What Does Elohim Mean?
What Does Elohim Mean? Elohim is the first name for God in the Bible — a plural form emphasizing His majesty, power, and creative authority.
Key verse: Genesis 1:1 (KJV)
Elohim is the first name for God in the Bible — a plural form emphasizing His majesty, power, and creative authority.
Elohim is the first name for God in the Bible — a plural form emphasizing His majesty, power, and creative authority.
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." — Genesis 1:1 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is the name used for God in Genesis 1:1 — 'In the beginning Elohim created the heaven and the earth.' Though grammatically plural, it almost always takes a singular verb when referring to the true God, expressing what theologians call a plural of majesty. Some have also seen in this plural form an early hint of the triune nature of God, later fully revealed in the New Testament. Elohim emphasizes God as the supreme Creator, mighty Judge, and sovereign Ruler of all. The name appears more than 2,000 times in the Old Testament, often paired with other titles to reveal different aspects of God's character.
Topic Overview
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Key Scripture References
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."
"For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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Scripture reveals God through many names — each unveiling a different aspect of His character, power, and relationship with His people.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
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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.
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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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 Elohim Mean?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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