Why Two Strong's Numbers for the Same Name?

Both H3068 (יְהֹוָה) and H3069 (יְהֹוִה) represent the same four-letter Divine Name: יהוה (YHWH). The consonantal text is identical. The only difference is the vowel pointing added by the Masoretes — Jewish scribes who preserved the Hebrew text between the 6th and 10th centuries CE.

The Masoretic Reading Convention

The Name יהוה was considered too sacred to pronounce aloud. When reading Scripture, Jews substituted Adonai (אֲדֹנָי, "my Lord") in its place. The Masoretes encoded this practice by writing the consonants יהוה with the vowels of Adonai, producing יְהֹוָה (H3068).

But a problem arose when the text already contained the word אֲדֹנָי immediately before יהוה — as in the phrase אֲדֹנָי יהוה ("Lord YHWH"). Reading both as "Adonai" would produce "Adonai Adonai" — an awkward repetition. To avoid this, the Masoretes pointed the second יהוה with the vowels of Elohim (אֱלֹהִים, "God") instead, producing יְהֹוִה (H3069). This signaled the reader to say "Elohim" in that position.

How Common Translations Handle This

When a reader sees "Lord GOD" in the KJV, the underlying Hebrew is actually Adonai Yahweh — two different words with distinct meanings, not a repetition.

The SIBI Rendering

The SIBI renders both H3068 and H3069 as Yahweh, because:

1. The consonantal text is identical — יהוה in both cases
2. The vowel difference is a reading convention, not part of the original text
3. The Name should not be hidden behind substitutions like "LORD" or "GOD"
4. The distinction between Adonai (Lord/Master) and Yahweh (the Name) must be preserved, not collapsed

This means where common translations read "Lord GOD," the SIBI reads "Adonai Yahweh" — restoring the original text as it was written.

Where H3069 Appears

H3069 occurs 306 times in the Hebrew Bible, almost always in the phrase אֲדֹנָי יהוה. It is particularly frequent in Ezekiel, where the prophet regularly uses the phrase "Adonai Yahweh" (commonly rendered "Lord GOD").