ELOHIM

0. Introduction

a) In the Old Testament times, a name was not only identification, but an identity as well. Many times a special meaning was attached to the name. Names had, among other purposes, an explanatory purpose (e.g. Nabal, whose name means "fool," is the target of Abigail's explanation to David (1 Samuel 25:25). Throughout Scripture God reveals Himself to us through His names. When we study these names that He reveals to us in the Bible, we will better understand who God really is. The meanings behind God's names reveal the central personality and nature of the One who bears them.

1. Who is God to you?

a) Is He your Most High God, All sufficient One, Master, Lord of Peace, the Lord Who Will Provide? Is He your Father? We must be careful not to make God into an "it" or a "thing" to which we pray. He is our Jehovah Raah, the Lord our Shepherd. God knows us by our name, shouldn't we know Him by His?

2. Names of God

a) Elohim (God, Judge, Creator).

b) Variant spellings: None.

3. Meaning

a) Elohim is translated as "God." The derivation of the name Elohim is debatable to most scholars. Some believe it derived from 'êl which, in turn, originates from the root word, 'wl (which means "strong"). Others think that Elohim is derived from another two roots: 'lh (which means "god") in conjunction with 'elôah (which means "fear"). And still others presume that both 'êl and Elohim come from 'eloah.

4. Use in the Bible

a) In the Old Testament Elohim occurs over 2000 times. Elohim is first used in Genesis1:1.

5. Scripture References

a) Most in Old Testament.