When I was doing research for my newly-released book God versus Gods: Judaism in the Age of Idolatry (Mosaica Press, 2018), I looked into this question and found some important sources. It has been suggested that the term has come, via Aramaic, from two elements: El and Ah (a shortened form of Ahyeh, Exo 3:14, "I shall be," the designation of Yahweh in the first person; Feigin, Samuel I., "The Origin of Eloh, 'God', in Hebrew," JNES 3: 259). Hence they are also known as the Creation Angels and God's right hand. Yes, it is. Names also cannot contain an official title or rank, which is why names like King, Queen, Sister, Lieutenant, Prime Minister and Lord are not allowed. Meaning: Father God / God the Creator. Hebrew for ChristiansCopyright John J. ParsonsAll rights reserved. In the Pentateuch the name "Elohim" portrays God as the transcendent Being, the Creator of the universe. "Adonai" is the plural form of "Adon", meaning "my lord"; and the name "Elohim" is the masculine plural form of "Eloah". Using the same pattern as above, I learned that the name "Elohim"/"Eloah" appears in 1300 verses in the Old Testament: the compound name "-Elohim" in 75 verses, "your Elohim" in 470 verses, "our Elohim" in 175 verses, "the Elohim of" in 350 verses; and the name "Elohim" alone usually transliterated "God" in 233 verses. I have left the former study online below Are there any relationship between lateral and directional stability? Why has climate change not been proven beyond doubt for so long? Bildad never does. See also R. Meir Al-Dabis Shvilei Emunah (Nesiv #1) and R. Moshe of Tranis Beis Elohim (Shaar ha-Yesodos, chs. It is the verb which indicates the words plurality. How do I replace a toilet supply stop valve attached to copper pipe? Nachmanides (to Gen. 1:1) writes that the word Elohim is a portmanteau of the two words el (, power) and heim (, they are). Elohim are powerful angelic beings which have been contributing to the process of Creation ever since its beginning. "Adonai" (Hebrew: Adonay) Read as a Substitute for the Name and "Elohim" Sometimes Read for "Adonay" () appended in order to differentiate the definitive form from the (TS98) When God is presented interacting with His creation especially in the Pentateuch the name "Elohim" is used most often. . Obviously, I can't list all them here, so I am presenting only a sampling of the verses that use the name "Adonai" to describe our Most High God. @Zeev wrote in a comment to the question to look at the Abarbanel. Apparently, Elohim (Eloahim) and Elohi (Eloahi) is used interchangeably. Eloah and Eloah Constructs given in Tanakh. . However, this idea finds little support among Bible scholars today. The T'nach, on the other hand, believes in the total Unity of elohim with such monotheistic clarity when used to speak of HaShem, that it usually uses elohim more than elo'ah, to davka stress the Unity without suspecting any kind of confusion or plurality. The word "El", however, is itself translated "God" 250 times and frequently in circumstances which especially indicate the great power of God. The plural form Elohim is the most common word for God in the Old Testament. (Matthew 1:23, NIV). Most dictionaries states that a collective plural noun is a singular noun denoting a group of individuals. Because the two words are so similar to each other and "Elohim" is sometimes used as a substitute for "Adonai", I thought it logical to study these two nouns together. Our team has collected thousands of questions that people keep asking in forums, blogs and in Google questions. the plural words "Adonai" and "Elohim" teach us that there are no words that can adequately define within the limits of our mortal understanding the infinite personality of God! A noun by itself isn't plural (so an "im" ending doesn't always mean the word is plural -- it may just denote power). Accordingly, he understood that Nachmanides means to explain that Elohim is in plural because God is the holder of all powers. In other words, we do not know why the Hebrew text in our passage reads the way it reads. Biblereferences:Matt. This is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered. But the most we can say contextually is that the plural may be a veiled way of suggesting a plurality within the one/singular divine being. There is much more than meets the eye with the terms El, translated into English as God, Yahweh, translated as the Lord, and Elohim, also translated as God. The concepts of strength and might conveyed by the term are further seen in the three successive verses of Daniel's vision about the great anti-god (Dan 11:37-39). currently available in PDF form only. Thus, except by the Holy Spirit's guidance, I hold out little hope of arriving at an indisputable conclusion. The agency is now recognizing that "God" is a real person and that he exists. IntroductionThe word Eloah is the singular (or dual) of Elohim and appears more than 70 times in the Tanakh, primarily in more poetic passages. Select chapters and a Study Guide are also available for download or in paperback. The exact relationship between this name for God in Scripture and El or Elohim is disputed and far from settled. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It denotes the power and pre-eminence (conspicuous glory) of God and is especially used in relation to God's sovereignty, creative work, and mighty works for Israel. It is an integrity that is mighty in its expression: that justice is required because evil must be dealt with, sin must be paid for. The related nouns eloah () and el () are used as proper names or as generics, in which case they are interchangeable with elohim. It seems that El has it's own development; That might be a reflection of the attributes of God that cause people to be afraid of Him (Ps. describe Him personally, the Bible usually complements the name El Ibn Ezra and R. Bachaya (to Gen. 1:1) write that the word Elohim is in plural form because it is an expression of honor to refer to an individual as if he were many. Here the anti-god's god (Eloah) seems to be "strength" itself. For example, we have the following transliterations, the middle column probably representing "YHWH Adonai" and the third column most likely representing "YHWH Elohim": At first glance, the above can be confounding and may even appear to be contradictory. This suggests the possibility that originally two separate gods were involved and later combined. What should I do when someone publishes a paper based on results I already posted on the internet? (Psalm 91:2). In being corrected, we are realigned with Gods holiness, His majesty. As Nathan Stone wrote concerning the name "Elohim": "There is blessing and comfort in this great name of God signifying supreme power, sovereignty, and glory on the one hand . It is used as a descriptiona as well as a name for G-d, humans, angels and even pagan gods. Hebrew has a full conjugation (with different forms for 1st, 2nd and 3rd person, singular and plural, masculine and feminine). I found this online but it didn't gave answer to my question, but it gave me some insight in te grammar of both words: El and Eloah are different, though Eloah comes from El. What is the object of the verbs in Ya'aleh V'yavo? Why do colder climates have more rugged coasts? It is also use for G-d and pagan deity (one individual) or deities (many individuals, separated or collective). . It is generally thought that the same divine name is found in Arabic (Ilah as singular "a god", as opposed to Allah meaning "the God" or "God") and in Aramaic (Elah), though note the term Allah is "borrowed" from the original language. Elohim or Eloahim is derived from Eloah, the plural of Eloah is Eloahi. As the Sovereign Authority and Creator over all creation, the name "Elohim" denotes God as the supreme deity of a person or people. 46). (Job 5:17). Here are what I consider to be the most logical steps to determining which English transliterations are for "Adonai" and which ones are for "Elohim": The simple fact is that the lesser titles "Lord" and "God" reveal so little about our Sovereign Most High God. Adonai is also a common name among Latinos, especially Mexicans, Mr. Stavans said. The plural, elohm, was taken to refer to the three persons of the Godhead. 76:12; Isa. Although it is usually treated as a singular word, it sometimes occurs alongside plural verbs and adjectives. [If using plural verbs and pronouns along with the plural "Adonai" and "Elohim", the verse would read: "For your Elohim are Elohim of mighty ones . The Names of Jesus Jesus, Christ, and Lord, Jewish Literature and the Messianic Names, Variations on a Theme The Word Archgos, Ex. As we continue our series looking at the names of God and seeking, through them, to draw closer to God, it is striking how many reveal His power: a power that is manifest in love for us and proactive action to protect and save us; not in desolation and disdain. Yes, it is. [More discussion on the plurality of these words below]. God himself, in speaking to Job, uses the term twice: once in a context of his providence and once in parallel to "the Almighty" (see our discussion on the concept of might associated with the name). . . The context in Genesis is unique. St Stephens Comely Bank Church, 10ComelyBankRoad,Edinburgh, EH4 1DW This is evident from the fact that the Levites in the postexilic period used the term in quoting the descriptive revelation of God given in Exo 34:6-7, where the original revelation to Moses had used El and Yahweh (Neh 9:17). El-singular, Eili-plural and Elim-collective plural. Blessed is the person whomEloahcorrects. The plural elim is part of the name God of gods (El elim). USA, Scott Steward, La Sierra University Magazine, La Sierra Undergrad Bio Students Shine at Top-Tier Israel Conference, Delegates Trained on Electronic Voting Ahead of GC Session, ADRA Works in Tanzania to Raise COVID-19 Awareness and Prevent Infections, Kimi-Roux James, Adventist Development and Relief Agency. Maimonides (the Rambam usually) prefers "elo'ah" as opposed to elohim. ", here to download the 2019 "Adonai & Elohim", Since "Adonai" and "Elohim" are plural nouns, some Christians have used this as a foundation on which to build the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. These terms are all essentially equated today. Eloahi is also often translated Elohe. In Hab 1:11 the term is used similarly. And this is where we are surely blessed: that we WE would receive this extravagant grace from the LORD! The singular of Elohim is: Elo'ah, which can used to stress the Oneness even more then the seemingly plural elohim, without the limitations and many-ness (of each individual power) which could be inferred by: el. And yet it is compassionate a constant love for us that is moved to act: a compassion that led Jesus to heal great numbers of sick (Matthew 14:14); a compassion that took Jesus to the cross to die in our place. The Hebrew word translated into 'awe' in the Bible is yirah (, pronounced yir-ah). R. Menachem Tziyyoni (as cited by Sefer Naphtali to R. Bachaya there) explains that the letter yudwhich holds the numerical value of of tenalludes to the Ten Sefiroth significant in Kabbalistic writings; see also R. Moshe Isserles Toras ha-Olah (3:4). . Although "Adonai" and "Elohim" are similar, the distinguishing attributes that differentiate between them is that the name "Adonai" affirms the elevated position of authority and rulership of God, whereas the name "Elohim" refers to Him as the Creator who interacts with and reveals Himself to His creation. A person is being corrected God loves us so much that He accepts us as we are, but does not leave us as we are. Elohim ends with the masculine plural suffix ". Are there any cases in the Tanakh where the form of the word could ambiguously have either the root (fear) or (see)? Elohim is also used of the judges who were supposed to represent God so well that they were even calledElohim.1, God (El) in the Hebrew text of Genesis 35:1. Allah and Elohim are not names of God; rather, they are generic terms for deity. Click on the image to order your copy. (Ezra 4:24, NIV). While these names are written in the plural form, they regularly employ singular verbs in Hebrew grammar and are singular in usage. But when we say the name God, let it hold all that meaning for us power, integrity and compassion; let it be a precious name for our Precious Lord. Three times it is used in a context of terror for sinners (Psa 50:22; Psa 114:7; Psa 139:19). I suppose you are wondering whether this plural supports the doctrine of the Trinity in the Old Testament; this is how it has been interpreted in the history of Christian theology. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. As mentioned previously, since "Adonai" and "Elohim" are plural nouns, many Christians have used this as a foundation on which to build the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. In contrast, Yahwehis the personal name of God. El is often found as a name for God in Semitic languages. St Stephens is a Registered Charity (SC004487) and a congregation of the Church of Scotland. It is no wonderElEloahis the poetic form so much depth and character in a single name whilst, in the English language, we simply talk about God! In Job, Teman is associated with one of Job's three friends, Eliphaz (Job 4:1). Interestingly, the term Eloah, used for God, is predominantly used in Job by Job and Eliphaz in their debating. Both "Adonai" and "Elohim" Are Plural Hebrew Nouns The other name is El, which denotes His Biblereferences:Gen. 35:1 and about two hundred times. Regarding why the word Elohim seems to be in plural form, I found a bunch of sources on this, and it is actually related to the Abarbanel I mentioned above: R. Yehudah ha-Levi writes (Kuzari 4:1) that the word Elohim is in plural form because it is borrowed from the gods of the idolaters who generally worshipped a set of gods. Eloah is likely to be the Hebrew word from which the other two are derived. Only in one context does Zophar use the term (Job 11:5-7). For instance Again this word points to the power and might of God. The real name of God is YHWH, the four letters that make up His name found in Exodus 3:14. That word is the one used as a generic name of God in the New Testament. Elohim, singular Eloah, (Hebrew: God), the God of Israel in the Old Testament. Mi Yodeya is a question and answer site for those who base their lives on Jewish law and tradition and anyone interested in learning more. Is the fact that ZFC implies that 1+1=2 an absolute truth? And now.. several thousand years later and working only with English transliterations, we are left to sort out when "Lord" or "God" means "Adonai" and when they mean "Elohim". He has impressed upon me His desire for me to dig deeper into these names through several Bible translations and versions I've studied, and for me to separate when "Adonai" and "Elohim" are used as originally specified and not as interpretations of other names/titles. It occurs once in Isa, once in Prov, twice in Hab, four times in the Ps, and then in the postexilic books: 2Chr, Neh, and Dan, a total of five times. for anyone who is unable to download or uncomfortable downloading from the God (Theos) in the Greek text of Matthew 1:23. Alternatively, God is the one to whom we can run for help when we are afraid. Go to the Table of Contents to view all teachings and downloads. to El, the resultant is Eloah (-), which literally means god. However, while these names are written in the plural form, they regularly employ singular verbs in Hebrew grammar and are singular in usage. How would I modify a coffee plant to grow outside the tropics? It is probably akin to the term El. As "Adonai" was and continues to be substituted for the actual Name of God () in the Hebrew Scriptures, there is some confusion/disagreement among the different Bible translations as to when "LORD" (or "LORD", "GOD", or "GOD") means "" and when it means "Adonai". Angel Manuel Rodrguez is retired after serving the church as a pastor, professor, and theologian. Abarbanel (to Gen. 1:1) questions this explanation by noting that the Bible also uses the word Elohim to mean idols; if Ibn Ezra is correct, then why are idols also referred to in plural if they are not due the same honor afforded to Hashem. Jesus and his disciples spoke Aramaic, an ancient Semitic language from Syria. And who is the Rock except our God? three types of compound names/descriptions of Hashem: When the first Eloahmeans God (the singular, or dual form of Elohim). Jehovah Nissi yeh-ho-vaw' nis-see' The Lord My Banner. In spite of these famous names, you can't actually name your child anything you wantat least in the United States. For example. "Elohim" is the name, or designation, of God that occurs first in Scripture in Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth." Is it patent infringement to produce patented goods but take no compensation? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The word elohim or 'elohiym (lhym) is a grammatically plural noun for "gods" or "deities" or various other words in Biblical Hebrew. Such a suggestion does not seem likely inasmuch as the term is in Scripture almost always used as a designation of the true God. All of that is to state that the word "elohim" isn't automatically plural. How the Names "Adonai" and "Elohim" Are Translated in English It may not surprise to learn thatElEloahis the poetic form. Exodus 20:3 -Deuteronomy 6:4 and 10:17 according to Targum Onkelos. El() and Eloah() are both singular forms (nouns), but its thats being used to form the plural Elim (), and thats being used to form the plural Elohim (). . When the Quran lists the 99 names of God, Allah is not among them. We will look at another form, Elohim, next time, but for now let us spend some time in Job 5:17. When referring to Yahweh, elohim very often is accompanied by the article ha-, to mean, in combination, the God, and sometimes with a further identification Elohim ayyim, meaning the living God..