The Names of God in the Bible and Their Meanings

Meaning: Father, Daddy

Scripture Reference: Romans 8:15 – “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.'”

Explanation: Abba is an Aramaic term meaning “father” but carries the intimacy of “daddy.” It expresses the close, personal relationship believers can have with God as their loving Father.

Meaning: Lord, Master

Scripture Reference: Psalm 8:1 – “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!”

Explanation: Adonai is a title of respect and reverence, recognizing God as the supreme Master and Lord of all. It is used to express the relationship of a servant to their master, indicating submission to God’s will.

Meaning: The Beginning and the End

Scripture Reference: Revelation 22:13 – “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

Explanation: Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing that God is the beginning and the end of all things, encompassing all existence.

Meaning: The Ancient of Days

Scripture Reference: Daniel 7:9 – “I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool.”

Explanation: Attiyq Youm refers to God as eternal, existing before time began. This name emphasizes God’s wisdom, authority, and timelessness.

Meaning: The Anointed One, The Messiah

Scripture Reference: Matthew 16:16 – “Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'”

Explanation: Christos is the Greek term for “Messiah” or “Anointed One.” It is a title that signifies Jesus as the one chosen by God to bring salvation to humanity.

Meaning: The Living God

Scripture Reference: Joshua 3:10 – “And Joshua said, ‘By this you shall know that the living God is among you.'”

Explanation: El Chay emphasizes God’s active, vibrant presence in the world, contrasting Him with lifeless idols. It reflects His ongoing involvement in the lives of His people.

Meaning: The God Who Gave You Birth

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 43:1 – “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel.”

Explanation: El Chuwl signifies God as the one who forms and gives birth, both physically and spiritually. It underscores His role as the Creator and sustainer of life.

Meaning: The God of Knowledge

Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 2:3 – “Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is the God of knowledge.”

Explanation: El Deah highlights God’s omniscience, indicating that He is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. Nothing is hidden from Him, and He understands all things.

Meaning: The Most High God

Scripture Reference: Psalm 57:2 – “I will cry out to God Most High, to God who performs all things for me.”

Explanation: El Elyon emphasizes God’s supreme authority and power above all other gods and rulers. It reflects His sovereignty and exalted position.

Meaning: The Mighty God

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 9:6 – “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Explanation: El Gibhor denotes God’s power and strength, particularly in the context of His role as a warrior and protector of His people.

Meaning: The Everlasting God

Scripture Reference: Genesis 21:33 – “Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.”

Explanation: El Olam emphasizes God’s eternal nature, indicating that He exists beyond time and is unchanging throughout eternity.

Meaning: The God Who Sees

Scripture Reference: Genesis 16:13 – “Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, ‘Have I also here seen Him who sees me?'”

Explanation: El Roi reveals God’s omniscience and His personal care for individuals. It was first spoken by Hagar, recognizing that God saw her distress and provided for her needs.

Meaning: God Almighty, The All-Sufficient One

Scripture Reference: Genesis 17:1 – “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.'”

Explanation: El Shaddai emphasizes God’s ultimate power and sufficiency. It conveys His ability to provide for and sustain His people, highlighting His omnipotence.

Meaning: God, Mighty One, Creator

Scripture Reference: Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Explanation: Elohim is a plural form used in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing the majesty and power of God. It is often associated with God as Creator, underscoring His sovereignty and authority over the universe.

Meaning: God With Us

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

Explanation: Immanuel is a name that foretells the coming of Jesus Christ, emphasizing God’s presence with His people. It signifies the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus, bringing salvation to humanity.

Meaning: The Self-Existent One, “I Am Who I Am”

Scripture Reference: Exodus 3:14 – “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’’”

Explanation: Yahweh (YHWH) is the most sacred and distinctive name of God in the Old Testament. It emphasizes His eternal existence and unchanging nature. This name is often considered so holy that Jewish tradition refrains from speaking it aloud.

Meaning: The Creator

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 40:28 – “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary.”

Explanation: Bore highlights God’s role as the creator of all things. It emphasizes His creative power and the origin of the universe and life.

Meaning: The Lord Will Provide

Scripture Reference: Genesis 22:14 – “And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, ‘In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided.’”

Explanation: This name reflects God’s provision for His people, as demonstrated when He provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice for Isaac. It emphasizes God’s foresight and ability to meet every need.

Meaning: The Lord Who Sanctifies

Scripture Reference: Leviticus 20:8 – “And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the LORD who sanctifies you.”

Explanation: This name emphasizes God’s role in setting His people apart as holy. It reflects His ability to cleanse and sanctify, making them pure and acceptable before Him.

Meaning: The Lord Is My Banner

Scripture Reference: Exodus 17:15 – “And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner.”

Explanation: This name signifies God as the banner under which His people rally. It represents His protection, leadership, and victory in battle.

Meaning: The Lord Who Heals

Scripture Reference: Exodus 15:26 – “For I am the LORD who heals you.”

Explanation: Jehovah Rapha underscores God’s power to heal and restore, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual healing. This name reveals God’s compassion and desire to make whole.

Meaning: The Lord Is My Shepherd

Scripture Reference: Psalm 23:1 – “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Explanation: Jehovah Rohi reflects God’s guidance, care, and protection for His people, much like a shepherd’s role in caring for and leading his flock.

Meaning: The Lord of Hosts, The Lord of Armies

Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 1:3 – “This man went up from his city yearly to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of hosts in Shiloh.”

Explanation: Jehovah Sabaoth portrays God as the commander of heavenly armies, emphasizing His sovereignty over all spiritual and earthly forces. It reflects His authority and power in executing His will.

Meaning: The Lord Is Peace

Scripture Reference: Judges 6:24 – “So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace.”

Explanation: Jehovah Shalom speaks to God’s ability to bring peace, calm, and rest, even in the midst of chaos and conflict. It emphasizes the peace that comes from being in right relationship with God.

Meaning: The Lord Is There

Scripture Reference: Ezekiel 48:35 – “All the way around shall be eighteen thousand cubits; and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE.”

Explanation: Jehovah Shammah emphasizes God’s presence among His people, especially in times of trouble and in the promised future kingdom.

Meaning: The Lord Our Righteousness

Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 23:6 – “In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

Explanation: This name highlights God as the source of righteousness and justice. It signifies that true righteousness is found in Him and that He imparts it to His people.

Meaning: The Lord My Rock

Scripture Reference: Psalm 18:2 – “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.”

Explanation: Jehovah Tsuri highlights God as a source of strength, stability, and protection. The metaphor of a rock emphasizes His reliability and steadfastness.

Meaning: The Word

Scripture Reference: John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Explanation: Logos represents Jesus Christ as the eternal Word of God, through whom all things were created. It signifies His role as the divine communication and revelation of God.

Meaning: The God of My Dwelling Place

Scripture Reference: Psalm 90:1 – “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.”

Explanation: El Ma’on emphasizes God as a refuge and home for His people. It reflects His role as a place of safety, comfort, and rest.

Meaning: The Anointed One, The Christ

Scripture Reference: John 4:25-26 – “The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.'”

Explanation: Messiah is the Hebrew term for “Anointed One” and is synonymous with “Christ.” It signifies Jesus as the one chosen by God to deliver and save humanity.

Meaning: The Lord Is Salvation

Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:21 – “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Explanation: Yeshua is the Hebrew name for Jesus, meaning “salvation.” It reflects His mission to save humanity from sin and its consequences.