The Names of God

In the ancient world, a name was not merely a label — it was a revelation of character. When parents named a child, they were declaring something about the child's nature or destiny. When God revealed His names, He was disclosing His character, His attributes, and His relationship with His people.

God has many names in Scripture — not because He has multiple identities, but because no single name can capture the fullness of who He is. Each name reveals a different facet of His infinite character, like light passing through a prism and revealing a spectrum of colors.

Knowing God's names is not an academic exercise — it is a pathway to deeper worship, stronger faith, and more confident prayer. When you face fear, knowing that God is Jehovah-Shammah ('the Lord is there') transforms your response. When you need provision, knowing He is Jehovah-Jireh ('the Lord will provide') anchors your trust.

Psalm 9:10 declares, 'And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee.' The more you know God's name — His character — the more you trust Him. This study explores the major names of God in Scripture and what each one reveals about the God who invites you to call Him by name.

Elohim — 'God' (Genesis 1:1). This is the first name for God in the Bible: 'In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heaven and the earth.' Elohim is a plural noun, hinting at the Trinity from the very first verse. It emphasizes God's power, sovereignty, and creative authority. Elohim is the God who speaks worlds into existence.

El Shaddai — 'God Almighty' (Genesis 17:1). When God appeared to Abraham at age 99 — long past the age of having children — He introduced Himself as El Shaddai. The name communicates overwhelming, all-sufficient power. It is the name God uses when the situation is humanly impossible. El Shaddai is the God for whom nothing is too hard (Jeremiah 32:17).

The root 'shad' may relate to the Hebrew word for breast or mountain, suggesting both nurturing care and immovable strength. El Shaddai is powerful enough to move mountains and tender enough to nurture His children.

El Elyon — 'God Most High' (Genesis 14:18-20). Melchizedek, the king of Salem, blessed Abraham in the name of El Elyon — 'the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth.' This name declares God's supreme sovereignty. There is no higher authority, no greater power, no rival in heaven or on earth. When Daniel was thrown into the lions' den, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the 'most high God' who delivered him (Daniel 3:26).

These names reveal God as Creator, Almighty, and Most High — the foundation for every other attribute. Before He is Savior, Healer, or Provider, He is the sovereign God who rules over all.

Jehovah (YHWH) — 'I AM' (Exodus 3:14). When Moses asked God's name at the burning bush, God replied, 'I AM THAT I AM.' The Hebrew YHWH (Yahweh) is God's covenant name — His most personal self-revelation. It means 'the self-existent one' — the God who is, was, and always will be. He depends on nothing for His existence.

This name is so sacred that Jewish scribes would not pronounce it, substituting 'Adonai' (Lord) when reading aloud. In the KJV, it appears as 'LORD' (in small capitals).

Jehovah-Jireh — 'The Lord Will Provide' (Genesis 22:14). Abraham named the mountain where God provided a ram in place of Isaac. This name assures believers that God sees ahead and provides what is needed at the right time.

Jehovah-Rapha — 'The Lord Who Heals' (Exodus 15:26). After delivering Israel through the Red Sea, God revealed Himself as healer — of body, soul, and spirit.

Jehovah-Nissi — 'The Lord Is My Banner' (Exodus 17:15). After victory over the Amalekites, Moses built an altar with this name. A banner in battle was a rallying point — God is the rallying point for His people in every conflict.

Jehovah-Shalom — 'The Lord Is Peace' (Judges 6:24). Gideon built an altar with this name after God calmed his fear. In the midst of chaos and oppression, God is peace.

Jehovah-Rohi — 'The Lord Is My Shepherd' (Psalm 23:1). David's beloved declaration that God personally guides, provides for, protects, and comforts His people.

Jehovah-Tsidkenu — 'The Lord Our Righteousness' (Jeremiah 23:6). God Himself is our righteousness — we do not earn it; we receive it.

Jehovah-Shammah — 'The Lord Is There' (Ezekiel 48:35). The final word of Ezekiel's prophecy declares God's permanent presence with His people. Wherever you are, Jehovah-Shammah is there.

Adonai — 'Lord, Master' (Psalm 110:1). Adonai declares God's authority and the believer's submission. To call God 'Adonai' is to acknowledge that He is Lord and Master of your life — not merely a consultant to be consulted when convenient.

Abba — 'Father, Daddy' (Romans 8:15). This is the most intimate name for God in all of Scripture. Paul writes, 'Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.' Abba was the Aramaic word children used for their father — warm, personal, intimate. That the sovereign Creator of the universe invites believers to call Him 'Abba' is staggering.

Jesus used this name in His darkest hour: 'Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me' (Mark 14:36). Even in Gethsemane, the relationship was personal and tender.

Jesus (Yeshua) — 'The Lord Saves' (Matthew 1:21). The angel instructed Joseph: 'Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.' The name Jesus contains the divine name — Yah (from Yahweh) + shua (saves). Jesus is not merely a great teacher or moral example — His very name declares that He is God come to save.

Philippians 2:9-11 declares the supremacy of this name: 'God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.'

Every name of God finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. He is Jehovah-Jireh — our provision. He is Jehovah-Rapha — our healer. He is Jehovah-Shalom — our peace. He is the I AM who walked among us, the Shepherd who laid down His life, and the King whose name will be praised forever.