The Foundation: Core Hebrew Names of God
The Old Testament reveals God's character through various names, each highlighting a distinct attribute of His power, nature, and relationship with humanity.
YHWH (יהוה)
The LORD / "I AM WHO I AM"
Emphasis: God's personal, covenantal faithfulness and His eternal, unchanging presence. The God who was, is, and always will be.
"God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And he said, 'Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’'"
- Exodus 3:14 (ESV)
Elohim (אֱלֹהִים)
God / The Creator
Emphasis: God as the supreme, mighty, and powerful Creator of the universe. Highlights His majesty and transcendence.
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
- Genesis 1:1 (ESV)
El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי)
God Almighty / All-Sufficient One
Emphasis: God's omnipotence and His limitless ability to provide, sustain, and nourish His people, fulfilling His promises against all odds.
"...'I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless...'"
- Genesis 17:1 (ESV)
Adonai (אֲדֹנָי)
Lord / The Master
Emphasis: God as the sovereign ruler and absolute authority over all creation. Denotes ownership and our position of service to Him.
"I say to the LORD, 'You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.'"
- Psalm 16:2 (ESV)
YHWH Sabaoth (יהוה צבאות)
The LORD of Hosts / of Armies
Emphasis: God as the supreme Commander of all heavenly armies and cosmic forces. Highlights His power to fight for His people and secure ultimate victory. This name signifies God as the divine warrior and protector.
"Then David said to the Philistine, '...I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.'"
- 1 Samuel 17:45 (ESV)
The Revelation: The Heavenly Father
Jesus revealed God through the intimate term "Father" (Abba). This did not replace the old names, but rather fulfilled them, showing that the Faithful Creator, the Almighty Master, and the Victorious Commander is also our loving, relational Father.
Jesus Reveals the Father
The attributes of God are deepened through intimacy.
YHWH's Faithfulness
Becomes the Faithful, Providing Father who knows our needs and meticulously cares for us.
"...your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"
- Matthew 6:26
Elohim's Creativity
Becomes the Sovereign Creator Father who numbers the hairs on our head.
"And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father."
- Matthew 10:29
El Shaddai's Power
Becomes the All-Powerful, Abundant Father with whom nothing is impossible.
"...with God all things are possible."
- Matthew 19:26
Adonai's Authority
Becomes the Authoritative, Kingly Father whose will and kingdom we seek first.
"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
- Matthew 6:10
YHWH Sabaoth's Command
Becomes the Victorious Commander Father who commands legions of angels and holds authority over all.
"Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?"
- Matthew 26:53
A Visual Comparison of Divine Attributes
This radar chart visualizes the primary emphasis of each Hebrew name across key divine attributes. While God embodies all attributes fully, His names highlight specific facets of His character for our understanding.