BIBLE TOPICS
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path". Ps 119:105
Subjects
THE NAMES OF GOD
| The Names of God |
| What do the names of God mean? |
| Titles of God |
| The Memorial Name of God |
What Do the Names of God Mean?
We find several different words in scripture referring to God. The English translation does not convey the significance of these names, merely translating them as God or Lord. Thus knowing what they mean, can greatly enrich our understanding of God. The following table shows the names and an overview of their meaning:
NAME |
MEANING |
| Adon | Lord or Master Adonai the plural form of ‘Adon’ speaks of the manifestation of God as a ruler or rulers. |
| El | Strong one [refers to the might or power of God]. |
| Elelgon | God Most High. |
| El Shaddai | The Almighty example Yahweh el Shadai: usually translates Lord God Almighty However ‘Shaddai’ is a plural word translated ‘Almighty’ and is significant of the ‘powerful ones’ through whom God works. |
| Eloah | Refers to His will [rather than His power] Deut 32:15;17 etc. |
One other word often found in connection with God and His purpose is Elohim which means Mighty ones [signifies the angels or mighty ones]. Elohim is a plural word and is used to signify the manifestation of God [Yahweh] in a multitude of beings. This can be the multitude of angels for example as at the time of creation, but it can also be used of one who is representative of a multitude.
The shortened form of the divine name ‘Yah’ occurs 49 times in the Bible Seven is the second perfect number, thus seven times seven emphasises the perfection of God.
The name given to Jesus is a modification of Joshua. Joshua or Jehoshua means ‘Yahweh is salvation’, referring to God as providing salvation. Examples can be found in Exodus 15:2 and Psalm 68:4,18