God’s divine simplicity signifies that He’s not composed of intricate parts or fragments – He is a unified entity.
But at the same time, there are so many facets to God. He is many things, and is many attributes. We see God show up throughout the scriptures displaying different attributes at different times to different people. There are many different names used to describe God throughout the Bible. Most of these names are found in the Old Testament, but many are referenced in the New Testament as well.
These names aren’t just used for identification. Each of God’s names contains a special meaning. When we study each, we gain a better understanding of who God is, and we can see Him more clearly.
What are these names of God used in the Bible, and what exactly do they mean? We’ll look at 21 names of God here:
21 Names of God and What They Mean
1. El or Eloah
Originating from Genesis 31:29, this name signifies God as “mighty, strong, and prominent”. Notable for its inherent suggestion of power, El is frequently associated with integrity (as in Numbers 23:19), compassion (seen in Nehemiah 9:31), and a sense of mightiness.
2. Elohim
As seen in Genesis 17:7 and Jeremiah 31:33, this is the plural form of Eloah. It underlines the nature of God as “Creator, Mighty, and Strong”, and it gives a sense of God’s supreme power, which is evident as God speaks the world into existence (Genesis 1:1).
3. El Shaddai
Expresses God as “Almighty,” or “The Mighty One of Jacob” (Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5). This name points to God’s ultimate power over everything.
4. Adonai
Signifying “Lord” (Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15), this term was used in place of YHWH by the Jews, who believed YHWH was too sacred to be spoken by sinful men
5. Yahweh / Jehovah
This is the only proper name for God. Often translated in English Bibles as “LORD” (all capitals) to differentiate it from Adonai, “Lord”, Yahweh specifies an immediacy and presence (Exodus 3:14).
6. Jehovah Elohim
Signifying “LORD God” (Genesis 2:4; Psalm 59:5), it is a combination of God’s unique name YHWH and the generic term for “God”.Je
7. Jehovah Jireh
As memorialized by Abraham after God made him a promise in Genesis 22:14, this name translates to “The Lord Will Provide”. It commemorates when God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead of Isaac.
8. Jehovah Nissi
This name translates to “The Lord Our Banner” (Exodus 17:15), symbolizing a rallying place. It commemorates the victory over the Amalekites in Exodus 17.
9. Jehovah Rapha
Meaning “The Lord Who Heals” (Exodus 15:26), it signifies God’s healing power both in body, by preserving from and curing diseases, and in soul, by pardoning iniquities.
10. Jehovah Rohi
This name means “The Lord Our Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1) and reflects David’s understanding of his relationship with God.
11. Jehovah M’Kaddesh
“The Lord Who Sanctifies, Makes Holy” (Leviticus 20:8; Ezekiel 37:28) points to God’s unique ability to cleanse His people and make them holy.
12. Jehovah Shalom
Meaning “The Lord Our Peace” (Judges 6:24), this name was given by Gideon to the altar he built when the Angel of the Lord assured him of his safety.
13. Jehovah Tsidkenu
Translating to “The Lord Our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 33:16), it indicates that it is God alone who provides righteousness to man.
14. Jehovah Saboath
Translating to “The Lord of Hosts” (Isaiah 1:24; Psalm 46:7), it expresses the majesty, power, and authority of God, showing His ability to accomplish His determinations.
15. Jehovah Shammah
Meaning “The Lord Is There” (Ezekiel 48:35), this name is associated with Jerusalem and the Temple, suggesting the return of the once-departed glory of the Lord (Ezekiel 44:1-4). Ezekiel covers this theme thoroughly in his prophetic ministry.
16. El Elyon
This name means “Most High” (Deuteronomy 26:19) and speaks of God’s absolute right to lordship.
17. El Olam
Known as the “Everlasting God” (Psalm 90:1-3), this name indicates God’s nature as eternal, beyond the constraints of time.
18. El Roi
Meaning “God of Seeing” (Genesis 16:13), this name was given by Hagar when she realized that she had seen God Himself in a theophany.
19. El Gibhor
This is a name for the “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6), describing the Messiah, Christ Jesus. As a powerful and mighty warrior, the Messiah will accomplish the destruction of God’s enemies.
20. Qanna
Referenced in Exodus 20:5, Exodus 34:14, and a few times in Deuteronomy, Qanna refers to the “Jealous God,” or the “All Consuming God.” God is depicted as Israel’s husband, desiring all of their praise and worship for Himself – as He is due.
21. Miqweh Yisrael
Referenced in Psalm 71:5 and a few times in the New Testament, Miqweh Yisrael means “The Hope of Israel.” God is our hope, and as the Israelites did, we tarry and look for Him with eager expectation. We look to Him as our hope in our day-to-day and we look for His return when He comes and fully establishes Heaven on Earth.
Hallowed Be the Name of God
Jesus instructs us to “hallow His name” when we pray the Lord’s prayer. To “hallow” something is to set it apart and exalt it above all else. All of God’s names are to be set apart and exalted. Every attribute He carries is good, and for our good. His name deserves our full devotion. Hallowed be His many names.
