The Bible reveals many names and titles that describe the nature, character and attributes of God. His primary name in the Old Testament is Yahweh, also spelled YHWH or JHVH. This name comes from the Hebrew verb “to be” and means “the self-existent One.” It speaks of God’s eternal, unchanging and self-sufficient nature. Yahweh is the covenant name of God which emphasizes His relationship with His people.
Another prominent name for God in the Old Testament is Elohim. This name means “God” or “gods” and indicates His supreme power and sovereignty. Elohim is the creator God who rules over all things. It is used over 2,500 times in the Bible. Adonai is a Hebrew term meaning “Lord” or “Master.” It stresses the authority and rulership of God. El Shaddai, meaning “God Almighty,” highlights God’s ultimate power and His ability to overcome all obstacles and fulfill His promises. These and other names found in Scripture provide rich insight into the character of God.
In the New Testament, God is most frequently referred to as “Theos.” This is the Greek word for God and speaks of His deity and divine nature. Theos is used not only for the true God but also for pagan gods or idols. When used of the true God, it refers to His unlimited power and authority. Another significant name in the New Testament is “Father.” Jesus taught His followers to pray to “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9) and described God as a loving, compassionate Father. This name reveals God’s intimate relational nature.
The most well-known and significant name for God in the New Testament is “Lord.” The Greek word is Kyrios. Lord corresponds to the Old Testament name Yahweh and applies divine Lordship to Jesus Christ. Jesus is called Lord because He is the Son of God who acts with all of God’s authority and power. Lord speaks of Jesus Christ’s exalted position as ruler over all creation. It is the supreme title given to Jesus in the New Testament (Philippians 2:9-11).
Finally, the most unique and intimate name God reveals is found in Exodus 3:14, where He tells Moses “I AM WHO I AM.” This speaks of God’s eternal self-existence. He is the source of all life and existence. John’s Gospel applies Jesus’ statement “I am” to declare His divinity and oneness with Yahweh (John 8:58). Overall, the many names of God in Scripture provide incredible insight into His nature, character and relationship with humanity.
In summary, here are some of the primary names for God in the Bible:
- Yahweh – The eternal, self-existent God who is faithful to His promises and covenant with Israel.
- Elohim – The supreme Creator and powerful Ruler over all things.
- Adonai – The Lord and Master over all creation.
- El Shaddai – The Almighty God who can overcome all obstacles.
- Theos – The Greek term for the divine nature and supreme power of God.
- Father – An intimate relational term highlighting God’s compassion.
- Lord – The exalted ruler over all creation applied to Jesus Christ.
- I AM WHO I AM – The self-existent, eternal God who is the source of all life.
There are many other names and titles for God throughout Scripture that provide insight into His attributes and interactions with humanity. But these primary names form the foundation for understanding the nature, character and authority of God as revealed in the Bible. They display His supreme power, intimate love, enduring faithfulness and absolute rule over all creation. Knowing the names of God helps us worship Him in deeper and more meaningful ways.
The Bible contains many revelations about who God is. Here are some key truths that the names of God convey in Scripture:
The Eternal, Self-Existent Nature of God
One of the most fundamental truths about God in the Bible is that He is self-existent and eternal. God’s name Yahweh comes from the Hebrew word meaning “to be” and implies God’s self-existence – He depends on nothing else for His being or existence (Exodus 3:14). This means God exists forever without origin and without end. He simply is. God declared his eternal nature to Isaiah saying, “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god” (Isaiah 44:6).
As the eternal I AM, God has always been and will always be. He exists outside of time and is unlimited by time or space. God does not change, since in His eternal nature no progression or deterioration takes place. He described Himself to Israel: “I the LORD do not change” (Malachi 3:6). God’s eternal nature is good news, for it ensures His promises and purposes will come to pass. We can trust the God who exists outside of time and never changes.
The Supreme Power and Authority of God
The names of God also reveal His supreme power and absolute authority. Elohim, El Shaddai and Theos all convey God’s absolute rulership over all creation. As Elohim, God oversees all the universe as the supreme ruler. El Shaddai emphasizes God’s ultimate power; with Him nothing is impossible or too difficult. The meaning of Theos expresses God’s unlimited power and control over all things. Even evil powers must ultimately bow to God’s sovereign authority.
This supreme authority is delegated to Jesus Christ as Lord over all creation. Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). The exalted position of Jesus as Lord means all spiritual beings and earthly rulers are under His authority. Their power is limited, but His power is unlimited. Even history itself unfolds according to God’s sovereign plan and purpose. We can take confidence in God’s supreme power and authority over all things.
The Personal, Relational Nature of God
Though exalted in power, the names of God also reveal His personal, relational nature. Yahweh is God’s covenant name emphasizing His relationship with His people. Though far above us, God chooses to be intimately involved in our lives. This loving, relational nature is perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ. As the unique Son of God, Jesus alone reveals God’s nature in human form.
By calling God “Father,” Jesus described an intimate relationship with God that we are also invited to share through faith in Christ. Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). As children of God, Christians have direct access to the Father through prayer and worship. We no longer relate to God through laws and rituals but through intimate relationship as His sons and daughters. God’s desire for personal relationship with humanity shines through the names He is called in Scripture.
The Faithfulness and Covenant Love of God
A final emphasis of God’s names in the Bible is His faithfulness and enduring love for His people. Though exalted as the sovereign ruler over all, God relates to people through covenants and promises. His name Yahweh highlights God’s faithfulness to His promises to Israel. Despite their disobedience, God remained committed to His covenant with Abraham and his descendants.
Likewise, God’s promised salvation comes to fruition in Jesus Christ. As Lord, Jesus fulfills God’s covenant by making salvation available to all people through faith. God’s faithfulness spans generations. Even when His people fall short, God remains committed to fulfilling every promise in Scripture. No matter what we face in life, we can trust in God’s covenant love and enduring faithfulness.
In conclusion, the names of God found in the Bible provide incredible insight into His nature and ways. His self-existence outside of time guarantees His eternal promises. God’s supreme authority assures us He is in control over every power in the universe. His desire for relationship allows us to approach Him as a compassionate Father. And God’s enduring faithfulness means every one of His promises will come true. Getting to know the names of God opens the door to worshiping and relating to Him in deeper ways.
