What Does El Shaddai Mean?
What Does El Shaddai Mean? El Shaddai means 'God Almighty' — emphasizing God's all-sufficiency and unlimited power to fulfill His promises.
Key verse: Genesis 17:1 (KJV)
El Shaddai means 'God Almighty' — emphasizing God's all-sufficiency and unlimited power to fulfill His promises.
El Shaddai means 'God Almighty' — emphasizing God's all-sufficiency and unlimited power to fulfill His promises.
"And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect." — Genesis 17:1 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי) is the name by which God revealed Himself most often to the patriarchs. It combines El ('God') with Shaddai, traditionally rendered 'Almighty.' Some scholars connect Shaddai with a root meaning 'mountain,' picturing God as the immovable fortress; others connect it with 'sufficient,' picturing God as the all-supplying source. The name appears at moments when God's people needed to trust His power to overcome impossible circumstances — Abraham's old age, Jacob's exile, Israel's bondage. When God speaks as El Shaddai, He is declaring that nothing is too hard for Him and that He is enough for every need.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Faith?
What the Bible teaches about faith, believing in God, and trusting His promises.
Key Scripture References
"And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect."
"And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee."
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Theology & Doctrine
Cross (σταυρός (Stauros))
The instrument of Christ's death; symbol of atonement and self-denial
Didache (διδαχή (didachē))
Teaching or instruction — the systematic training of believers.
Strong's H7611 — Remnant (Sheerith)
שְׁאֵרִית (sheerith) • The faithful few — those who remain loyal to God when the majority falls away.
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Genesis. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Genesis on day 11 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does El Shaddai Mean?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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