The Meaning of Yahweh

Could you tell me the Meaning of The Word Yahweh do Jews believe this Is God's Greatest Name?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

G-d traditionally has 70 names, though one can count much more if one were to include names such as “HaRachaman” ('The Merciful One”), “Ribono Shel Olam” (“Master of the World”), “Tzur Israel” (Rock of Israel), and the like.

However, there are seven extremely holy names that may not be erased, and may not even be spelled out in full when writing them.

The seven holiest names are:

1. The name Y-H-V-H which you refer to as “Y-aweh” (which may or may not be the true pronunciation of this name)

2. The name A-donai

3. The name E-l

4. The name Elo-him

5. The name Sha-ddai

6. The name Tzeva-ot

7. The name Y-ah

As per your question as to what the name Y-H-V-H means, we find in several places in the Torah that is can mean "I Will Be What I Will Be" or even more commonly: “Who was, Who is, and Who will be.”

This name is never pronounced, and when the name is indeed meant to be pronounced, such as in prayer or in the course of the Torah readings, the second name listed above, is recited instead.

The only time the first name was pronounced was by the High Priest who would utter that name in the Holy of Holies of the Temple in Jerusalem on Yom Kippur. The nation would prostrate themselves on the ground when this name was pronounced.

Outside of prayer Jews generally refer to G-d as “Hashem” which means “The Name.”