July 22, 2015
- El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty)
- El Elyon (The Most High God)
- Adonai (Lord, Master)
- Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah)
- Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner)
- Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd)
- Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals)
- Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There)
- Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness)
- Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You)
- El Olam (The Everlasting God)
- Elohim (God)
- Qanna (Jealous)
- Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)
- Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace)
- Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)Insight from
EL SHADDAI (LORD GOD ALMIGHTY)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament El Shaddai occurs 7 times. El Shaddaiis first used in Gen 17:1.
Variant spellings: None
TWOT Reference: 2333
Strong’s Reference: H7706
El Shaddai in the Septuagint: theou saddai – God Shaddai; pantokratôr (for Shaddai) – the Almighty
Meaning and Derivation: El is another name that is translated as “God” and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God’s character. Another word much like Shaddai, and from which many believe it derived, is shad meaning “breast” in Hebrew (some other scholars believe that the name is derived from an Akkadian word Šadu, meaning “mountain,” suggesting strength and power). This refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying His people with all their needs as a mother would her child. Connected with the word for God, El, this denotes a God who freely gives nourishment and blessing, He is our sustainer.
Further references of the name El Shaddai in the Old Testament: Gen 17:1;Gen 28:3; Gen 35:11; Gen 43:14; Gen 48:3
EL ELYON (THE MOST HIGH GOD)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament El Elyon occurs 28 times. It occurs 19 times in Psalms. El Elyon is first used in Gen 14:18.
Variant spellings: None
TWOT Reference: 1624g, 1624h
Strong’s Reference: H5945
El Elyon in the Septuagint: ho theos ho hupsistos – the God most high
Meaning and Derivation: El is another name that is translated as “God” and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God’s character. Elyon literally means “Most High” and is used both adjectivally and substantivally throughout the Old Testament. It expresses the extreme sovereignty and majesty of God and His highest preeminence. When the two words are combined – El Elyon – it can be translated as “the most exalted God.”(Psa 57:2)
Further references of the name El Elyon in the Old Testament: Gen 14:18;Gen 14:19; Gen 14:20; Gen 14:22; Psa 57:2; Psa 78:35
ADONAI (LORD, MASTER)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Adonai occurs 434 times. There are heavy uses of Adonai in Isaiah (e.g., Adonai Jehovah). It occurs 200 times in Ezekiel alone and appears 11 times in Daniel Chapter 9. Adonai is first used inGen 15:2.
Variant spellings: None
TWOT Reference: 27b
Strong’s Reference: H136
Adonai in the Septuagint: kurios – Lord, Master
Meaning and Derivation: Adonai is the verbal parallel to Yahweh andJehovah. Adonai is plural; the singular is adon. In reference to God the pluralAdonai is used. When the singular adon is used, it usually refers to a human lord. Adon is used 215 times to refer to men. Occasionally in Scripture and predominantly in the Psalms, the singular adon is used to refer to God as well (cf. Exd 34:23). To avoid contravening the commandment “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” (Exd 20:7), sometimes Adonai was used as a substitute for Yahweh (YHWH). Adonai can be translated literally as, “my lords’ ” (both plural and possessive).
Further references of the name Adonai in the Old Testament: Complete list available here.
YAHWEH (LORD, JEHOVAH)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Yahweh occurs 6,519 times. This name is used more than any other name of God. Yahweh is first used in Gen 2:4.
Variant spellings: YHWH, Jehovah
TWOT Reference: 484a
Strong’s Reference: H3068
Yahwehin the Septuagint: kurios – Lord, Master
despotês – Lord, Master, denoting the omnipotence of God (TDNT), despot, absolute ruler
Meaning and Derivation: Yahweh is the promised name of God. This name of God which (by Jewish tradition) is too holy to voice, is actually spelled “YHWH” without vowels. YHWH is referred to as the Tetragrammaton (which simply means “the four letters”). YHWH comes from the Hebrew letters: Yud, Hay, Vav, Hay. While YHWH is first used in Genesis 2, God did not reveal Himself asYHWH until Exodus 3. The modern spelling as “Yahweh” includes vowels to assist in pronunciation. Many pronounce YHWH as “Yahweh” or “Jehovah.” We no longer know for certain the exact pronunciation. During the third century A.D., the Jewish people stopped saying this name in fear of contravening the commandment “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” (Exd 20:7). As a result of this, Adonai is occasionally a substitute for YHWH. The following compound names which start with “YHWH” have been shown using “Jehovah.” This is due to the common usage of “Jehovah” in the English of these compound names in the early English translations of the Bible (e.g., the Geneva Bible, the King James Version, etc.).
Further references of the name Yahweh in the Old Testament: Complete list available here.
JEHOVAH NISSI (THE LORD MY BANNER)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Nissi occurs only once inExd 17:15.
Variant spellings: Jehovah Nisi; Jehovahnissi
TWOT Reference: None
Strong’s Reference: H3071
Jehovah Nissi in the Septuagint: kurios kataphugê mou – the Lord is my refuge
Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as “The Existing One” or “Lord.” The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havahmeaning “to be” or “to exist.” It also suggests “to become” or specifically “to become known” – this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Nes(nês), from which Nissi derived, means “banner” in Hebrew. In Exd 17:15, Moses, recognizing that the Lord was Israel’s banner under which they defeated the Amalekites, builds an altar named Jehovah-Nissi (the Lord our Banner). Nes is sometimes translated as a pole with an insignia attached. In battle opposing nations would fly their own flag on a pole at each of their respective front lines. This was to give their soldiers a feeling of hope and a focal point. This is what God is to us: a banner of encouragement to give us hope and a focal point.
Further references of the name Jehovah Nissi in the Old Testament:Exd 17:15
JEHOVAH-RAAH (THE LORD MY SHEPHERD)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Raah (The Lord my Shepherd) is used in Psalm 23.
Variant spellings: Jehovah Rohi; Jehovah Ro’eh
TWOT Reference: 2185, 2186
Strong’s Reference: H7462
Jehovah-Raah in the Septuagint: kurios poimainei me – the Lord shepherds me
Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as “The Existing One” or “Lord.” The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havahmeaning “to be” or “to exist.” It also suggests “to become” or specifically “to become known” – this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Rô’ehfrom which Raah derived, means “shepherd” in Hebrew. A shepherd is one who feeds or leads his flock to pasture (Eze 34:11-15). An extend translation of this word, rea’, is “friend” or “companion.” This indicates the intimacy God desires between Himself and His people. When the two words are combined – Jehovah Raah – it can be translated as “The Lord my Friend.”
Further references of the name Jehovah-Raah in the Old Testament:Gen 48:15; Gen 49:24; Psa 23:1; Psa 80:1
JEHOVAH RAPHA (THE LORD WHO HEALS)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord that Heals) is used in Exd 15:26.
Variant spellings: Jehovah-Rophe; Jehovah Rophecha; Jehovah Raphah
TWOT Reference: 2196
Strong’s Reference: H7495
Jehovah Rapha in the Septuagint: kurios ho iômenos se – the Lord your healer
Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as “The Existing One” or “Lord.” The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havahmeaning “to be” or “to exist.” It also suggests “to become” or specifically “to become known” – this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Rapha(râpâ’) means “to restore”, “to heal” or “to make healthful” in Hebrew. When the two words are combined – Jehovah Rapha – it can be translated as “Jehovah Who Heals.” (cf. Jer 30:17; Jer 3:22; Isa 30:26; Isa 61:1; Psa 103:3). Jehovah is the Great Physician who heals the physical and emotional needs of His people.
Further references of the name Jehovah Rapha in the Old Testament:Exd 15:26
JEHOVAH SHAMMAH (THE LORD IS THERE)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah Shammah occurs only once inEzekiel 48:35.
Variant spellings: Jehovah Samma
TWOT Reference: None
Strong’s Reference: H3074
Jehovah Shammah in the Septuagint: estai to onoma autês – the name thereof
Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as “The Existing One” or “Lord.” The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havahmeaning “to be” or “to exist.” It also suggests “to become” or specifically “to become known” – this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly.Shammah is derived from the Hebrew word sham, which can be translated as “there.” Jehovah Shammah is a symbolic name for the earthly Jerusalem. The name indicates that God has not abandoned Jerusalem, leaving it in ruins, but that there will be a restoration.
Further references of the name Jehovah Shammah in the Old Testament:Eze 48:35
JEHOVAH TSIDKENU (THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah Tsidkenu occurs 2 times.Jehovah Tsidkenu is first used in Jer 23:6.
Variant spellings: Jehovah Tzidkaynu; Jehovah Tsidqenuw
TWOT Reference: None
Strong’s Reference: H3072
Jehovah Tsidkenu in the Septuagint: kuriou tou theou hêmôn elalêsen pros hêmas – the Lord our God spoke to us
Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as “The Existing One” or “Lord.” The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havahmeaning “to be” or “to exist.” It also suggests “to become” or specifically “to become known” – this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Tsedek(tseh’-dek), from which Tsidkenu derived, means “to be stiff,” “to be straight,” or “righteous” in Hebrew. When the two words are combined – Jehovah Tsidkenu – it can be translated as “The Lord Who is our Righteousness.”
Further references of the name Jehovah Tsidkenu in the Old Testament:Jer 23:6; Jer 33:16
JEHOVAH MEKODDISHKEM (THE LORD WHO SANCTIFIES YOU)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah Mekoddishkem occurs 2 times. Jehovah Mekoddishkem is first used in Exd 31:13.
Variant spellings: Jehovah M’kaddesh
TWOT Reference: 1990
Strong’s Reference: H6942
Jehovah Mekoddishkem in the Septuagint: kurios ho hagiazôn humas – the Lord that sanctifies you
Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as “The Existing One” or “Lord.” The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havahmeaning “to be” or “to exist.” It also suggests “to become” or specifically “to become known” – this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly.Mekoddishkem derives from the Hebrew word qâdash meaning “sanctify,” “holy,” or “dedicate.” Sanctification is the separation of an object or person to the dedication of the Holy. When the two words are combined – Jehovah Mekoddishkem – it can be translated as “The Lord who sets you apart.”
Further references of the name Jehovah Mekoddishkem in the Old Testament: Exd 31:13; Lev 20:8
EL OLAM (THE EVERLASTING GOD)
Use in the Bible: El Olam is first used in Gen 21:33.
Variant spellings: None
TWOT Reference: 1631a
Strong’s Reference: H5769
El Olamin the Septuagint: [ho] theos [ho] aiônios – the everlasting God
Meaning and Derivation: El is another name that is translated as “God” and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God’s character. Olam derives from the root word ‘lm (which means “eternity”).Olam literally means “forever,” “eternity,” or “everlasting”. When the two words are combined – El Olam – it can be translated as “The Eternal God.”
Further references of the name El Olam in the Old Testament: Gen 21:33;Jer 10:10; Isa 26:4
ELOHIM (GOD)
Use in the Bible: : In the Old Testament Elohim occurs over 2000 times.Elohim is first used in Gen 1:1.
Variant spellings: None
TWOT Reference: 93c
Strong’s Reference: H430
Elohim in the Septuagint: theos – the standard Greek word for god, “a transcendent being who exercises extraordinary control in human affairs or is responsible for bestowal of unusual benefits” (BDAG). It specifically refers to the monotheistic God of Israel.
Meaning and Derivation: Elohim is translated as “God.” The derivation of the name Elohim is debatable to most scholars. Some believe it derived from ‘êlwhich, in turn, originates from the root word, ‘wl (which means “strong”). Others think that Elohim is derived from another two roots: ‘lh (which means “god”) in conjunction with ‘elôah (which means “fear”). And still others presume that both‘êl and Elohim come from ‘eloah.
Further references of the name Elohim in the Old Testament: Complete list available here.
QANNA (JEALOUS)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Qanna occurs 6 times. Qanna is first used in Exd 20:5.
Variant spellings: Kanna
TWOT Reference: 2038b
Strong’s Reference: H7067
Qanna in the Septuagint: zêlôtês – jealous
Meaning and Derivation: Qanna is translated as “jealous,” “zealous,” or “envy.” The fundamental meaning relates to a marriage relationship. God is depicted as Israel’s husband; He is a jealous God, wanting all our praise for Himself and no one else. (cf. Exd 34:14)
Further references of the name Qanna in the Old Testament: Exd 20:5;Exd 34:14; Deu 4:24; Deu 5:9; Deu 6:15
JEHOVAH JIREH (THE LORD WILL PROVIDE)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Jireh occurs only once inGen 22:14.
Variant spellings: None
TWOT Reference: None
Strong’s Reference: H3070
Jehovah Jireh in the Septuagint: kurios eiden – the Lord has seen
Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as “The Existing One” or “Lord.” The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havahmeaning “to be” or “to exist.” It also suggests “to become” or specifically “to become known” – this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly.Jehovah-Jireh is a symbolic name given to Mount Moriah by Abraham to memorialize the intercession of God in the sacrifice of Isaac by providing a substitute for the imminent sacrifice of his son.
Further references of the name Jehovah Jireh in the Old Testament:Gen 22:14
JEHOVAH SHALOM (THE LORD IS PEACE)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Shalom occurs only once inJdg 6:24.
Variant spellings: None
TWOT Reference: None
Strong’s Reference: H3073
Jehovah-Shalom in the Septuagint: eirênê kuriou – peace of the Lord
Meaning and Derivation: Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as “The Existing One” or “Lord.” The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning “to be” or “to exist.” It also suggests “to become” or specifically “to become known” – this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Shalom is a derivative of shâlêm (which means “be complete” or “sound”) Shalom is translated as “peace” or “absence from strife.” Jehovah-Shalom is the name of an altar built by Gideon in Ophrah.
Further references of the name Jehovah-Shalom in the Old Testament:Jdg 6:24
JEHOVAH SABAOTH (THE LORD OF HOSTS)
Use in the Bible: Jehovah and Elohim occur with Sabaoth over 285 times. It is most frequently used in Jeremiah and Isaiah. Jehovah Sabaoth is first used in1Sa 1:3.
Variant spellings: None
TWOT Reference: 1865a, 1865b
Strong’s Reference: H6635
Jehovah Sabaoth in the Septuagint: kurios sabaôth – the Lord of hosts (sabaôth: Gr. transliteration of Heb. “hosts”)
Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as “The Existing One” or “Lord.” The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havahmeaning “to be” or “to exist.” It also suggests “to become” or specifically “to become known” – this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly.Sabaoth (se bâ’ôt) means “armies” or “hosts.” Jehovah Sabaoth can be translated as “The Lord of Armies” (1Sa 1:3). This name denotes His universal sovereignty over every army, both spiritual and earthly. The Lord of Hosts is the king of all heaven and earth. (Psa 24:9-10; Psa 84:3; Isa 6:5).