What are the different names for God? Introduction The names used for God in Scripture reflect His character, attributes, sovereignty, and relational nature. Understanding these names offers profound insight into His identity and how He interacts with humanity. Below is an in-depth exploration of many key names for God, drawn directly from Scripture (all quotations cited from the Berean Standard Bible). 1. Elohim Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is one of the earliest names for God found in Scripture, appearing in the very first verse: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Though it is grammatically plural, it typically denotes a singular deity, underscoring His majestic power and unity. Elohim conveys God’s sovereignty over creation (Genesis 1) and highlights His supreme authority and creative might. This name is used throughout the Old Testament to emphasize that the One who formed everything is both personal and infinitely powerful. 2. Yahweh (YHWH) Often represented by the four consonants YHWH (יהוה), Yahweh is closely tied to God’s self-revelation. In Exodus 3:14, the Lord declares, “I AM WHO I AM.” This eternal name underscores God’s self-existence and unchanging nature. Because of its sacredness, some Jewish traditions replaced YHWH with “Adonai” when reading aloud. In many English translations, YHWH appears as “LORD” in uppercase. Wherever it is found, Yahweh stresses the covenant-keeping, personal God who rescues His people and remains faithful to His promises. 3. Adonai Adonai (אֲדֹנָי) can be rendered “Lord” or “Master,” conveying God’s authority and lordship over His servants. In Isaiah’s vision, the prophet declares, “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted” (Isaiah 6:1), using terminology that shows reverence to the sovereign King. By calling God “Adonai,” believers acknowledge His rightful position as Lord over all existence, deserving of obedience and worship. 4. El Shaddai (God Almighty) El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי) highlights the might and sufficiency of God. It appears when God establishes a covenant with Abram: “I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1). This name punctuates God’s limitless power to provide and protect. It testifies that He is the ultimate source of all blessings and that none can thwart His sovereign will. 5. El Elyon (God Most High) El Elyon (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן) means “God Most High,” underscoring His supremacy over all other powers. Melchizedek, the priest-king of Salem, is described as “priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18). This title exalts divine status far above any earthly realm, emphasizes God’s uniqueness, and reminds believers that He alone deserves ultimate reverence and devotion. 6. El Olam (Everlasting God) El Olam (אֵל עוֹלָם) is rendered “Everlasting God” or “God of Eternity.” In Genesis 21:33, Abraham “called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.” This title focuses on His unending existence and unchanging nature across every generation. It also conveys comfort and security: since God is eternal, His promises endure forever. 7. Compound Names (YHWH/Jehovah) In Scripture, God’s personal name is combined with descriptive Hebrew words that illuminate various aspects of His character and actions. These compound forms often appear transliterated as Jehovah, though many now transliterate YHWH as Yahweh. The following are key examples: - Jehovah-Jireh (The LORD Will Provide) Found in Genesis 22:14, after God provides the ram in place of Isaac, Abraham names the place “The LORD Will Provide.” This underlines God’s faithful provision in times of deepest need. - Jehovah-Rapha (The LORD Who Heals) In Exodus 15:26, God declares, “I am the LORD who heals you.” He shows His power over illness and brokenness, offering both physical and spiritual healing. - Jehovah-Nissi (The LORD Is My Banner) In Exodus 17:15, Moses builds an altar named “The LORD Is My Banner” to memorialize God’s victory over the Amalekites. It depicts God as the ultimate rallying point and champion in battles. - Jehovah-Shalom (The LORD Is Peace) In Judges 6:24, Gideon builds an altar called “The LORD Is Peace.” This epithet assures that God provides tranquility even in life’s storms. - Jehovah-Tsidkenu (The LORD Our Righteousness) In Jeremiah 23:6, God promises to raise a righteous branch for David: “This is the name by which He will be called: ‘The LORD Our Righteousness.’” This testifies that true righteousness originates from God alone. - Jehovah-Mekoddishkem (The LORD Who Sanctifies You) Emphasized in passages like Exodus 31:13, God reveals Himself as the One who sets His people apart for His holy purposes. - Jehovah-Sabaoth (The LORD of Hosts / The LORD of Armies) This title depicts God as Commander over countless heavenly forces, reflecting His immeasurable might and authority. For example: “The LORD of Hosts is with us” (Psalm 46:7). - Jehovah-Raah (The LORD Is My Shepherd) This name is powerfully conveyed by David in Psalm 23:1: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” It reassures believers that God lovingly leads, protects, and cares for His flock. 8. I AM (Exodus 3:14) In the famous burning bush conversation, God discloses to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). This phrase (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה, Ehyeh asher Ehyeh) conveys the ever-present nature of God. He is eternally existent, uncreated, and independent of all else. The name “I AM” captures both transcendence and immediacy in human affairs. Through this revelation, God aligns Himself with faithful deliverance in each generation. 9. Theos and Kyrios in the New Testament In Greek, the New Testament employs “Theos” (θεός) for “God” and “Kyrios” (κύριος) for “Lord.” These terms echo the Old Testament portrayal of God’s sovereignty and authority. For instance, John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Here, Theos underscores the divine nature of Christ. Meanwhile, Kyrios appears extensively to affirm Jesus’ lordship (e.g., Philippians 2:11). 10. Father and Abba Jesus frequently refers to God as “Father,” highlighting the intimate, loving relationship He sustains with those who believe (e.g., John 5:19–20). Additionally, “Abba” is an Aramaic term that suggests a deeply personal, affectionate connection. The Apostle Paul notes, “By Him we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Romans 8:15). Such expressions reveal God’s care, nurture, and desire for closeness with His children. 11. Immanuel (God with Us) Drawn from Isaiah’s prophecy and applied to Jesus in Matthew 1:23, Immanuel signifies “God with us.” This name stresses the astounding truth that the eternal Creator came to dwell among humanity, bringing redemption and assurance of His abiding presence for all who trust in Him. Conclusion Across the pages of Scripture, God discloses His character through diverse names. Each title unveils aspects of His sovereignty, mercy, power, covenant faithfulness, and desire for relationship with humanity. Reflecting on these names fosters deeper awe and understanding, encouraging believers to draw near to the One who is both transcendent and personally involved in the world He created. Through every name—Elohim, Yahweh, Adonai, El Shaddai, and beyond—Scripture resonates with the reality that God is eternally faithful, infinitely powerful, and intimately present with those who seek Him. |
    |