The Bible reveals the nature and character of God through various names, each providing a unique glimpse into His attributes and relationship with humanity. Here, we will explore some of these names, accompanied by corresponding Bible verses and explanations to deepen our understanding of who God is.
1. Yahweh (Jehovah) – “LORD”
Verse: “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you.”‘” (Exodus 3:14, NKJV)
Explanation: Yahweh, often rendered as LORD in many translations, is the most sacred and personal name of God, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature. It was revealed to Moses at the burning bush, emphasizing God’s unchanging and independent existence.
2. Elohim – “God”
Verse: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1, NKJV)
Explanation: Elohim is a plural form used to denote majesty and power. It highlights God’s supreme authority and creative power as the maker of all things.
3. Adonai – “Lord”
Verse: “O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your mighty hand, for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do anything like Your works and Your mighty deeds?” (Deuteronomy 3:24, NKJV)
Explanation: Adonai means “Lord” or “Master,” signifying God’s sovereign rule and authority over all creation. It is a title of respect and acknowledgment of His lordship.
4. El Shaddai – “God Almighty”
Verse: “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.'” (Genesis 17:1, NKJV)
Explanation: El Shaddai, translated as “God Almighty,” underscores God’s ultimate power and sufficiency. It assures believers of His ability to fulfill His promises and provide for His people.
5. El Elyon – “God Most High”
Verse: “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High.” (Genesis 14:18, NKJV)
Explanation: El Elyon, meaning “God Most High,” emphasizes God’s supreme position above all other gods and beings. It reflects His exalted status and unmatched authority.
6. El Olam – “Everlasting God”
Verse: “And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.” (Genesis 21:33, NKJV)
Explanation: El Olam, or “Everlasting God,” highlights God’s eternal nature. It reassures believers of His timeless presence and unchanging faithfulness throughout all generations.
7. Jehovah Jireh – “The Lord Will Provide”
Verse: “And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, ‘In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided.'” (Genesis 22:14, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Jireh means “The Lord Will Provide.” This name was given by Abraham when God provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac. It underscores God’s provision and care for His people.
8. Jehovah Rapha – “The Lord Who Heals”
Verse: “For I am the LORD who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Rapha means “The Lord Who Heals.” This name reveals God’s power to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually, affirming His desire for the wholeness of His people.
9. Jehovah Nissi – “The Lord Is My Banner”
Verse: “And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner.” (Exodus 17:15, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Nissi means “The Lord Is My Banner.” This name was declared by Moses after Israel’s victory over the Amalekites, symbolizing God’s protection and leadership in battle.
10. Jehovah Shalom – “The Lord Is Peace”
Verse: “So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace.” (Judges 6:24, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Shalom means “The Lord Is Peace.” Gideon named the altar after encountering God, who assured him of peace amidst turmoil. This name signifies God’s provision of peace and tranquility.
11. Jehovah Tsidkenu – “The Lord Our Righteousness”
Verse: “In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Jeremiah 23:6, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Tsidkenu means “The Lord Our Righteousness.” This name points to God’s provision of righteousness through the promised Messiah, highlighting His role as the source of our justification.
12. Jehovah Sabaoth – “The Lord of Hosts”
Verse: “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” (Psalm 46:7, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Sabaoth means “The Lord of Hosts.” This name depicts God as the commander of heavenly armies, emphasizing His supreme power and authority in both the spiritual and earthly realms.
13. Jehovah Raah – “The Lord My Shepherd”
Verse: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Raah means “The Lord My Shepherd.” This beloved name, from Psalm 23, portrays God as a caring and guiding shepherd, providing for and protecting His flock.
14. Jehovah Shammah – “The Lord Is There”
Verse: “And the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE.” (Ezekiel 48:35, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Shammah means “The Lord Is There.” This name was given to the future Jerusalem, symbolizing God’s eternal presence with His people, offering assurance of His unending companionship.
15. Jehovah Shammah – “The Lord Is There”
Verse: “And the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE.” (Ezekiel 48:35, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Shammah emphasizes God’s presence among His people, assuring them of His constant companionship and support.
16. Jehovah Mekoddishkem – “The Lord Who Sanctifies You”
Verse: “So you shall keep My commandments and do them; I am the LORD who sanctifies you.” (Leviticus 20:8, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Mekoddishkem signifies God as the one who sets apart His people for holy purposes, sanctifying them through His presence and commands.
17. Jehovah Rohi – “The Lord My Shepherd”
Verse: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Rohi portrays God as the caring and guiding shepherd who watches over and provides for His flock.
18. Jehovah Elohim – “The Eternal Creator”
Verse: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Elohim highlights God’s role as the eternal Creator of all things, emphasizing His sovereignty over the universe.
19. Jehovah Tsuri – “The Lord My Rock”
Verse: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.” (Psalm 18:2, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Tsuri signifies God as the stable and unchanging foundation upon which His people can rely for strength and protection.
20. Jehovah Shaphat – “The Lord the Judge”
Verse: “He is the Judge of all the earth.” (Genesis 18:25, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Shaphat portrays God as the righteous Judge who exercises justice and fairness over all creation.
21. Jehovah Elyon – “The Lord Most High”
Verse: “For You, LORD, are most high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.” (Psalm 97:9, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Elyon emphasizes God’s supreme authority and sovereignty, exalted above all other powers and entities.
22. Jehovah Roi – “The Lord My Shepherd”
Verse: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1, NKJV)
Explanation: Jehovah Roi portrays God as the caring and guiding shepherd who watches over and provides for His flock.
These names encapsulate various aspects of God’s character, revealing His attributes, roles, and relationships with His people throughout history.
Names of God in different languages
English
- God
- Lord
- Almighty
- Father
Spanish
- Dios
- Señor
- Todopoderoso
- Padre
French
- Dieu
- Seigneur
- Tout-Puissant
- Père
Chinese (Mandarin)
- 神 (Shén) – God
- 主 (Zhǔ) – Lord
- 全能的 (Quánnéng de) – Almighty
- 天父 (Tiānfù) – Heavenly Father
Arabic
- الله (Allah) – God
- الرب (Al-Rabb) – The Lord
- القدير (Al-Qadeer) – The Almighty
- الآب (Al-Ab) – The Father
Hindi
- परमेश्वर (Parmeshwar) – God
- प्रभु (Prabhu) – Lord
- सर्वशक्तिमान (Sarvashaktiman) – Almighty
- पिता (Pita) – Father
Russian
- Бог (Bog) – God
- Господь (Gospod’) – Lord
- Всемогущий (Vsemogushchiy) – Almighty
- Отец (Otec) – Father
Portuguese
- Deus
- Senhor
- Todo-Poderoso
- Pai
German
- Gott
- Herr
- Allmächtiger
- Vater
Japanese
- 神 (Kami) – God
- 主 (Shu) – Lord
- 全能の (Zennō no) – Almighty
- 天の父 (Ten no Chichi) – Heavenly Father
Bengali
- ঈশ্বর (Ishwar) – God
- প্রভু (Prabhu) – Lord
- সর্বশক্তিমান (Sarbaśaktimān) – Almighty
- পিতা (Pitā) – Father
Korean
- 하나님 (Hana-nim) – God
- 주님 (Ju-nim) – Lord
- 전능하신 (Jeon-neunghasin) – Almighty
- 아버지 (Abeoji) – Father
Italian
- Dio
- Signore
- Onnipotente
- Padre
Urdu
- خدا (Khuda) – God
- رب (Rab) – Lord
- قادر مطلق (Qadir Mutlaq) – Almighty
- باپ (Baap) – Father
Turkish
- Tanrı – God
- Rab – Lord
- Her Şeye Gücü Yeten – Almighty
- Baba – Father
Vietnamese
- Chúa – God/Lord
- Thiên Chúa – God
- Đấng Toàn Năng – Almighty
- Cha – Father
Persian (Farsi)
- خدا (Khoda) – God
- پروردگار (Parvardegar) – Lord
- قادر مطلق (Qadir Motlaq) – Almighty
- پدر (Pedar) – Father
Swahili
- Mungu – God
- Bwana – Lord
- Mwenyezi – Almighty
- Baba – Father
Greek
- Θεός (Theos) – God
- Κύριος (Kyrios) – Lord
- Παντοδύναμος (Pantodynamos) – Almighty
- Πατέρας (Pateras) – Father
Hebrew
- אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) – God
- יְהוָה (Yahweh) – Lord
- שַׁדַּי (Shaddai) – Almighty
- אָב (Av) – Father
Conclusion
The names of God in the Bible provide a profound understanding of His multifaceted nature and how He relates to us. Each name reveals different aspects of His character, inviting us to know Him more deeply and trust in His many attributes. From Yahweh, the self-existent and eternal One, to Jehovah Shammah, the Lord who is always present, these names reflect God’s power, love, justice, and mercy.
By meditating on these names, we gain a richer and more personal understanding of who God is. They remind us of His provision as Jehovah Jireh, His healing as Jehovah Rapha, His peace as Jehovah Shalom, and His righteousness as Jehovah Tsidkenu. In every name, we see a God who is deeply involved in our lives, providing, guiding, protecting, and sanctifying us.
As we reflect on these divine names, let us be encouraged to draw closer to God, trusting in His unwavering character and embracing the fullness of His presence in our lives. The exploration of His names is not just an academic exercise but a journey into a deeper relationship with the Almighty, who is everything we need and more.
