Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of God's name in the Bible is rich with theological significance, reflecting His character, authority, and relationship with His people. Throughout Scripture, God's name is not merely a label but a revelation of His essence and attributes.
YHWH (Yahweh/Jehovah): The most sacred name of God in the Old Testament is YHWH, often rendered as Yahweh or Jehovah. This name is derived from the Hebrew verb "to be," signifying God's eternal existence and self-sufficiency. In
Exodus 3:14, God reveals Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM" , emphasizing His unchanging and eternal nature. The name YHWH is considered so holy that Jewish tradition often substitutes it with "Adonai" (Lord) in reading.
Elohim: This is a plural form used for God, emphasizing His majesty and power. It appears in the very first verse of the Bible: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (
Genesis 1:1). The use of Elohim underscores God's sovereignty and creative authority.
Adonai: Meaning "Lord" or "Master," Adonai is used to express God's lordship and authority over all creation. It is often used in conjunction with YHWH to denote God's supreme rule, as seen in passages like
Psalm 8:1: "O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!" .
El Shaddai: Translated as "God Almighty," this name highlights God's ultimate power and sufficiency. It is first used in
Genesis 17:1 when God appears to Abram and establishes His covenant, demonstrating His ability to fulfill His promises.
Jehovah Jireh: Meaning "The LORD Will Provide," this name is revealed in
Genesis 22:14 when God provides a ram as a substitute for Isaac. It reflects God's provision and care for His people.
Jehovah Rapha: Translated as "The LORD Who Heals," this name is found in
Exodus 15:26, where God promises healing to the Israelites if they obey His commands. It underscores God's power to restore and heal.
Jehovah Nissi: Meaning "The LORD Is My Banner," this name is used in
Exodus 17:15 after the Israelites' victory over the Amalekites. It signifies God's protection and leadership in battle.
Jehovah Shalom: Translated as "The LORD Is Peace," this name is revealed in
Judges 6:24 when Gideon builds an altar to God. It emphasizes God's role as the source of peace and wholeness.
Jehovah Tsidkenu: Meaning "The LORD Our Righteousness," this name is found in
Jeremiah 23:6, prophesying the coming of a righteous Branch from David's line. It highlights God's provision of righteousness through the Messiah.
Jehovah Sabaoth: Often translated as "The LORD of Hosts," this name depicts God as the commander of heavenly armies, emphasizing His omnipotence and authority over all spiritual and earthly realms.
The Name of Jesus: In the New Testament, the name of Jesus holds profound significance.
Philippians 2:9-10 states, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow" . The name of Jesus embodies salvation, as seen in
Acts 4:12: "Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" .
Reverence for God's Name: Scripture consistently calls for reverence and honor for God's name. The third commandment instructs, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain" (
Exodus 20:7), underscoring the importance of treating God's name with the utmost respect.
In summary, the names of God in the Bible reveal His multifaceted character and His relationship with humanity. Each name provides insight into His nature, His promises, and His actions throughout redemptive history.