ELOHIM - (el-oh-HEEM’) is the Hebrew word that stands for “God”. Appearing 2500 times in the Old Testament, it’s one of the most common names used for God. It appears first in the opening verse of the Bible (Genesis 1:1) which says, “In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth.” Elohim is plural, with Eloah more than likely being the singular version of the word. Being plural, it suggests the triune nature of God.
The simple meaning of Elohim is one of strength and/or power. God is infinite in nature, and all-powerful as shown by His works as Creator, sustainer, and supreme judge of His entire Creation. He knows all things and can even probe the minds and hearts of all men.
This is where He deviates from man, for man is unable to determine a person’s intention or motivation in thinking, saying, or doing something. God can, which is why He is the final judge of all of mankind.
There are times Elohim is shortened to ‘El’ and used as part of a conjunction, such as, El Shaddai, which means “God Almighty” (Genesis 49:24) or El Elyon, which means “God Most High” (Deuteronomy 26:19) or El Roi, which means “God Who Sees” (Genesis 16:13).
Personal names can also include God’s name, as with, DaniEL (EL is my judge), SamuEL (Heard by EL), or Elijah (EL is Yahweh). Places can also include the name of God, as in, BethEL (House of EL), Jezreel (EL will sow), and even IsraEL (Prince of EL). Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministry
Resource(s): www.gotquestions.org, The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.
No comments:
Post a Comment