12 Hebrew and Greek Names of God and Their English Meanings
The names of God hold deep significance in religious traditions, offering insights into the divine nature and attributes. These names in Hebrew and Greek scriptures reveal different aspects of God’s character and relationship with humanity. Understanding these names can enrich one’s spiritual journey and provide a deeper connection to faith.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 Hebrew and Greek names of God and their English meanings. Each name carries unique significance from Elohim to Theos and sheds light on how different cultures and traditions have perceived and interacted with the divine. By examining these names, we can better understand God’s multifaceted nature as described in religious texts.
Elohim
Meaning
Elohim is a Hebrew word that means “supreme one” or “mighty one.” It’s one of the most frequently used names for God in the Old Testament, appearing over 2,500 times. The basic meaning behind Elohim is the strength or power of effect. It represents God as the infinite, all-powerful creator, sustainer, and supreme judge of the world.
Elohim in Scripture
Elohim appears in the very first verse of the Bible: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). It’s also used in other significant passages, such as Genesis 1:26: “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…'” Interestingly, Elohim is grammatically plural, but it’s often used with singular verbs when referring to the one true God.
Significance of Elohim
The use of Elohim highlights God’s greatness and power. It emphasizes His role as the creator and ruler of all things. This name is often used when describing God’s general interactions with creation or nations apart from Israel. When we encounter God’s power displayed in nature, we usually think of Him as Elohim.
Yahweh
Meaning
Yahweh, derived from the Hebrew tetragrammaton YHWH, is one of the most significant names for God in the Old Testament. It means “I am who I am” or “I will be what I will be,” emphasizing God’s self-existence and self-sufficiency. This name speaks of God’s eternal nature and His ability to bring things into existence.
Yahweh in Scripture
Yahweh appears over 6,800 times in the Old Testament, making it God’s most frequently used name. It’s found in every book except Esther, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. The name was considered so sacred that it was eventually spoken aloud only by priests in the Jerusalem temple.
Significance of Yahweh
Yahweh is the covenant name for the God of Israel, highlighting His personal relationship with His people. It represents God as the ultimate promise-keeper, unchanging and faithful. The name Yahweh is closely linked to God’s redeeming acts in the history of His chosen people, revealing His character as a personal, interactive deity who desires a relationship with humanity.
Adonai
Meaning
Adonai is a Hebrew word that translates to “Lord” or “Lord Master.” It stems from the root word meaning “sovereignty.” This name emphasizes God’s role as the supreme ruler and master over all creation.
Adonai in Scripture
In the Old Testament, Adonai appears frequently, often paired with Yahweh. It’s used as a title of respect for God and sometimes for human rulers. For example, David refers to Saul as “my lord the king” using Adonai. The term is also applied to angels and other figures of authority.
Significance of Adonai
Adonai highlights God’s absolute sovereignty over creation. It reminds us of our relationship with God as servants to a master. This name carries deep meaning for believers, emphasizing God’s authority and our submission to His will.
In Jewish tradition, Adonai gained special significance as a substitute for the tetragrammaton YHWH, which was considered too holy to pronounce. When reading scripture aloud, Jews would say “Adonai” instead of the divine name, showing reverence for God’s holiness.
Today, Adonai continues to be an important name in Jewish and Christian worship, reminding believers of God’s lordship and their position as His servants.
El Shaddai
El Shaddai is a Hebrew name for God, typically translated as “God Almighty” in English. The term “El” means “God,” while the meaning of “Shaddai” is debated among scholars. Some interpret it as a “mountain” or “breast,” symbolizing God’s strength and nurturing nature.
El Shaddai in Scripture
This name appears 48 times in the Bible, with seven occurrences as “El Shaddai.” It’s first mentioned in Genesis 17:1 when God speaks to Abram. The name is often associated with God’s covenant promises and blessings of fruitfulness.
Significance of El Shaddai
El Shaddai emphasizes God’s power and ability to fulfill His promises. It portrays Him as the all-sufficient provider and protector. This name is particularly meaningful in the context of God’s covenant with the patriarchs, highlighting His role in bringing about seemingly impossible situations, such as when Abraham and Sarah had a child in their old age. El Shaddai reminds believers of God’s overwhelming power and His commitment to sustain and nurture His people.
El Elyon
Meaning
El Elyon translates to “God Most High” in English. The term “El” means “God,” while “Elyon” signifies “Most High” or “Highest.” This name emphasizes God’s supreme authority and exalted status above all creation.
El Elyon in Scripture
El Elyon appears 28 times in the Old Testament, with 19 occurrences in the Psalms. Its first use is in Genesis 14:18-20, where Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blesses Abram. This name is often associated with God’s sovereignty over all nations and His role as the Creator and Possessor of heaven and earth.
Significance of El Elyon
El Elyon highlights God’s ultimate power and authority over all creation. It portrays Him as the strongest of the strong, transcending boundaries between nations, heaven and earth, and all beings. This name reminds believers of God’s unmatched supremacy and His ability to rule over every aspect of existence. El Elyon’s authority spans time and distance, emphasizing His eternal nature and omnipresence. By using this name, worshippers acknowledge God’s position as the universe’s highest and most exalted being.
Jehovah Jireh
Meaning
Jehovah Jireh translates to “The LORD Will Provide” in English. This name emphasizes God’s role as the ultimate provider and His ability to foresee and meet our needs.
Jehovah Jireh in Scripture
This name appears only once in the Bible, in Genesis 22:14. It’s the name Abraham gave to the place where God provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice for Isaac. This event took place on Mount Moriah, where Abraham demonstrated his faith and obedience to God.
Significance of Jehovah Jireh
Jehovah Jireh reminds us of God’s provision for our deepest needs. It goes beyond material provision to include spiritual needs. The story of Abraham and Isaac foreshadows God’s ultimate provision of Jesus Christ as the sacrifice for humanity’s sins. This name assures believers that God sees their needs before they arise and makes provision accordingly. It encourages trust in God’s timing and methods, even when circumstances seem challenging. Jehovah Jireh offers comfort in times of uncertainty, reminding us that God is aware of our needs and actively working to meet them in ways that often exceed our understanding.
Jehovah Rapha
Meaning
Jehovah Rapha translates to “The LORD Who Heals” in Hebrew. The term “Rapha” means “to heal,” “cure,” “restore,” or “make whole.” This name emphasizes God’s role as the ultimate healer, capable of mending physical ailments and emotional, mental, and spiritual wounds.
Jehovah Rapha in Scripture
After their exodus from Egypt, God first revealed Himself to the Israelites as Jehovah Rapha. In Exodus 15:26, He declared, “I am the LORD who heals you.” This name appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, highlighting God’s healing power in different contexts.
Significance of Jehovah Rapha
Jehovah Rapha reminds believers that God has the power to heal all aspects of human existence. It emphasizes His ability to restore physical health, mend broken relationships, heal emotional scars, and provide spiritual renewal. This name encourages trust in God’s healing power and desire to make His people whole. It also points to the ultimate healing provided through Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness of sins and spiritual restoration.
Jehovah Nissi
Meaning
Jehovah Nissi translates to “The LORD is My Banner” in Hebrew. The term “nissi” comes from the word “nes,” which means something lifted up as a standard or banner. In ancient times, banners were used as rallying points during battles and were often set on mountaintops to show people where to gather.
Jehovah Nissi in Scripture
This name appears only once in the Bible, in Exodus 17:15. After the Israelites defeated the Amalekites, Moses built an altar and named it Jehovah Nissi. During the battle, as long as Moses held up his hands with the rod of God, the Israelites prevailed. When he lowered his hands, the Amalekites gained the advantage.
Significance of Jehovah Nissi
Jehovah Nissi symbolizes God’s presence and protection over His people. It represents the victory and triumph God provides, reminding us that we can overcome obstacles through faith. This name emphasizes that God fights for His people and is the source of our victories. It is a call to action and courage, inspiring believers to stand firm in adversity and trust God’s faithfulness.
Jehovah Shalom
Meaning
In Hebrew, Jehovah Shalom translates to “The LORD is Peace. “Shalom means completeness, soundness, welfare, or peace. This name emphasizes God’s role as the source of true peace and wholeness.
Jehovah Shalom in Scripture
This name appears in Judges 6:24 when Gideon built an altar and called it “The LORD is Peace.” It responded to God’s reassurance, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die” (Judges 6:23). This encounter occurred during a time of great distress for the Israelites.
Significance of Jehovah Shalom
Jehovah Shalom reminds believers that God is the ultimate source of peace, even in turbulent times. It goes beyond the absence of conflict, representing completeness and harmony. This name assures us that God can bring inner calm amidst external chaos. It encourages trust in God’s ability to provide peace that surpasses understanding, as demonstrated through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Jehovah Shalom invites believers to seek reconciliation with God, others, and themselves, fostering a life of wholeness and contentment.
Jehovah Tsidkenu
Meaning
Jehovah Tsidkenu translates to “The LORD Our Righteousness” in English. This name emphasizes God’s role as the source of true righteousness and His ability to make His people righteous.
Jehovah Tsidkenu in Scripture
This name appears in Jeremiah 23:6 and 33:16. In these passages, it refers to a future king from David’s line who will bring righteousness and salvation to God’s people. This prophecy points to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the role of the righteous king.
Significance of Jehovah Tsidkenu
Jehovah Tsidkenu highlights the contrast between God’s perfect righteousness and human sinfulness. It reminds us that we cannot achieve righteousness alone and need God’s intervention. Through Jesus Christ, God provides the righteousness we lack. When we trust in Christ, His righteousness is credited to us, allowing us to stand justified before God. This name offers comfort and assurance to believers, knowing their righteous standing before God is secure in Christ.
Jehovah Rohi
Meaning
Jehovah Rohi translates to “The LORD is My Shepherd” in Hebrew. The term “Rohi” means “to feed,” “tend,” or “lead to pasture.” This name emphasizes God’s role as a caring, protective shepherd who guides and provides for His people.
Jehovah Rohi in Scripture
This name appears in Psalm 23, famously known as the “Shepherd Psalm.” King David, drawing from his experience as a shepherd, beautifully describes God’s care for His people. The concept of God as a shepherd is found throughout the Bible, including in Genesis 48:15 and Jeremiah 31:10.
Significance of Jehovah Rohi
Jehovah Rohi highlights God’s personal and intimate relationship with His people. It reminds believers that God provides for their needs, guides them through life’s challenges, and offers protection and comfort. This name assures us of God’s constant presence and care, even in difficult times. Jesus embodies this concept as the “Good Shepherd” in John 10:11-15, willing to lay down His life for His sheep.
Meaning
Theos is the Greek word for “God” in the New Testament. It typically refers to the one true God but can denote pagan gods or goddesses in specific contexts. The term forms the root of “theology,” meaning “the study of God.”
Theos in Scripture
Theos appears over 1,300 times in the Greek New Testament, primarily as a title for God the Father. It’s used in various ways, including references to Jesus Christ as God. For instance, John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Significance of Theos
The use of Theos in the New Testament reveals essential aspects of God’s nature. It emphasizes His role as Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of the universe. When applied to Jesus, it affirms His divine nature and equality with the Father. The term also distinguishes the one true God from false deities and highlights the core Christian belief in one God existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
Exploring these 12 Hebrew and Greek names of God offers a deeper understanding of the divine nature and its many facets. Each name sheds light on a unique aspect of God’s character, from His role as creator and sustainer to His attributes of love, justice, and provision. This diverse array of names enriches our perception of the divine and profoundly impacts spiritual practices and beliefs.
These names reveal theological insights and have practical implications for believers. They offer comfort in times of distress, guidance in decision-making, and inspiration to live according to divine principles. By reflecting on these names, individuals can develop a more personal and meaningful relationship with God, leading to a richer spiritual life and a deeper appreciation of the divine presence in their daily experiences.
About the Author
Meet Bruce Mitchell – a devoted servant of God’s Word and compassionate guide to his flock. As a Pastor, Bible teacher, and writer, Bruce shares heavenly wisdom for daily life.
Educated at Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary, Bruce leads Agapao Allelon Ministries and writes at Allelon.us. His mission is to weave God’s love into society’s fabric through the principle of Loving One Another.
Inspired by 1 Peter 4:8, Bruce believes love can transform enemies into friends. He teaches that knowing God requires love (1 John 4:7-8) and urges us to love as Jesus did (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Bruce embodies unwavering faith and deep empathy. He offers wisdom from personal experiences and inspires and comforts others. Join him in exploring God’s word and applying it to your life. Let’s share love, as Jesus commanded!
Pastor | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Writer | Podcaster | Advocate for God’s Mercy, Grace & Love | Biola University & Dallas Theological Seminary alumnus | 1 Peter 4:8