What does 'Lord' in small letters mean in the Old Testament?
In the Old Testament, when “Lord” appears in small letters, it refers to Adonai, meaning Master. It emphasizes the relationship of a master over servants, as when Moses addressed Jehovah as Adon. This usage calls attention to authority and servanthood throughout the Old Testament. It is not the covenant name but the title Master.
Les explains that the context shows Moses speaking to Jehovah, but Moses does not address Him as Jehovah; he addresses Him as Adon, Master. Les asks what the relationship of a master is and what those under him are called: servants. That is exactly the concept being presented. So whenever you see the word “Lord” in small letters, it is in reference to Adonai as Master, and the master is over his servant. Les says you can watch for that all the way up through the Old Testament. He gives another example in Isaiah chapter 6, where Isaiah says, “I saw the Lord.” The L is capitalized, but the other letters are small, fitting the same Adonai/Master idea.
More Questions
What does the small-letter word Lord indicate in the Old Testament?
Whenever you see the word Lord written with small letters in the Old Testament, it is in reference to Adonai as Master, and the master is over his servant.