The Bible uses various names for God, each highlighting different aspects of His character, attributes, and relationship with His people. Here are some of the most significant names of God, along with their meanings and biblical references:
1. Elohim – God, Mighty Creator
- Meaning: “Elohim” is the Hebrew word for “God” and is often associated with God’s power and majesty in creation. It is a plural noun, reflecting the fullness of God’s being and His sovereignty.
- Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth.”
- Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God (Elohim); the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
2. YHWH (Yahweh) – I AM, the Self-Existent One
- Meaning: “YHWH,” often rendered as “Yahweh” or “Jehovah,” is the most sacred name of God, signifying His eternal, unchanging nature. It means “I AM” or “I AM WHO I AM,” indicating God’s self-existence and faithfulness.
- Exodus 3:14 – “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me to you.”’”
- Isaiah 42:8 – “I am the LORD (YHWH); that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another.”
3. El Shaddai – God Almighty, All-Sufficient One
- Meaning: “El Shaddai” emphasizes God’s ultimate power, sufficiency, and ability to provide for His people. It conveys the idea of God as a nurturing, all-powerful provider.
- Genesis 17:1 – “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before me faithfully and be blameless.’”
- Psalm 91:1 – “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty (Shaddai).”
4. Adonai – Lord, Master
- Meaning: “Adonai” means “Lord” or “Master” and signifies God’s authority and lordship over all. It reflects a relationship of respect and submission.
- Psalm 8:1 – “LORD, our Lord (Adonai), how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
- Isaiah 6:1 – “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord (Adonai), high and exalted, seated on a throne.”
5. Jehovah Jireh – The LORD Will Provide
- Meaning: This name means “The LORD Will Provide,” highlighting God’s provision for His people’s needs.
- Genesis 22:14 – “So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide (Jehovah Jireh). And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.’”
6. Jehovah Rapha – The LORD Who Heals
- Meaning: “Jehovah Rapha” means “The LORD Who Heals,” reflecting God’s power to heal physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments.
- Exodus 15:26 – “He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes… I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you (Jehovah Rapha).’”
7. Jehovah Nissi – The LORD Is My Banner
- Meaning: “Jehovah Nissi” means “The LORD Is My Banner,” symbolizing God’s protection, guidance, and victory over the forces of evil.
- Exodus 17:15 – “Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner (Jehovah Nissi).”
8. Jehovah Shalom – The LORD Is Peace
- Meaning: “Jehovah Shalom” means “The LORD Is Peace,” emphasizing that true peace comes from God alone.
- Judges 6:24 – “So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace (Jehovah Shalom).”
9. Jehovah Tsidkenu – The LORD Our Righteousness
- Meaning: This name means “The LORD Our Righteousness,” signifying that God alone provides righteousness for His people.
- Jeremiah 23:6 – “In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior (Jehovah Tsidkenu).”
10. Jehovah Sabaoth – The LORD of Hosts (Armies)
- Meaning: “Jehovah Sabaoth” translates to “The LORD of Hosts,” referring to God as the commander of the heavenly armies and a protector of His people.
- 1 Samuel 1:3 – “Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the LORD Almighty (Jehovah Sabaoth) at Shiloh.”
- Psalm 46:7 – “The LORD Almighty (Jehovah Sabaoth) is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
11. El Elyon – The Most High God
- Meaning: “El Elyon” means “The Most High God,” underscoring God’s supreme authority and exalted position over all creation.
- Genesis 14:18–20 – “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High (El Elyon).”
- Psalm 7:17 – “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High (El Elyon).”
12. El Roi – The God Who Sees Me
- Meaning: “El Roi” means “The God Who Sees Me,” emphasizing God’s attentiveness and compassion, especially in times of distress.
- Genesis 16:13 – “She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me (El Roi),’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’”
13. Jehovah Mekoddishkem – The LORD Who Sanctifies You
- Meaning: This name, “The LORD Who Sanctifies,” reflects God’s power to make His people holy and set them apart for His purposes.
- Leviticus 20:8 – “Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy (Jehovah Mekoddishkem).”
14. Abba – Father
- Meaning: “Abba” is an Aramaic term for “Father,” used by Jesus and the apostles to describe God in a deeply personal, intimate way. It reflects the close, loving relationship believers have with God.
- Mark 14:36 – “‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’”
- Romans 8:15 – “The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
15. Jehovah Shammah – The LORD Is There
- Meaning: “Jehovah Shammah” means “The LORD Is There,” symbolizing God’s presence among His people and His faithfulness to never leave or forsake them.
- Ezekiel 48:35 – “And the name of the city from that time on will be: The LORD Is There (Jehovah Shammah).”
Summary
Each of these names reveals a different attribute or aspect of God’s character and His relationship with humanity. Together, they give a fuller picture of God as Creator, Provider, Healer, Protector, Righteous Judge, Loving Father, and Eternal King.