God is called 'Lord God' in Genesis 2 because, once man appears, Scripture introduces Jehovah—the Godhead person who relates to, communicates with, and redeems the human race.
In Genesis 1 the text only uses 'God' as Creator. But at Genesis 2:4, after man is on the scene, the name 'Lord God' appears. Les Feldick teaches this is deliberate, not a misprint—'Lord' is the translators' stand-in for 'Jehovah,' and Jehovah is that person of the Godhead who becomes man's communicator, Redeemer, and Savior.
Genesis 2:4 — This is the verse where 'Lord God' first appears, marking the name change after creation is complete and man is present.
Genesis 1:1 — The opening verse of Genesis uses only 'God,' showing the contrast with the 'Lord God' title introduced in Genesis 2.
The Biblical text itself marks a clear progression. Genesis 1:1 begins with simply 'God,' and every reference in chapter 1 is to 'God'—the Creator. Then, at Genesis 2:4, after the account of creation has been completed and man is on the scene, the text reads, 'These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.' From that point onward, the title 'Lord God' is used rather than just 'God.' The mere fact that the name changes is visible in the text; the reason for the change is what Les Feldick explains from the ministry of the One being named.
Les stresses that the change from 'God' to 'Lord God' at Genesis 2:4 is not a misprint and not accidental. He explains that all through chapter 1, the Bible is dealing with God as Creator. But once creation is finished and man appears, a different name of deity is introduced—'Lord God,' which can be read 'Jehovah God' because 'Lord' is used in place of 'Jehovah' by translators out of courtesy to the Jewish awe for that name. Jehovah is the person of the Godhead who is always involved with the human race—the communicator, the Redeemer, the Savior, the One who fellowships with Adam in the Garden, appears to Abraham and Moses, and later becomes intrinsically the God of Israel. Les also identifies this One as God the Son, who now fulfills the plan of redemption, and says Lord and Jehovah are synonymous.
Les teaches that the Bible is progressive revelation. In Genesis 1, only the three-letter word God is used as the Creator. At Genesis 2:4, the term changes to 'Lord God.' He repeatedly says this is not a misprint or a translator's mistake—it is done for a purpose. The new title points to a special person of the Godhead set apart after man arrives.
The name Jehovah identifies that person of the Godhead who is involved with the human race. Les describes Him as the communicator, the Redeemer, the Savior of mankind, and the One who will fellowship with Adam in the garden. He is also the One who appears to Abraham and Moses and who later becomes the God of Israel. This is God the Son fulfilling the plan of redemption, so the names Lord and Jehovah are synonymous.
Les explains that translators used the word Lord in place of Jehovah most of the time because the old Jewish writers had such awe for the name Jehovah they would not write it. When readers see the word Lord in capital letters, they should remember it stands for Jehovah. Les says you do no harm to Scripture to intersperse those two terms.
Change after Creation Complete
Les points out that all through Genesis 1 the text simply says 'God,' but once the six days of creation are complete and man is on the scene, Genesis 2:4 introduces 'Lord God.'
Jehovah as God of Abraham and Israel
Les explains that Jehovah becomes intrinsically the God of Abraham and the nation of Israel, yet He is still God the Son.
Jehovah Involved with the Human Race
Jehovah is the person of the Godhead who always deals with the human race—He is the communicator, Redeemer, Savior, and the One who fellowships with Adam in the garden.
Not a Misprint
The sudden appearance of 'Lord God' in Genesis 2:4 is not a mistake; in Genesis 1 the focus is God the Creator, and the new title signals a deliberate revelation.
Purposeful Introduction
The introduction of 'Lord God' is all for a purpose, setting apart one person of the Godhead as someone special.
Progressive Revelation and Capitalized 'Lord'
The Bible is progressive revelation; the term changes from 'God' to 'Lord God,' and when 'Lord' is all capitals it stands for Jehovah.
Lord Is Jehovah
Translators used 'Lord' instead of 'Jehovah' out of respect for Jewish awe, so every capitalized 'Lord' represents Jehovah, the Redeemer and communicator introduced in Genesis 2:4.
Lord and Jehovah Synonymous
God the Son is the One who now fulfills the plan of redemption, and His name becomes Jehovah—Lord and Jehovah are always synonymous.
Genesis 1:1: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
This opening verse shows the name 'God' used alone in the beginning, establishing the contrast with Genesis 2:4.
Genesis 2:4: These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
This is the exact text where 'LORD God' first appears, introducing the new divine name after man is on the scene.
No. Les Feldick says it is not a misprint or a translator's mistake. The change from 'God' in Genesis 1 to 'Lord God' in Genesis 2 is deliberate and introduces a new name of deity after creation is complete.
It stands for 'Jehovah.' Les explains that translators used 'Lord' in place of 'Jehovah' out of courtesy to old Jewish writers who had such awe for the name that they would not write it.
He is the person of the Godhead who deals with the human race—God the Son, the Redeemer, communicator, and Savior. This One fellowships with Adam in the garden and later appears to Abraham and Moses.
Watch the Teaching: Creation of Adam: Body, Soul, and Spirit Explained