The name *Adonay* (H136), meaning Lord or Master, is one of the significant ways the Hebrew scriptures refer to God, reflecting His authority and sovereignty. In Jewish tradition, when encountering the sacred name YHWH in the text, it is pronounced as *Adonai* out of deep reverence, as the true pronunciation of YHWH has been lost over time. This substitution underscores the importance of honoring God's name with respect and awe, emphasizing His role as Ruler over all. The use of *Adonay* highlights the spiritual principle of fearing His glorious and awesome name as paramount to obedience and worship.

God revealed Himself to Moses in Exodus 6:2-3 as the LORD, a name not known to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who knew Him as God Almighty. After the Babylonian exile, from the third century BC onward, the Jews ceased to use the personal name of the LORD, the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, considering it too sacred to be uttered. Instead, they replaced it vocally in synagogue ritual with the Hebrew word Adonai, meaning 'My Lord,' which was translated as Kyrios in the Greek Septuagint. According to Halakha, when the name of the Lord, YHWH, is uttered, it should be pronounced as Adonai, a term itself regarded as holy and used only in prayer.

The third commandment, as found in Exodus 20:7, declares, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." This commandment emphasizes the spiritual cleanliness required in using the name of God, specifically Adonay (H136), which translates to Master or Owner of the whole universe. To speak or act in His name is to act as His agent and to participate in His authority, demanding that it be used in truth and purity of conduct. In Psalm 23:1, the name Adonay appears as part of the expression "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," highlighting His role as a guiding and providing Master. This name is often combined with other terms in Scripture to form specific descriptions of His nature, revealing various aspects of His character and authority. Through such names, God has chosen to disclose His attributes, offices, and will, ensuring that each designation reflects a distinct virtue or characteristic of His divine essence. These names, including Adonay, are not to be abused, as they carry the weight of His glory and must be borne with sincerity and respect.