"Praise the Lord" vs. "Praise Jehovah"

By Ronald R. Day, Sr.

The expression "Praise the Lord" appears 32 times in the King James Version. In every instance, however, it is apparent that "the Lord" has replaced the holy name (Yahweh/Jehovah).

CLICK HERE to see a list of the scriptures from the King James Version that contain the phrase "Praise the Lord":

In the American Standard Version translation, "Praise the Lord" appears only once, in Romans 15:11, where it is evident that "the Lord", transliterated from the Greek as KURIOS, has been substituted for the Holy name. The quote is from Psalm 117:1:

O praise Jehovah, all ye nations; Laud him, all ye peoples.  (American Standard Version)

The American Standard Version, which usually renders the Holy Name in the Old Testament as "Jehovah", has "Praise Jehovah" 18 times, and "Praise ye Jehovah" 25 times

Conclusion:

In actuality the phrase "Praise the Lord", so often heard in discourses, songs, prayers and testimonies, does not actually appear in the Bible at all. The Holy Name appears over 6,000 times in the extant Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). How many times it should appear in the NT cannot be accurately determined, because in the extant Greek NT manuscripts the Holy Name has been replaced with other words, such as Kurios (Lord), Theos (God), Dunamis (Power), etc.

Questions:

Should we not be endeavoring to give praise by using the holy name of the only true God and by refraining from substituting titles or other words for his holy name?

First, we should note that it is not wrong to use the title "Lord" in reference to Jehovah, for he certainly is "the Lord of all the earth" (Joshua 3:11; Psalm 97:5), "Lord of lords" (Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 136:3), "Lord of kings" (Daniel 2:47), "Lord of heaven" (Daniel 5:23); "Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), etc. However, our concern should be pertaining to how many make the title appear to be his name by substituting the title in places where the Holy Name should be used, especially in scriptural references where it is apparent that such titles have been substituted for the holy name. Many translations change the Holy Name to "the LORD," "LORD" or to "GOD." Doing this actually presents a lie, for God's Holy Name is definitely not either "LORD" or "GOD". We believe one should endeavor to use translations that do not change the Holy Name, but almost all do not have the Holy Name in the New Testament. If one read such translations, it would be best to NOT join with the translations that change God's Holy Name, but rather restore that name at appropriate places. Nevertheless, it is not for us to pass any kind of judgment on those who do not restore the Holy Name.

Should we not update the hymns to reflect the Holy Name at a appropriate places?

Yes, we believe this should be done. We had hoped to present a "Holy Name" edition of the Hymns of Dawn, but so far other things have prevented us in this endeavor. Perhaps we will eventually do so, if God wills. "Praise the Lord" in hymns. however, can easily be changed to "Praise to Jah".

Exodus 3:15
God said to Moses again, You shall say this to the sons of Israel, Jehovah, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial from generation to generation. -- Green's Literal.

Psalms 106:48
Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting. And let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye Jehovah. -- American Standard Version

Psalms 7:17
I will thank Jehovah according to His righteousness, and will praise the name of Jehovah most high. -- Green's Literal.

Psalms 22:22
I will declare Your name to My brothers; I will praise You in the midst of the assembly. -- Green's Literal.

Psalm 113:1
Praise Yah! Praise, you servants of Yahweh, Praise the name of Yahweh. -- World English.
Or, with "Jah" and "Jehovah" supplied: Praise Jah! Praise, you servants of Jehovah, Praise the name of Jehovah.

See also:

The Holy Name in the New Testament