A new theological work emerging from New Jersey’s diverse religious and intellectual community is inviting readers to revisit one of the most profound questions in biblical history: What does the name of God truly mean?

In his newly released book Yahweh: The Hebrew Name of God, Hegumen Abraam D. Sleman—an Orthodox Christian priest serving at St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Jersey City—offers an extensive exploration of the sacred name that appears thousands of times in the Hebrew Scriptures. The work examines not only the linguistic origins of the name but also its theological, historical, and spiritual significance across centuries of religious tradition.

The book’s release marks an important addition to New Jersey’s growing landscape of religious scholarship, literary thought, and spiritual reflection—an environment highlighted regularly through the Explore New Jersey Books coverage section, where authors, faith leaders, and scholars contribute to the ongoing cultural conversation taking place across the Garden State.

A Sacred Name at the Center of Scripture

At the heart of Sleman’s book is a striking biblical fact that many readers may not fully realize: the divine name commonly rendered as “Yahweh” appears in the Hebrew Bible approximately 6,823 times.

Known in Hebrew as the Tetragrammaton—four sacred consonants representing the name of God—the word carries immense theological weight within Jewish and Christian traditions.

In many English translations of the Bible, the name is replaced with the title “LORD,” written in capital letters. This convention developed out of ancient reverence for the sacred name, which Jewish tradition holds should not be spoken casually.

Sleman’s work explores how this linguistic shift occurred and what it means for modern readers who encounter Scripture primarily through translation.

By examining the historical use of the divine name, the book seeks to reconnect readers with the depth and meaning behind one of the most central concepts in biblical theology.

A Scholar and Priest Serving New Jersey’s Faith Community

Hegumen Abraam D. Sleman brings both academic insight and pastoral experience to his writing.

As a priest—holding the title of Hegumen, equivalent to archpriest—he serves at St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Jersey City, a congregation that reflects the rich diversity of New Jersey’s Christian communities.

The Coptic Orthodox tradition traces its roots to some of the earliest Christian communities in the world, preserving liturgical practices and theological scholarship that date back nearly two thousand years.

Within this context, Sleman’s writing reflects a deep engagement with both biblical scholarship and the spiritual traditions that have shaped Christian theology across centuries.

His book invites readers into a careful examination of how sacred language shapes belief, worship, and spiritual identity.

Exploring the Meaning Behind the Name

One of the central themes of Yahweh: The Hebrew Name of God is the relationship between language and theology.

Throughout history, the name Yahweh has been interpreted in numerous ways. Many scholars trace its meaning to a Hebrew root associated with existence or being—often translated as “I Am” or “He Who Is.”

This interpretation connects directly to the famous biblical passage in which God reveals His name to Moses in the Book of Exodus.

In that moment, the divine declaration “I AM WHO I AM” establishes a profound theological concept: God as the eternal, self-existing source of all creation.

Sleman’s book examines how this concept has shaped Jewish and Christian thought for centuries, influencing everything from liturgical prayer to philosophical discussions about the nature of God.

The author also explores how early translators and theologians grappled with the challenge of rendering the divine name in languages beyond Hebrew.

These historical decisions continue to shape how modern readers encounter Scripture today.

The Power of Names in Religious Tradition

Names carry extraordinary significance within biblical tradition.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, names often reflect identity, destiny, or divine purpose. Figures such as Abraham, Israel, and Peter receive new names that symbolize transformations in their spiritual journeys.

The name of God, therefore, carries even greater weight.

For believers, it represents not merely a label but a revelation of divine character.

Sleman’s book delves into how this understanding developed within both Jewish and Christian theology. By exploring ancient texts, historical interpretations, and theological commentary, he presents the divine name as a window into the relationship between humanity and the sacred.

Readers are encouraged to consider how language shapes spiritual awareness—and how rediscovering the meaning behind biblical words can deepen faith.

A Contribution to New Jersey’s Literary and Religious Landscape

The release of Yahweh: The Hebrew Name of God also highlights the vibrant intellectual and cultural life that continues to flourish across New Jersey.

From academic scholarship and historical research to memoirs, novels, and spiritual reflections, authors throughout the state contribute to a dynamic literary ecosystem.

Platforms such as the Explore New Jersey Books section showcase these voices, providing readers with access to works that explore history, philosophy, faith, and cultural identity.

Sleman’s book joins this broader conversation by offering readers a thoughtful exploration of one of the most foundational ideas in biblical theology.

For scholars of religion, clergy members, theology students, and spiritually curious readers, the work presents an opportunity to revisit a subject that has shaped centuries of belief.

Why the Question Still Matters Today

Although the name Yahweh originates in ancient Hebrew scripture, the questions surrounding its meaning remain relevant in the modern world.

In an era where religious literacy is increasingly important for understanding global culture, the study of sacred texts provides insight into traditions that influence billions of people.

For believers, exploring the divine name can deepen personal faith and spiritual reflection.

For scholars and historians, it offers a window into the linguistic and cultural developments that shaped Western religious thought.

Sleman’s book approaches the subject with both reverence and intellectual curiosity, inviting readers to examine how the concept of God’s name has evolved through centuries of interpretation.

Faith, Scholarship, and Community

As a religious leader serving in Jersey City, Sleman’s work reflects the intersection of scholarship and community engagement.

Faith communities throughout New Jersey represent a wide range of traditions and backgrounds, creating a unique environment where dialogue about religion, philosophy, and spirituality continues to evolve.

Books like Yahweh: The Hebrew Name of God contribute to that dialogue by offering thoughtful perspectives rooted in both historical study and lived faith.

For readers interested in theology, biblical history, or spiritual exploration, the work offers an opportunity to reflect on one of the most enduring questions in religious tradition: how the language of scripture reveals the nature of the divine.

In revisiting the meaning behind the sacred name that appears thousands of times in the Bible, Sleman invites readers to engage with scripture in a deeper and more reflective way—one that connects ancient text with contemporary spiritual inquiry.