Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 07:1 (Spring 1964)
Article: The Title “Reverend”
Author: Henry P. Lovik

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CenQ 7:1 (Spring 1964) p. 11

The Title “Reverend”

Henry P. Lovik, D.D.

Conservative Baptist Association of Illinois

Conservative Baptists from the beginning of our movement have held to the necessity of letting the Bible, the Word of God, be our guide in all matters of faith and practice. But we have also held to the truth that the Bible is not for private interpretation (II Pet. 1:20). To use the silence of the Bible as an argument against the use of the title “Reverend” comes under private interpretation.

I. The Bible And The Word Reverend.

There are two versions that use the word reverend in translating Psalm 111:9 “holy and reverend is his name,” the Authorized Version and American Standard Version. ‘

The root and primary meaning of the Hebrew word YARE here translated reverend is FEAR, also translated Awe and Terrible.

In the Septuagint, Greek: foberon - Fear and Fright.

In the Vulgate, Latin: Terribile - Terrible.

In the New King James version it “is translated Fearful.

In the Berkeley translation the reading is Awe-inspiring.

Of all other translations that we have seen, not one of them has translated the Hebrew word YARE as reverend. From this evidence we must conclude that the word reverend in AV and ASV is not the best translation. Therefore in the use of the title Reverend a minister cannot rightly be said to use one of the names of God.

CenQ 7:1 (Spring 1964) p. 12

II. The Origin Of The Title Reverend.

Where did this title come from and who originated it? Again we must go to the Bible to see what it has to say that might have a bearing on the subject. Most certainly the King James version as well as the American Standard version have greatly affected Christian terminology.

A related word to reverend is reverence. The Hebrew word YARE is so translated three times. In Psalm 89:7 it expresses man’s attitude to God. In Leviticus 19:30; 26:2 it expresses man’s right attitude toward the sanctuary, the place of worship.

In the New Testament we have the word reverence used many times. Hebrews 12:28 “… serve God acceptably with reverence.” Hebrews 12:9 “…fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence” (Greek - entrepomai). ...

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