Divine Names

The source J generally uses the divine name יְקּוָקּ. Though Elokim is also used, יְקּוָקּ is the favored name. E, on the other hand, favors the name אֱלֹקּים. This is especially true prior to Ex. 3:15, an E verse in which God seems to introduce the name יְקּוָקּ. Though, the meaning of that verse is unclear, and even after, it E persists to use אֱלֹקּים. In P, the matter is more complex. Originaly, only אֱלֹקּים is used. However, God adds a level of revelation to the fathers and introduces the name Kel Shakai . For the life of the fathers, Kel Shakai is used alongside אֱלֹקּים. Note that 17:1 seems to be a revelation of sorts, with God introducing his new name. Similarly 35:11, Ani Kel Shakai. 48:3 speaks of revelation. Finaly, God reveals the name of יְקּוָקּ to Moses in Ex 6:3. Note, not only does the name יְקּוָקּ not appear in P prior to Ex 6:3, but Ex 6:3 states explicitly that this name was not revealed prior to the Exodus. There are only two exceptions to this rule. Gen 17:1 and Gen 21:1b, though, to be quite honest, I have no idea why scholars assign Gen 21:1b to P. The examples of this rule are obviously too numerous to list.