Transliterasi YHWH: Studi Komparatif dalam Berbagai Bahasa

The name of God, YHWH, holds immense significance in Judaism and Christianity. This tetragrammaton, representing the Hebrew name of God, has been transliterated into various languages throughout history, each reflecting the linguistic and cultural nuances of its respective context. This article delves into the fascinating world of transliteration, exploring how YHWH has been rendered in different languages and the implications of these choices.

The Challenge of Transliteration

Transliterating YHWH presents a unique challenge due to the absence of a direct equivalent in many languages. The Hebrew alphabet, unlike the Latin alphabet, lacks vowels, relying on context and tradition to determine pronunciation. This ambiguity has led to diverse interpretations and transliterations, each carrying its own historical and theological weight.

Transliteration in English

In English, the most common transliteration of YHWH is "Jehovah." This form emerged in the 16th century, influenced by the pronunciation of the Hebrew name in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. However, "Jehovah" is not a faithful representation of the original Hebrew pronunciation, which is unknown with certainty. Other English transliterations include "Yahweh," "Yahveh," and "JHVH," each reflecting different scholarly interpretations and attempts to approximate the original pronunciation.

Transliteration in Arabic

Arabic, like Hebrew, is a Semitic language, sharing a common linguistic heritage. This shared heritage has facilitated a relatively straightforward transliteration of YHWH into Arabic as "Yahweh" (يَهْوَه). This transliteration reflects the pronunciation of the name in Hebrew, preserving the original sounds as closely as possible.

Transliteration in Chinese

Chinese, a tonal language with a distinct writing system, presents a unique challenge for transliterating YHWH. The most common transliteration is "耶和华" (Yēhéhuá), which reflects the pronunciation of "Jehovah" in English. However, this transliteration does not capture the original Hebrew sounds and is influenced by the dominant Christian tradition in China.

Transliteration in Japanese

Japanese, like Chinese, utilizes a complex writing system with a distinct phonetic structure. The most common transliteration of YHWH in Japanese is "ヤハウェ" (Yahawe), which is based on the English pronunciation of "Yahweh." This transliteration, while reflecting the English pronunciation, does not accurately represent the original Hebrew sounds.

Conclusion

The transliteration of YHWH across various languages highlights the complexities of linguistic and cultural exchange. Each transliteration reflects the historical, theological, and linguistic context of its respective language, offering insights into the diverse ways in which the name of God has been understood and interpreted throughout history. While the exact pronunciation of YHWH remains unknown, the various transliterations serve as valuable windows into the rich tapestry of human language and the enduring power of faith.