Library Theodoret Questions on Exodus
Questions on Exodus 15: “My name ‘Lord’ I did not make known to them”
What is the meaning of “My name ‘Lord’ I did not make known to them”?
This teaches how great was the honor and goodwill with which God treated Moses. For the name which he had not made known to the patriarchs, he made clear to him: he said to him, “I am He who is.”
Among the Hebrews this is called the unspoken name; for they are forbidden to utter it with the tongue. It is written with four letters; therefore they also call it the Tetragrammaton. This name was also inscribed on the golden plate which was set on the high priest’s forehead, bound to the headband.
The Samaritans call it Ἰαβέ (Iabe); the Jews call it Ἰά (Ia).
Greek: Theodoret of Cyrus, Quaestiones in Octateuchum / Questions on Exodus (CPG 6200.02; cf. Fernández Marcos and Sáenz-Badillos; also PG 80, cols. 225–298). English: study translation for BWAB Library—not the copyrighted Robert C. Hill (CUA Press) translation. The full Questions on Exodus (72 questions) is hosted here.