What is the meaning of the word God?

What is in a name?

God

In Scripture, a name reflects the character. So, the names of God teach us about the character of God.

The first name we see in Scripture is “God.” It is the fourth word in Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God . . . “

The entire Bible is about God-from beginning to end. The most basic name for the creator of the universe is God. But what does the word “God” mean?

God is translated from the Hebrew words El or Elohim. El is the singular form of the word. Elohim is the plural form of the word.

The words El and Elohim mean: Strength, Strong God, The one true God, Ruler of all nations, Almighty God, Almighty Creator.

In Genesis 1:1, the word is Elohim- the plural form of the word. This is important because it indicates the trinity of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) created the heavens and the earth.

There are places in scripture where the words El or Elohim speak of false gods (idols). For example, in the following verse we see the same word used to describe the One True God-and a false god or idol.

“When the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, ‘The ark of the God of Israel must not remain with us, for His hand is severe on us and on Dagon our god.’” I Samuel 5:7.

In this verse it is clear that the first use of the word refers to the Almighty creator of the universe. Therefore, most Bible translations show it with a capital G: God.

In the later part of the same verse, it is clear that the second use of the word refers to Dagon, an idol or false god. Therefore, most Bible translations show it with a lower case g: god.

The context of the verse tells us when the word refers to God (The one true God, Ruler of all nations, Almighty God, and Almighty Creator) and when it refers to a false god.

In most Bible translations when the word God appears, it means “The one true God, Ruler of all nations, Almighty God, and Almighty Creator.” When the word god appears, it means false god or idol.

Knowing the name of person or place means you know the character of a person or place. Now that we know “El” means: Strength, Strong God, The one true God, Ruler of all nations, Almighty God, Almighty Creator. We begin to know the character of God.

Many people and places in the Bible show their character by using the word “El” in their names. This makes the names of people and places deeply meaningful. Take these for example:

IMMANUEL-GOD WITH US

NATHANIEL- GIFT OF GOD

SAMUEL-HEARD OF GOD, Name of God

DANIEL- MY JUDGE IS GOD

EZEKIEL- STRENGTHENED BY GOD

JOEL- JEHOVAH IS GOD

ELISHA-GOD IS SALVATION

ELIJAH-JEHOVAH IS MY GOD

BETHEL-HOUSE OF GOD, Genesis 28:18

PENIEL- FACE OF GOD, Genesis 32:30

Now that we know who God is, we can learn more about His character as He reveals more of His names.

Carla Killough McClafferty