What’s in a Name? When It Comes to God, A Lot.
Across cultures and religions, names carry significant weight, especially when we’re talking about the divine. Names aren’t just labels; they often represent qualities, character, and the very essence of something or someone. When we explore the names of God, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s nature, character, and relationship with us.
Learning the names of God can strengthen your relationship with the divine. From the beginning of time, people have given names to God that they believe reflect his character. They do this to feel closer to God.
This exploration will cover a diverse range of names and titles from various traditions and languages. We’ll draw from Biblical references and linguistic variations to present a multifaceted view of God, exploring the names of God from A to Z.
Of course, “God” means different things to different people, spanning religions and philosophies. For this article, we’ll focus primarily on names within the Abrahamic traditions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Why are God’s names important?
The names of God in the Bible go far beyond simple labels. They’re glimpses into God’s character and promises. Each name reveals a specific aspect of who God is – His power, His love, His sense of justice, and His unending mercy.
Learning and understanding these names can strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with God. When you grasp the nuances of each name, your prayers become more intimate and your worship more meaningful. You’re not just reciting words; you’re connecting with the very essence of God.
Many of God’s names are steeped in history and culture, linking believers to generations of faith. They remind us that we’re part of a long and unbroken line of people who have sought and found God.
How can you use this information? Try incorporating different names of God into your prayers, focusing on the specific attribute that resonates with your needs or desires. Reflecting on a different name each day can deepen your understanding of God and enrich your spiritual life.
Core Names of God in the Hebrew Bible
The Hebrew Bible uses a variety of names to refer to God. These names aren’t just labels; they offer insight into the nature and character of the divine. Here are some of the most important names used in the Old Testament:
Elohim: The Creator and Almighty God
Elohim, a plural form, is often thought to represent the fullness of God’s power and majesty. It’s one of the first names for God we see in the Bible, appearing right at the beginning of Genesis (Genesis 1:1). You’ll also find it in Psalm 19:1, which declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Yahweh (YHWH): The Covenant Name
Often translated as “I AM THAT I AM” (Ehyeh asher ehyeh), Yahweh emphasizes God’s self-existence and eternal nature. Considered the most sacred name of God in Judaism, it’s traditionally not spoken aloud. You can find it in Exodus 3:14, where God reveals this name to Moses, and in Exodus 6:3.
Adonai: Lord, Master
Adonai signifies God’s sovereignty and authority. In Jewish tradition, it’s often used as a substitute for Yahweh. Psalm 8:1 (“Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”) and Isaiah 6:1 both use this name.
El Shaddai: God Almighty
El Shaddai emphasizes God’s power to bless and provide. This name appears in Genesis 17:1 (“I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.”) and Exodus 6:3.
Names and Titles of God in the New Testament
The New Testament, originally written in Greek, also contains a wealth of names and titles for God, many of which are applied to Jesus Christ. Here are a few key examples:
Theos: God
Theos is the general Greek term for God, equivalent to the Hebrew Elohim. It signifies the divine being, the ultimate authority and source of all creation.
You’ll find this name in many places, including John 1:1 (“…and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”) and Romans 1:7 (“To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”).
Kurios: Lord
Kurios is similar to the Hebrew Adonai, signifying authority, ownership, and mastery. In the New Testament, this title is frequently used to refer to Jesus Christ as Lord, recognizing his divine authority and sovereignty.
Examples of this usage can be found in Luke 2:11 (“…for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”) and Acts 2:36 (“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”).
Jesus (Yeshua): Savior
The name Jesus, derived from the Hebrew Yeshua, means “The Lord Saves.” This name reflects Jesus’ central role as the Messiah and Redeemer, who came to save humanity from sin and death.
You’ll find this name in Matthew 1:21 (“…and she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”) and Acts 4:12 (“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”).
Immanuel: God with Us
Immanuel, a Hebrew name meaning “God with Us,” highlights the incarnation, the belief that God took on human form in the person of Jesus Christ. This name emphasizes God’s presence and intimate relationship with humanity.
This name is used in Matthew 1:23 (“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us.'”) and Isaiah 7:14 (“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”).
Exploring attributes of God through his names
The names of God reveal different aspects of his character. Here are a few examples of what we can learn about God through his many names:
God as Creator and Sustainer
- El Elyon: The Most High God. (Genesis 14:18-20) This name emphasizes God’s supreme authority and dominion over everything he has created.
- Olam: Everlasting God. (Psalm 90:2) This name highlights that God has existed forever and that he will continue to exist forever. His character never changes.
God as Loving and Merciful
- El Rachum: The God of Compassion. (Deuteronomy 4:31) This name reveals God’s tenderness and his desire to forgive us when we do wrong.
- Chesed: Loving-Kindness. (Psalm 136) This name shows God’s steadfast love and faithfulness to his people.
God as Just and Righteous
- El Tsaddik: The Righteous God. (Psalm 7:9) This name affirms that God is committed to justice and fairness.
- Shofet Kol Ha-aretz: Judge of All the Earth. (Genesis 18:25) This name shows that God is the ultimate judge of what is right and what is wrong.
God as Shepherd and Protector
- Ro’i: My Shepherd. (Psalm 23:1) This name shows how God cares for us, guides us, and provides for our needs.
- Magen: Shield. (Psalm 3:3) This name describes how God protects us and defends us from harm.
Allah
“Allah” is the Arabic word for God, mainly used in Islam. The term comes from a shortened version of “al-ilah,” which means “the God.”
Muslims believe that Allah is the only God, the one who created and sustains everything. They believe Allah has 99 names or attributes, and each one reflects something different about God’s nature.
While most people associate the term “Allah” with Islam, Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews also use the word.
It’s important to know that Muslims aren’t worshipping a different God. “Allah” is simply the Arabic word for the same God worshipped in Judaism and Christianity.
God’s New Name: Awaiting Future Revelation
The Bible hints that there’s more to God’s identity than we currently understand. Revelation 2:17 speaks of a “new name” that God will give to those who overcome:
“To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.” (Revelation 2:17, ESV)
What does this mean? The exact meaning is unknown, but many believe it symbolizes intimacy, acceptance, and a far deeper understanding of God than we can grasp now.
Pastor John MacArthur has suggested that when we finally see Christ, our current understanding of Him will seem incomplete. He believes that Christ will give us a new, eternal name through which we will truly know Him.
This “new name” points to a future revelation of God’s character and a more profound relationship with Him in eternity.
In Conclusion
Exploring the names of God, from A to Z, reveals just how rich and multifaceted God’s character is. Each name offers a unique perspective on God’s nature, His attributes, and how He relates to humanity.
By studying and reflecting on these names, we can deepen our understanding of God and strengthen our faith. Prayer, meditation, and study can lead to a more intimate and meaningful relationship with the divine.
The journey of discovering God’s names is a lifelong pursuit, filled with wonder and revelation. If you’re interested in learning more, continue your exploration through scripture, prayer, and theological study. Many excellent books, devotionals, and online articles can help you along the way.
Remember, the names of God aren’t just labels. They’re invitations to know Him more fully and experience His presence in our lives. May your exploration of these names lead you to a deeper and more meaningful connection with the divine.