In the Bible, a name is more than a label. It often describes a person's character or a moment in their story. When God reveals his names, he is showing us who he is. The Old Testament uses many names and titles for God, each revealing a different side of his character. Learning them can enrich your prayers and deepen your trust.
Elohim — God, the mighty Creator
The very first name of God in the Bible is Elohim: "In the beginning God [Elohim] created the heaven and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). It is the most common general word for God in the Old Testament, used around 2,500 times. Elohim is plural in form but used with singular verbs when referring to the true God — a feature many Christians see as hinting at the richness of God's being. It emphasises his power and majesty as Creator.
YHWH — the LORD
The most important name of God is YHWH, often pronounced Yahweh. It appears over six thousand times in the Old Testament. When Moses asked God's name at the burning bush, God answered:
"I AM THAT I AM… Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:14, KJV)
The name is connected with the Hebrew verb "to be". It speaks of God as eternal, self-existent and ever-present — the God who always is, and who keeps his covenant promises.
Out of reverence, Jewish readers did not pronounce the name, saying instead Adonai ("Lord"). Most English Bibles follow this tradition by printing it as LORD in capital letters. The KJV occasionally renders it "JEHOVAH" (for example Exodus 6:3; Psalm 83:18), a form combining the letters YHWH with the vowels of Adonai.
Adonai — Lord and Master
Adonai means "Lord" or "Master". It emphasises God's authority and our position as his servants. Isaiah saw "the Lord [Adonai] sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up" (Isaiah 6:1).
El Shaddai — God Almighty
God revealed himself to Abraham as El Shaddai: "I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect" (Genesis 17:1). The name emphasises God's all-sufficient power to keep his promises, even when they seem impossible — as with the birth of Isaac to elderly parents.
El Elyon — the Most High God
El Elyon means "God Most High". Melchizedek, king of Salem, blessed Abraham in the name of "the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth" (Genesis 14:19). The name stresses God's supremacy over all rulers and powers. Psalm 91:1 speaks of the one who "dwelleth in the secret place of the most High".
El Roi — the God who sees
When Hagar, a mistreated servant, fled into the wilderness, the angel of the Lord met her. She called God El Roi: "Thou God seest me" (Genesis 16:13). This tender name reminds us that God sees and cares for the overlooked and suffering.
The "Jehovah" compound names
Several names combine YHWH with another word, often after God had done something remarkable:
| Name | Meaning | Reference | Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jehovah-jireh | The LORD will provide | Genesis 22:14 | God provided a ram in place of Isaac |
| Jehovah-rapha | The LORD who heals | Exodus 15:26 | "I am the LORD that healeth thee" |
| Jehovah-nissi | The LORD my banner | Exodus 17:15 | Victory over the Amalekites |
| Jehovah-shalom | The LORD is peace | Judges 6:24 | Gideon's altar after meeting the angel |
| Jehovah-rohi | The LORD my shepherd | Psalm 23:1 | David's psalm of trust |
| Jehovah-tsidkenu | The LORD our righteousness | Jeremiah 23:6 | A promised righteous king from David's line |
| Jehovah-shammah | The LORD is there | Ezekiel 48:35 | The name of the restored city |
The LORD of hosts
The LORD of hosts (YHWH Sabaoth) appears over two hundred times. "Hosts" means armies — both the armies of heaven (angels) and the stars. The name presents God as the commander of heaven's armies, all-powerful and victorious. David faced Goliath "in the name of the LORD of hosts" (1 Samuel 17:45).
Other titles
- The Holy One of Israel — especially in Isaiah, emphasising God's holiness.
- Rock — "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress" (Psalm 18:2).
- King — "The LORD is King for ever and ever" (Psalm 10:16).
- Father — "Doubtless thou art our father" (Isaiah 63:16).
- Ancient of days — Daniel's vision of God's eternal rule (Daniel 7:9).
God's names and Jesus
In the New Testament, Jesus reveals God's name most fully. He used the words "I am" of himself: "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58), echoing Exodus 3:14. He taught his disciples to pray "Our Father" (Matthew 6:9). The name Jesus itself (Hebrew Yeshua) means "the LORD saves" (Matthew 1:21).
Using God's names in prayer
When you pray, try addressing God by a name that fits your need:
- In need — Jehovah-jireh, the LORD who provides.
- In sickness — Jehovah-rapha, the LORD who heals.
- When anxious — Jehovah-shalom, the LORD of peace.
- When overlooked — El Roi, the God who sees.
- When facing battles — the LORD of hosts.
Continue with women of the Old Testament, or read common Bible words explained.