Names of God in Scripture and their significance

4given Sun 30 Nov 2008, 9:53 am

1. Elohim: The plural form of EL, meaning “strong one.” It is used of false gods, but when used of the true God, it is a plural of majesty and intimates the trinity. It is especially used of God’s sovereignty, creative work, mighty work for Israel and in relation to His sovereignty (Isa. 54:5; Jer. 32:27; Gen. 1:1; Isa. 45:18; Deut. 5:23; 8:15; Ps. 68:7).

Compounds of El:
El Shaddai: “God Almighty.” The derivation is uncertain. Some think it stresses God’s loving supply and comfort; others His power as the Almighty one standing on a mountain and who corrects and chastens (Gen. 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; Ex. 6:31; Ps. 91:1, 2)

El Elyon: “The Most High God.” Stresses God’s strength, sovereignty, and supremacy (Gen. 14:19; Ps. 9:2; Dan. 7:18, 22, 25)

El Olam: “The Everlasting God.” Emphasizes God’s unchangeableness and is connected with His inexhaustibleness (Gen. 16:13).

2. Yahweh (YHWH): Comes from a verb which means “to exist, be.” This, plus its usage, shows that this name stresses God as the independent and self-existent God of revelation and redemption (Gen. 4:3; Ex. 6:3 (cf. 3:14); 3:12).

Compounds of Yahweh: Strictly speaking, these compounds are designations or titles which reveal additional facts about God’s character.

Yahweh Jireh (Yireh): “The Lord will provide.” Stresses God’s provision for His people (Gen. 22:14)

Yahweh Nissi: “The Lord is my Banner.” Stresses that God is our rallying point and our means of victory; the one who fights for His people (Ex. 17:15)

Yahweh Shalom: “The Lord is Peace.” Points to the Lord as the means of our peace and rest (Jud. 6:24)

Yahweh Sabbaoth: “The Lord of Hosts.” A military figure portraying the Lord as the commander of the armies of heaven (1 Sam. 1:3; 17:45)

Yahweh Maccaddeshcem: “The Lord your Sanctifier.” Portrays the Lord as our means of sanctification or as the one who sets believers apart for His purposes (Ex. 31:13)

Yahweh Ro’i: “The Lord my Shepherd.” Portrays the Lord as the Shepherd who cares for His people as a shepherd cares for the sheep of his pasture (Ps. 23:1)

Yahweh Tsidkenu: “The Lord our Righteousness.” Portrays the Lord as the means of our righteousness (Jer. 23:6)

Yahweh Shammah: “The Lord is there.” Portrays the Lord’s personal presence in the millennial kingdom (Ezek. 48:35)

Yahweh Elohim Israel: “The Lord, the God of Israel.” Identifies Yahweh as the God of Israel in contrast to the false gods of the nations (Jud. 5:3.; Isa. 17:6)

3. Adonai: Like Elohim, this too is a plural of majesty. The singular form means “master, owner.” Stresses man’s relationship to God as his master, authority, and provider (Gen. 18:2; 40:1; 1 Sam. 1:15; Ex. 21:1-6; Josh. 5:14).

4. Theos: Greek word translated “God.” Primary name for God used in the New Testament. Its use teaches: (1) He is the only true God (Matt. 23:9; Rom. 3:30); (2) He is unique (1 Tim. 1:17; John 17:3; Rev. 15:4; 16:27); (3) He is transcendent (Acts 17:24; Heb. 3:4; Rev. 10:6); (4) He is the Savior (John 3:16; 1 Tim. 1:1; 2:3; 4:10). This name is used of Christ as God in John 1:1, 18; 20:28; 1 John 5:20; Tit. 2:13; Rom. 9:5; Heb. 1:8; 2 Pet. 1:1.

5. Kurios: Greek word translated “Lord.” Stresses authority and supremacy. While it can mean sir (John 4:11), owner (Luke 19:33), master (Col. 3:22), or even refer to idols (1 Cor. 8:5) or husbands (1 Pet. 3:6), it is used mostly as the equivalent of Yahweh of the Old Testament. It too is used of Jesus Christ meaning (1) Rabbi or Sir (Matt. 8:6); (2) God or Deity (John 20:28; Acts 2:36; Rom. 10:9; Phil. 2:11).

6 Despotes: Greek word translated “Master.” Carries the idea of ownership while kurios stressed supreme authority (Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24; Rev. 6:10; 2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4).

7 Father: A distinctive New Testament revelation is that through faith in Christ, God becomes our personal Father. Father is used of God in the Old Testament only 15 times while it is used of God 245 times in the New Testament. As a name of God, it stresses God’s loving care, provision, discipline, and the way we are to address God in prayer (Matt. 7:11; Jam. 1:17; Heb. 12:5-11; John 15:16; 16:23; Eph. 2:18; 3:15; 1 Thess. 3:11).

Information Source: Overview of the Names of God in scripture

AngelicSmile Sun 30 Nov 2008, 9:58 am

Very informative article but I would like to add few things to it. God is a generic name meaning deity. Most of the names given to us in the Bible are not personal names but titles or functions. Even the great YHVH which is unpronounceable could be translated as the Eternal One who preserves what he creates.

Names and Titles of God (Jesus Christ)

Adam 1Corinthians 15:45

Advocate 1John 2:1

Almighty Revelation 1:8

Alpha and Omega Revelation 1:8

Amen Revelation 3:14

Angel Genesis 48:16; Exodus 23:20, 21

Angel of his presence Isaiah 63:9

Anointed Psalms 2:2

Apostle Hebrews 3:1

Arm of the Lord Isaiah 51:9, 10

Author and Finisher of our faith Hebrews 12:2

Beginning and end of the creation of God Revelation 3:14; 22:13

Beloved Ephesians 1:6

Blessed and only Potentate 1Timothy 6:15

Branch Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8

Bread of life John 6:48

Bridegroom Matthew 9:15

Bright and Morning Star Revelation 22:16

Brightness of the Father's glory Hebrews 1:3

Captain of the Lord's host (army) Joshua 5:14

Captain of Salvation Hebrews 2:10

Carpenter Mark 6:3

Carpenter's son Matthew 13:55

Chief Shepherd 1Peter 5:4

Chief Cornerstone 1Peter 2:6

Chiefest among ten thousand Song of Songs 5:10

Child Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:27, 43

Chosen of God 1Peter 2:4

Christ Matthew 1:16; Luke 9:20

The Christ (Messiah) Matthew 16:20; Mark 14:61

Christ, a King Luke 23:2

Christ Jesus Acts 19:4; Romans 3:24; 8:1; 1Corinthians 1:2, 30; Hebrews 3:1; 1Peter 5:10, 14

Christ Jesus our Lord 1Timothy 1:12; Romans 8:39

Christ of God Luke 9:20

Christ, the chosen of God Luke 23:35

Christ the Lord Luke 2:11

Christ, the power of God 1Corinthians 1:24

Christ the wisdom of God 1Corinthians 1:24

Christ, the Son of God Acts 9:20

Christ, Son of the Blessed Mark 14:61

Commander Isaiah 55:4

Consolation of Israel Luke 2:25

Cornerstone Ephesians 2:20

Counselor Isaiah 9:6

Covenant of the people Isaiah 42:6

David Jeremiah 30:9

Daysman Job 9:33

Dayspring Luke 1:78

Day Star 2Peter 1:19

Deliverer Romans 11:26

Desire of all nations Haggai 2:7

Door, the John 10:7

Elect Isaiah 42:1

Emmanuel Isaiah 7:14

Ensign Isaiah 11:10

Eternal Life 1John 5:20

Everlasting Father Isaiah 9:6

Faithful and True Revelation 19:11

Faithful Witness, the Revelation 1:5

Faithful and true witness, the Revelation 3:14

Finisher of faith Hebrews 12:2

First and last Revelation 1:17; 2:8; 22:13

First begotten Hebrews 1:6

First begotten of the dead Revelation 1:5

Firstborn Psalms 89:27

Foundation Isaiah 28:16

Fountain Zechariah 13:1

Forerunner Hebrews 6:20

Friend of sinners Matthew 11:19

Gift of God John 4:10

Glory of Israel Luke 2:32

God (deity) John 1:1

God blessed forever Romans 9:5

God manifest in the flesh 1Timothy 3:16

God of Israel, the savior Isaiah 45:15

God of the whole earth Isaiah 54:5

God our savior 1Timothy 2:3

God's dear Son Colossians 1:13

God with us Matthew 1:23

Good Master Matthew 19:16

Governor Matthew 2:6

Great Shepherd of the sheep Hebrews 13:20

Head of the ekklesia (body) Ephesians 1:22, 23; 5:23; Colossians 1:18, 24

Heir of all things Hebrews 1:2

High priest Hebrews 4:14

Head of every man 1Corinthians 11:3

Head of the corner Matthew 21:42

Holy child Jesus Acts 4:30

Holy one Psalms 16:10; Acts 3:14

Holy one of God Mark 1:24

Holy one of Israel Isaiah 41:14; 54:5

Holy thing Luke 1:35

Hope (our) 1Timothy 1:1

Horn of salvation Luke 1:69

I AM John 8:58

Image of God Hebrews 1:3

Israel Isaiah 49:3

Jehovah Isaiah 40:3

Jehovah's fellow Zechariah 13:7

Jesus Matthew 1:21

Jesus Christ Matthew 1:1; John 1:17; 17:3; Acts 2:38; 4:10; 9:34; 10:36; Romans 1:1, 16:18; 3, 6; 2:16; 5:15, 17; 6:3; 1Corinthians 1:1, 4; 2:2; 2Corinthians 1:19; 4:6; 13:5; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 1:8; 2:11; 1Timothy 1:15; Hebrews 13:8; 1John 1:7; 2:1

Jesus Christ our Lord Romans 1:3; 6:11, 23; 1Corinthians 1:9; 7:25

Jesus Christ our savior Titus 3:6

Jesus of Nazareth Mark 1:24; Luke 24:19

Jesus (of Nazareth), King of the Jews John 19:19; Matthew 27:37

Jesus, the Son of God Hebrews 4:14

Jesus, the Son of Joseph John 6:42

Judge Acts 10:42

Just man, Just person, Just One Matthew 27:19, 24; Acts 3:14; 7:52; 22:14

King Matthew 21:5

King of Israel John 1:49

King of the Jews Matthew 2:2

King of Saints Revelation 15:3

King of Kings 1Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14

King of Glory Psalms 24:7-10

King of Zion Matthew 21:5

King over all the earth Zechariah 14:9

Lamb Revelation 5:6, 8; 7:9, 6:16; 10, 17; 12:11; 13:8, 11; 14:1, 4; 15:3; 17:14; 21:9, 14, 22, 19:7, 9; 23, 27

Lamb of God John 1:29

Lawgiver Isaiah 33:22

Leader Isaiah 55:4

Life John 14:6

Light John 8:12

Light, everlasting Isaiah 60:20

Light of the world John 8:12

Light to the Gentiles Isaiah 42:6

Light, true John 1:9

Living Bread, the John 6:51

Living Stone 1Peter 2:4

Lion of the tribe of Judah Revelation 5:5

Lord Romans 1:3

Lord of Lords Revelation 17:14; 19:16

Lord of all Acts 10:36

Lord our righteousness Jeremiah 23:6

Lord God Almighty Revelation 15:3

Lord from heaven 1Corinthians 15:47

Lord and savior Jesus Christ 2Peter 1:11; 3:18

Lord Christ Colossians 3:24

Lord Jesus Acts 7:59; Colossians 3:17; 1Thessalonians 4:12

Lord Jesus Christ Acts 11:17; 16:31; 20:21; Romans 5:1, 11; 13:14

Lord Jesus Christ our savior Titus 1:4

Lord of glory James 2:1

Lord of Hosts (armies) Isaiah 44:6

Lord, mighty in battle Psalms 24:8

Lord of the dead and living Romans 14:9

Lord of the sabbath Mark 2:28

Lord over all Romans 10:12

Lord's Christ Luke 2:26

Lord, strong and mighty Psalms 24:8

Lord, the, our righteousness Jeremiah 23:6

Lord, your holy one Isaiah 43:15

Lord, your redeemer Isaiah 43:14

Man Christ Jesus 1Timothy 2:5

Man of sorrows Isaiah 53:3

Master Matthew 23:8

Mediator, the only 1Timothy 2:5

Messenger of the covenant Malachi 3:1

Messiah John 1:41

Messiah the Prince Daniel 9:25

Mighty God Isaiah 9:6

Mighty one of Israel Isaiah 30:29

Mighty one of Jacob Isaiah 49:26

Mighty to save Isaiah 63:1

Minister of the sanctuary Hebrews 8:2

Morning Star Revelation 22:16

Most holy Daniel 9:24

Most mighty Psalms 45:3

Nazarene Matthew 2:23

Offspring of David Revelation 22:16

Only begotten (Greek monogenes: one and only, unique) John 3:16

Only begotten (Greek monogenes: one and only, unique) of the Father John 1:14

Only begotten (Greek monogenes: one and only, unique) Son (the best mss. have "God" instead of "Son" here) John 1:18

Only wise God, our savior Jude 1:25

Overseer 1Peter 2:25

Passover, our 1Corinthians 5:7

Plant of renown Ezekiel 34:29

Potentate 1Timothy 6:15

Power of God 1Corinthians 1:24

Physician Matthew 9:12

Precious Cornerstone Isaiah 28:16

Priest Hebrews 7:17

Prince Acts 5:31

Prince of Life Acts 3:15

Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6

Prince of the kings of the earth Revelation 1:5

Prophet Deuteronomy 18:15, 18; Matthew 21:11; Luke 24:19

Propitiation (expiation, our Sin-offering) 1John 2:2

Rabbi, Rabboni John 1:49; 20:16

Ransom 1Timothy 2:6

Redeemer Isaiah 59:20

Resurrection and the Life, the John 11:25

Redemption 1Corinthians 1:30

Righteous Branch Jeremiah 23:5

Righteous Judge 2Timothy 4:8

Righteous Servant Isaiah 53:11

Righteousness 1Corinthians 1:30

Rock 1Corinthians 10:4

Rock of Offence 1Peter 2:8

Root of David Revelation 5:5; 22:16

Root of Jesse Isaiah 11:10

Rose of Sharon Song of Songs 2:1

Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2

Salvation Luke 2:30

Sanctification 1Corinthians 1:30

Sanctuary Isaiah 8:14

savior Luke 2:11

savior, Jesus Christ 2Timothy 1:10; Titus 2:13; 2Peter 1:1

savior of the body (ekklesia) Ephesians 5:23

savior of the world 1John 4:14

Sceptre Numbers 24:17

Second Man, the 1Corinthians 15:47

Seed of David 2Timothy 2:8

Seed of the woman Genesis 3:15

Servant Isaiah 42:1

Servant of rulers Isaiah 49:7

Shepherd Mark 14:27

Shepherd and Overseer of souls 1Peter 2:25

Shepherd, Chief 1Peter 5:4

Shepherd, Good John 10:11

Shepherd, Great Hebrews 13:20

Shepherd of Israel Psalms 80:1

Shiloh Genesis 49:10

Son of the Father 2John 1:3

Son of God, See JESUS, SON OF GOD

Son of Man, See JESUS, SON OF MAN

Son of the Blessed One (God) Mark 14:61

Son of the Highest One (God) Luke 1:32

Son of David Matthew 9:27

Star Numbers 24:17

Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2

Surety (Guarantee) Hebrews 7:22

Stone Matthew 21:42

Stone of Stumbling 1Peter 2:8

Sure Foundation Isaiah 28:16

Teacher John 3:2

True God 1John 5:20

True Vine John 15:1

Truth John 14:6

Unspeakable Gift 2Corinthians 9:15

Very Christ Acts 9:22

Vine, the John 15:1

Way, the John 14:6

Which is, which was, which is to come (equivalent to the tetragrammaton (YHWH), the Eternal One, I AM THAT I AM) Revelation 1:4

Wisdom Proverbs 8:12

Wisdom of God, the 1Corinthians 1:24

Witness Isaiah 55:4; Revelation 1:5

Wonderful Isaiah 9:6

Word John 1:1

Word of God Revelation 19:13

Word of Life 1John 1:1

Names of God in Scripture and their significance

Names of God in Scripture and their significance

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