The Covenant Names of JEHOVAH

When God reveals a name, He isn’t just giving us a title, but He is giving us a promise. He is opening a window into His character so we can know Him—not just as a distant Creator, but as a close and personal Father. Here are some of His covenant names, where they are found in Scripture, and what they mean for your life today.

1. JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) — “The LORD”

Scripture: Genesis 2:4 — “...in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.”

This is the foundational name of God, appearing over 6,000 times in the Bible. When you see “LORD” in all capital letters in your NKJV Bible, it is this name: Yahweh. It means “I AM WHO I AM.” It speaks of a God who is self-existent and eternal. He doesn’t depend on anyone for His life; He is life.

For us, this name is an anchor. In a world where people change, feelings fade, and circumstances shift like sand, Jehovah remains the same. He is the constant “I AM” in your yesterday, today, and forever. He is the faithful One who keeps His covenant with you, not because you are perfect, but because He is unchanging.

2. JEHOVAH JIREH means The LORD Will Provide

Genesis 22:14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, ‘In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided.’

Have you ever faced a situation where you couldn’t see a way out? Abraham felt that as he walked up Mount Moriah with his son, Isaac. But God stopped him and provided a ram in the thicket. The name Jehovah Jireh literally means “The Lord Will See to It.” It’s not just that He gives us things, but it’s that He has foresight. He sees your need long before you even feel hunger.

Before you ever encountered that financial struggle or that emotional emptiness, God had already prepared the provision. He is like a loving parent who packs a lunch for their child before the child even knows they will be hungry at noon.

3. JEHOVAH RAPHA — “The LORD Who Heals You”

Scripture: Exodus 15:26 — “...For I am the LORD who heals you.”

Life has a way of wounding us. Sometimes it’s a physical illness, but often it’s the hidden wounds of rejection, grief, or bitterness. God revealed this name to the Israelites when they were thirsty and found only bitter water at Marah. He healed the waters, and then He promised to heal them. Jehovah Rapha means He is the Great Physician.

He doesn’t just put a bandage on our hurts; He restores us from the inside out. Have you ever tried to fix a broken heart with distractions, only to find it still aches? That is because only the Creator can repair the creation. Whether you need healing in your body or peace in your mind, this name reminds you that God’s very nature is restoration. He is the One who binds up the brokenhearted and makes the bitter waters of life sweet again.

4. JEHOVAH NISSI — “The LORD Is My Banner”

Scripture: Exodus 17:15 — “And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner.”

In ancient times, a banner was a flag raised high on a battlefield. It showed soldiers where to rally, who they belonged to, and gave them hope in the chaos of war. When Israel fought the Amalekites, they won only when Moses held up his hands—a sign that their victory came from God, not their swords. Jehovah Nissi means God is our victory and our identity.

We all fight battles, whether against addiction, fear, or discouragement. But we do not fight for victory; we fight FROM victory. When you are overwhelmed, you don’t have to rely on your own strength. You simply need to look up. God is the banner flying over your life, declaring, “This one belongs to Me.” As long as you stay under His covering, the enemy cannot win. He fights your battles for you.

5. JEHOVAH SHALOM — “The LORD Is Peace”

Scripture: Judges 6:24 — “So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace.”

Gideon was hiding in a winepress, terrified of his enemies, when God called him a “mighty man of valor.” It seemed like a joke. Gideon felt anything but peaceful. Yet, in that place of anxiety, God revealed Himself as Jehovah Shalom. True peace isn’t the absence of trouble; it is the presence of God in the midst of the trouble.

Imagine a deep ocean. On the surface, there might be a violent storm with crashing waves, but deep below, the water is perfectly still. That is the peace of God. It is a wholeness that guards your heart even when your world is shaking. If your mind is racing with “what-ifs” today, remember this name. You don’t have to manufacture calm; you just have to welcome the Prince of Peace into your boat. When He is there, the storm doesn’t matter.

6. JEHOVAH RAAH — “The LORD Is My Shepherd”

Scripture: Psalm 23:1 — “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

This is perhaps the most tender of all the names. A shepherd lives with his sheep. He smells like them, sleeps near them, and protects them with his life. Sheep are prone to wandering; they have no natural defenses and can’t find their own way. That is us, isn’t it? We get lost so easily in our worries and sins.

Jehovah Raah tells us that God is not a distant boss, but a caring guide. He leads us to green pastures (rest) and still waters (refreshment). When we walk through dark valleys, He is close enough to touch. He uses His rod to protect us and His staff to pull us back when we stray. You never have to figure out life alone. You have a Shepherd who knows your name, knows the path, and has promised to lead you all the way home.

7. JEHOVAH TSIDKENU — “The LORD Our Righteousness”

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:6 — “Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

We all know the feeling of not being “good enough.” We try to do the right things, but we still fail, mess up, and fall short. The guilt can be heavy. But this name, revealed by the prophet Jeremiah, is a promise of freedom. Jehovah Tsidkenu means that God provides the righteousness we could never earn ourselves.

Think of it like a coat. Our own “goodness” is like a tattered, dirty rag. But when we trust in Jesus, God takes off our dirty rags and wraps us in His perfect, spotless royal robe. When God looks at you now, He doesn’t see your mistakes, but He sees His own righteousness. You don’t have to strive to earn His love. You can stop performing and start resting, knowing that because of Jesus, you are already approved, accepted, and made right with God.

8. JEHOVAH SHAMMAH — “The LORD Is There”

Scripture: Ezekiel 48:35 — “...and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE.”

This name appears at the very end of the book of Ezekiel. After describing a glorious new city, the prophet gives it this name: Jehovah Shammah. It simply means God is present. It is the promise that God will never abandon His people.

Loneliness is an epidemic in our world. We can be surrounded by people and still feel invisible. But this covenant name assures us that there is no place you can go where God is not. He is in your celebration, and He is in your grieving. He is in the church pew, but also in the hospital room. He is the God who is there. You never have to shout to get His attention; He is closer than your own breath. His presence is the greatest gift of the covenant. He is with us, always.

Reflection

Why do these names matter so much? Because a covenant is stronger than a contract. A contract is based on performance. If you do this, I'll do that. But a covenant is based on relationship, I am yours, and you are Mine, no matter what.

When God reveals these names, He is pledging Himself to you.

• When you are sick, He doesn't just send healing. He says, I AM your Healer.

• When you are lonely, He doesn't just send a friend. He says, I AM the Shepherd.

These names are like a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10). When life feels overwhelming, you can run into these names and find safety. They remind us that everything we lack, He is. We are the sheep, and He is the Shepherd. We are the wounded, but He is the Healer. We are the children, and He is our Father. Knowing His covenant names builds your faith because it reminds you that your safety doesn't depend on your hold on God, but on His eternal hold on you.