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YAHWEH

In explaining the divine feminine, Leigh Teabing provides what sounds like a scholarly Hebrew word study: "The Jewish tetragrammaton YHWH—the sacred name of God—is in fact derived from Jehovah, an androgynous physical union between the masculine Jah and the pre-Hebraic name for Eve, Havah" (p.309, DVC).

But biblical scholars in the field of Hebrew scholarship beg to differ with the fictional character's definition. Here is the definition from The Moody Handbook of Theology of the most sacred title of God in the Old Testament.

"The name Yahweh translates the Hebrew tetragrammaton (four-lettered expression) YHWH. Because the name was originally written without vowels, it is uncertain how it should be pronounced. Hence, the American Standard Version translates it "Jehovah," whereas most modern translations render it "LORD" (to distinguish it from Adonai, "Lord" ). Jewish scholars have generally pronounced it "Adonai" instead of actually pronouncing YHWH, out of respect for the sacredness of the covenant name.

"Although there is considerable discussion concerning the origin and meaning of the name, this common designation (used 6,828 times in the Old Testament) is likely related to the verb "to be." Thus in Exodus 3:14-15 the Lord declares, "I AM WHO I AM . . . The LORD . . . has sent me to you. This is My name forever." This has particular significance to the "I AM" claims of Christ (John 6:35; 8:12; 10:9,11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1), who in His statements claimed equality with Yahweh.

"By the name Yahweh, God identified Himself in His personal relationship with His people, Israel, and it was to this name that Abram responded in acknowledging the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:8). By this name God brought Israel out of Egypt, delivered them from bondage, and redeemed them (Exodus 6:6; 20:2). Whereas Elohim and Adonai were designations known to other cultures, the revelation of Yahweh was unique to Israel" (p.197, The Moody Handbook of Theology).

At no time in the Old Testament literature is Yahweh "derived from Jehovah, an androgynous physical union between the masculine Jah and the pre-Hebraic name for Eve, Havah." Jehovah is an anglicized version of the Hebrew that accommodated translation into English. This was used many centuries after the Hebrew was written down. Citing "Jehovah" as being used by ancient Jews is a fanciful word play used only to promote Dan Brown's alternative history.