Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:Elohim is a Hebrew word used in the Old Testament to refer to God. It is a plural noun but is most often used with singular verbs and adjectives when referring to the one true God of Israel, indicating a complex unity. The term is used over 2,500 times in the Hebrew Bible and is one of the most common names for God. Theological Significance: Elohim conveys the majesty, power, and sovereignty of God. The plural form suggests the fullness of divine attributes and has been interpreted by some Christian theologians as an early hint of the Trinity, though this is not explicitly stated in the Old Testament. The use of Elohim underscores God's supreme authority over creation and His role as the ultimate judge and ruler. Biblical References: 1. Creation: Elohim is prominently used in the creation narrative. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth." This introduction sets the stage for God's creative power and authority over the universe. 2. Covenant and Relationship: Elohim is used in contexts that emphasize God's covenant relationship with His people. In Genesis 17:7 , God says, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God (Elohim) and the God of your descendants after you." 3. Judgment and Justice: The term is also associated with God's role as judge. In Psalm 82:1 , it is written, "God (Elohim) presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods." 4. Worship and Reverence: Elohim is central to the worship practices of Israel. In Deuteronomy 6:4 , the Shema declares, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God (Elohim), the LORD is One." This verse emphasizes the monotheistic belief in one God who is worthy of worship and devotion. Linguistic Considerations: The plural form of Elohim has led to various interpretations. While it is grammatically plural, it is often understood as a "plural of majesty" or "plural of intensity," reflecting the greatness and multifaceted nature of God. In some contexts, Elohim can refer to other gods or divine beings, but when used with singular verbs and in the context of Israel's faith, it refers exclusively to the God of Israel. Relation to Other Names of God: Elohim is often used in conjunction with other names and titles for God, such as Yahweh (LORD), El Shaddai (God Almighty), and Adonai (Lord). These combinations highlight different aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity. For example, in Genesis 2:4 , the text refers to "the LORD God (Yahweh Elohim)," combining the covenant name of God with His title as Creator and Sustainer. Conclusion: Elohim is a foundational name for God in the Hebrew Bible, encapsulating His power, authority, and covenantal relationship with His people. Its use throughout Scripture invites believers to recognize the majesty and sovereignty of God, who is both transcendent and intimately involved in the world He created. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One of the principal names by which God is designated in the Hebrew Scriptures.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELOHIMe-lo'-him, el'-o-hem. Strong's Hebrew 430. elohim -- God, god... 429, 430. elohim. 431 . God, god. Transliteration: elohim Phonetic Spelling: (el-o-heem') Short Definition: God. Word Origin pl. ... 429, 430. elohim. 431 ... /hebrew/430.htm - 6k 415. El Elohe Yisrael -- "the mighty God of Israel," an altar of ... Library Justinus. Justinus' Triad of Principles; his Angelography Founded on this ... God in Christ Chapter xxxv Sources of the Pentateuch. The History of the Psalter Oath Used by the Justinian Heretics; the Book of Baruch; the ... Gen. xxxi. 11 Psalms The Original Text and Its History. Thesaurus Elohim (38 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ELOHIM. e-lo'-him, el'-o-hem. See GOD, NAMES OF. Multi-Version Concordance Elohim (38 Occurrences). ... /e/elohim.htm - 18k Elohim-Jehovah (1 Occurrence) Greatness (63 Occurrences) Sons (2429 Occurrences) Names (133 Occurrences) Flame (61 Occurrences) Gods (310 Occurrences) Gibeath (2 Occurrences) Great (10383 Occurrences) Eloi (2 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of the word Elohim? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different names of God, and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.org What is the majestic plural, and how is it used in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Elohim: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Elohim (38 Occurrences)Genesis 2:4 Genesis 2:5 Genesis 2:7 Genesis 2:8 Genesis 2:9 Genesis 2:15 Genesis 2:16 Genesis 2:18 Genesis 2:19 Genesis 2:21 Genesis 2:22 Genesis 3:1 Genesis 3:8 Genesis 3:9 Genesis 3:13 Genesis 3:14 Genesis 3:21 Genesis 3:22 Genesis 3:23 Exodus 9:30 2 Samuel 7:22 2 Samuel 7:25 1 Chronicles 17:16 1 Chronicles 17:17 1 Chronicles 22:1 1 Chronicles 22:19 1 Chronicles 28:20 1 Chronicles 29:1 2 Chronicles 1:9 2 Chronicles 6:41 2 Chronicles 6:42 2 Chronicles 26:18 Nehemiah 9:7 Psalms 68:18 Psalms 72:18 Psalms 84:11 Jeremiah 10:10 Jonah 4:6 Subtopics Related Terms |