In the Hebrew Bible, there are several names used to refer to God.
Here are some of the most famous Hebrew names of God along with their meanings and biblical insights:
A Name That Is Too Holy To Be Said – Yahweh (YHWH)
The name of God that is considered as being too holy to be spoken is the one that is most well-known in the Hebrew Bible.
Four Hebrew letters – יהוה YHWH, make up this “unutterable name,” which may have been pronounced Yehovah in biblical times.
This term undoubtedly refers to “the essence of being” and is associated with the verb “to be.”
Today, when we read the Bible aloud in Hebrew, we pronounce the word Adonai (which means “my masters”).
Lord My Master – Adonai
Adonai means “Lord” or “Master.”
It is used as a substitute for the divine name Yahweh out of reverence and respect.
Adonai signifies God’s sovereignty and authority over all creation.
It is used over 400 times in the Hebrew Bible and often appears in poetic and prophetic books.
God – Elohim
This name is commonly translated as “God” in English.
Elohim emphasizes God’s power, strength, and majesty.
It appears over 2,600 times in the Hebrew Bible and is used in the creation account of Genesis.
It signifies God as the Creator and ruler of the universe.
The God Of The Desert – El Shaddai
In Genesis, God uses the mysterious name אֵל שַׁדַּי El Shaddai to reveal himself to the patriarchs Abraham and Jacob.
This name is made up of the Hebrew words El, which means “God,” and Shaddai, which may be related to the term שדה Sadeh, which means “field” and refers to the desert where God revealed himself to his people.
El Shaddai emphasizes God’s ability to provide and fulfill His promises.
It is prominently used in the book of Genesis, particularly when God appears to Abraham and reaffirms His covenant.
The God Of Armies – Adonai Tzevaot
In the Hebrew Bible, God is also referred to as Adonai Tzevaot more than 200 times. This means the “Lord of the Armies.”
It portrays God as the commander of angelic armies and the ultimate authority over all powers.
It appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, in 1 Samuel 17:45, where David confronts Goliath in the name of “The LORD of hosts.”
The God Who Sees Me – El Roi
The name “El Roi” means “The God Who Sees Me” in Hebrew.
It is derived from the encounter of Hagar, the maidservant of Sarah, with the angel of the LORD in the book of Genesis.
During this encounter, the angel spoke to Hagar and gave her reassurance.
The angel told her to return to her mistress and submit to her, and also promised that her descendants would be numerous.
Overwhelmed by this encounter, Hagar responded with the acknowledgement that God had seen her in her distress, and she named Him “El Roi,” saying, “You are the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13).
Most High God – El Elyon
El Elyon translates to “Most High God” or “God Most High.”
It highlights God’s supremacy and preeminence over all other gods or powers.
The name El Elyon is mentioned in various biblical accounts, including the encounter between Abram and Melchizedek in Genesis 14.
The LORD Will Provide – Jehovah-Jireh
This name means “The LORD will provide.”
It comes from the story of Abraham preparing to sacrifice his son Isaac in obedience to God’s command.
At the last moment, God provided a ram as a substitute.
This name emphasizes God’s provision and faithfulness.
The LORD Who heals – Jehovah-Rapha
This name means “The LORD who heals.”
It signifies God’s role as a healer and restorer of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
It is found in Exodus 15:26, where God declares Himself as the one who heals the Israelites if they obey His commandments.
The LORD Is My Banner – Jehovah-Nissi
This name means “The LORD is my banner.”
It represents God as the one who provides victory and protection in battle.
It appears in Exodus 17:15, where Moses builds an altar and declares that God is their banner after defeating the Amalekites.
The Lord Is Peace – Jehovah-Shalom
This name means “The LORD is peace.”
It emphasizes God’s ability to bring peace and harmony.
It is mentioned in Judges 6:24, where Gideon builds an altar and names it “The LORD is peace” after an encounter with God.
The LORD Is My Shepherd – Jehovah-Raah
This name means “The LORD is my shepherd.”
It portrays God as the caring and guiding shepherd who leads, protects, and provides for His people.
It is famously found in Psalm 23, where David describes God as his shepherd who leads him beside still waters and restores his soul.
The LORD Our Righteousness – Jehovah-Tsidkenu
This name means “The LORD our righteousness.”
It signifies God as the source of righteousness and justice.
Jeremiah 23:6 prophesies about a righteous branch from the lineage of David, who will be called “The LORD our righteousness.”
And The Greatest Name Above All Names – Jesus Christ of Nazareth
Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world! The TRUE Messiah and the Redeemer!
God the Father expressed His ultimate love for humanity in Jesus Christ diying on the cross for our sins !
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6
All things have been committed to me by my Father.
No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. – Matthew 11:27
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. – John 17:3
Through Jesus Christ we find forgiveness of our sins and complete washing of our transgressions through the Blood of Jesus Christ.
He is the head of the church and all our enemies are under His footstool now!
He is the Risen King! The True Christ! The Lord of all!
Amen!
Let us know in the comment section bellow what name speaks to you the most from the old testament, and please share with us your testimony of how Jesus Christ saved you!
