AchtungBono
Refugee
melon said:
As an aside, was it originally intended to cover all names of God, or just God's actual name, as expressed in the Tetragrammaton, "YHWH"? I think the name, "Adonai," was adopted to refer to God, but that since it was never intended to be His actual name, it could be uttered. So if my understanding is correct, I don't see why "G-d" is necessary, since that's not His real name.
I'd be interested in your opinion on what I've written. Thanks!
Melon
I believe it was intended as a blanket term for G-d, including all versions of the name.
G-d has many names in Judaism: Adonai, Elohim, YHWA, and the general term for G-d in Hebrew is: Elohim (pronounced "EL-OH-HEEM"). Religious Jews don't say Elohim but rather they add a "K" instead of an "H" (Elohim becomes EloKim).
Point of information, the literal meaning of Elohim means "many gods". Therefore the 2nd commandment which says: "thou shalt have no other gods before me" translates into "Elohim Aherim" (other gods) - in which case if a person refers to the gods of rome, greece, or any other god outside of Judaism, the word Elohim CAN be said with the "H".
When referring to the one G-d, then the word "Elokim" is used.
I hope I've expressed myself clearly........I'd be happy to clarify further if you'd like.