The term Hashem appears in various biblical contexts, such as in 1 Chronicles 11:34, where it refers to the "sons of Hashem the Gizonite," a figure associated with David’s mighty men, though some manuscripts refer to him as Jashen.
The concept of Hashem underscores the belief that God’s name is not merely a label but a reflection of His character, sovereignty, and eternal nature, as revealed in Exodus 3:14 when God declares, "I AM WHO I AM".
In Jewish theology, the name YHWH is considered so holy that its pronunciation was restricted to the High Priest in the Temple on Yom Kippur, and even then, only under specific conditions of ritual purity.
According to rabbinic tradition, misusing or pronouncing the divine name in a state of impurity could result in severe consequences, including the loss of one’s portion in the world to come.
This profound respect for the divine name is mirrored in the use of "Hashem" as a way to maintain reverence in daily life, with common expressions like "Baruch Hashem" (Blessed be the Name) used to acknowledge God’s blessings.
While Christians do not typically use the term Hashem, they share a similar reverence for God’s name, as seen in Jesus’ teaching to pray, "Hallowed be Your name" (Matthew 6:9), and in Paul’s declaration that every knee will bow at the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:9–11).
The use of Hashem thus serves as a powerful reminder of the sanctity of God’s identity and the importance of approaching the divine with awe and humility.
For the sake of humanity, these terms can only be revealed though Revelation, which is God's Gift in life and God's Grace in death. The statement "Because he knows my name, I will answer him" is part of a divine promise found in Psalm 91:15
14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
Isaiah means Salvation is from the Lord