יְהוָה נִסִּי
Yahweh Nissi / Jehovah Nissi
“The Lord My Banner”
Jehovah Nissi (יְהוָה נִסִּי, Yahweh Nissi) is a Hebrew name meaning “the lord my banner,” pronounced “yah-WEH ni-SEE.” From YHWH (the LORD) + נִסִּי (nissi, 'my banner/standard'). The root נ-ס-ס (nasas) or נ-ס (nes) means 'banner, standard, sign, miracle.' The word 'nes' in modern Hebrew means 'miracle' — the banner that God raises is always miraculous.
| Hebrew | יְהוָה נִסִּי |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Yahweh Nissi |
| English Name | Jehovah Nissi |
| Meaning | The Lord My Banner |
| Pronunciation | yah-WEH ni-SEE |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Category | Names of God |
| Variants | Yahweh Nissi, Jehovah-Nissi, The LORD My Banner |
| Key Scripture | Exodus 17:15 |
After Israel's first military battle — the surprise attack by the Amalekites at Rephidim — Moses built an altar and named it YHWH Nissi, 'The LORD is My Banner.' The image is vivid: in ancient warfare, the banner (nes) was the rallying point around which soldiers gathered, the standard that identified which army you belonged to. When the banner was raised high, troops advanced; when it fell, they scattered. By declaring God as his banner, Moses was saying that Israel's identity, allegiance, and victory all centered on YHWH alone. As long as they rallied under God's standard, they would prevail — not by their own strength, but by whose flag they flew.
Key Scripture: Exodus 17:15
“Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner (YHWH Nissi).”
What Does Jehovah Nissi Mean in Hebrew?
נִסִּי (nissi) derives from נֵס (nes), meaning 'banner, standard, signal, sign.' With the possessive suffix -i ('my'), it becomes 'my banner.' The root also gives us 'nissayon' (test/trial) and in modern Hebrew, 'nes' means 'miracle.' The semantic range — banner, signal, miracle — suggests that God as our banner is both our rallying point and our miraculous intervention.
Jehovah Nissi in the Bible
Moses named this altar after Israel defeated the Amalekites at Rephidim (Exodus 17:15). The battle was won while Moses held his hands aloft (supported by Aaron and Hur); when his hands dropped, Amalek prevailed. This demonstrated that the battle was God's: YHWH was the true banner under which Israel fought and conquered.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
The modern Hebrew word 'nes' (miracle) derives from the same root as 'nissi' (my banner). During Hanukkah, Jews celebrate 'nes gadol hayah sham' — 'a great miracle happened there' — using this word. The semantic evolution from 'banner' to 'miracle' suggests that every time God raises His standard, something miraculous happens.
Jehovah Nissi is commonly known in Christian worship and spiritual warfare teaching. The imagery of God as a banner or rallying standard resonates in contexts of overcoming obstacles and claiming spiritual victory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jehovah Nissi
What does Jehovah Nissi mean in Hebrew?
Jehovah Nissi (יְהוָה נִסִּי, Yahweh Nissi) means “The Lord My Banner” in Hebrew. From YHWH (the LORD) + נִסִּי (nissi, 'my banner/standard'). The root נ-ס-ס (nasas) or נ-ס (nes) means 'banner, standard, sign, miracle.' The word 'nes' in modern Hebrew means 'miracle' — the banner that God raises is always miraculous.
How do you pronounce Jehovah Nissi in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Jehovah Nissi is “yah-WEH ni-SEE.” The name is written יְהוָה נִסִּי in Hebrew script.
What does Jehovah Nissi mean in Hebrew?
Jehovah Nissi (יְהוָה נִסִּי, YHWH Nissi) means 'The LORD is My Banner' in Hebrew. 'Nissi' comes from 'nes' (banner/standard/signal), with the possessive 'my.' In ancient warfare, the banner was the rallying point that identified and united an army. Moses declared YHWH as Israel's banner after defeating the Amalekites — God alone was their identity and source of victory.
When did Moses build the altar called YHWH Nissi?
Moses built the altar and named it YHWH Nissi after Israel's victory over the Amalekites at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16). During the battle, Israel prevailed when Moses held his hands up and lost ground when they dropped. Aaron and Hur supported his arms, and Israel won. The altar commemorated that YHWH — not human strength — was the source of victory.
Is the Hebrew word for 'miracle' related to Jehovah Nissi?
Yes — the modern Hebrew word 'nes' (נֵס, miracle) derives from the same root as 'nissi' (my banner). The semantic connection is profound: a banner was a signal that something extraordinary was happening, and God's banner always accompanies miraculous intervention. During Hanukkah, the phrase 'nes gadol' (great miracle) uses this very word.
Sources & Further Study
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