Is the Trinity in the Old Testament?
Is the Trinity in the Old Testament? While not fully revealed, the Old Testament contains hints of God's plural nature — from the plural 'us' in Genesis to the Angel of the LORD and the Spirit of God.
Key verse: Genesis 1:26 (KJV)
While not fully revealed, the Old Testament contains hints of God's plural nature — from the plural 'us' in Genesis to the Angel of the LORD and the Spirit of God.
While not fully revealed, the Old Testament contains hints of God's plural nature — from the plural 'us' in Genesis to the Angel of the LORD and the Spirit of God.
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." — Genesis 1:26 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Old Testament plants seeds of the Trinity doctrine that blossom in the New. Genesis 1:26 records God saying, 'Let us make man in our image' — a plural self-reference. Genesis 11:7 repeats: 'Let us go down.' The Hebrew word for God, Elohim, is grammatically plural with a singular verb, suggesting plurality within unity. The Spirit of God appears in Genesis 1:2, 'moved upon the face of the waters.' Isaiah 48:16 contains a remarkable statement: 'The Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me' — three persons in one verse. The Angel of the LORD (Genesis 16:7-13, Exodus 3:2-6) receives worship and is identified as God — many scholars see this as the pre-incarnate Christ. Isaiah 63:9-10 mentions the LORD, the angel of His presence, and His Holy Spirit together. The Shema — 'The LORD our God is one LORD' (Deuteronomy 6:4) — uses echad, which can denote compound unity (as in 'one flesh,' Genesis 2:24), not yachid (absolute singularity).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Worship?
What the Bible teaches about worship, praise, and honoring God with our whole lives.
Key Scripture References
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."
"Come ye near unto me, hear ye this... the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me."
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
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.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
While the Bible doesn't give a complete answer, it reveals that God uses suffering for growth, discipline, compassion, and ultimately His glory.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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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 “Is the Trinity in the Old Testament?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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