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    In Context

    Is the Trinity in the Old Testament — In Biblical Context

    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.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    The Biblical Context

    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).

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Genesis 1:26, 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.

    "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."
    — Genesis 1:26 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Isaiah 48:16
    "Come ye near unto me, hear ye this... the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me."
    Deuteronomy 6:4
    "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD."

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