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    In Context

    What Does Elohim Mean — In Biblical Context

    Elohim is the first name for God in the Bible — a plural form emphasizing His majesty, power, and creative authority.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    The Biblical Context

    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.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Genesis 1:1, sits inside Genesis 1. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
    — Genesis 1:1 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Genesis 1:26
    "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."
    Deuteronomy 10:17
    "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."

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