What are the names of God?

Most of our names may not mean anything.  The names of God, however, convey something of his character. Ancient Near Eastern names were regularly assigned (1) as an association with a great deed or historical event, (2) as an assessment of one’s character, or (3) as a hope for one’s future. The names of God reflect all these traditions.

A. Elohim (used 2570 times in the OT)

1.   This name denotes the Creator-Sustainer God, the one who puts forth his power and strength (Gen 1:1).

2.   This label is also used of false gods (Exod 34:17) and even of men (Ps 82:6; cf. John 10:34–35).

3.   This name is translated God in most translations.

B. Yahweh (used over 6800 times in the OT)

1. This name is also translated God, but more regularly Lord (often in all caps to distinguish the term from Adonai).

2.   This name denotes the eternal self-existence of God, and is an archaic form of the Hebrew verb “to be.” Sometimes transliterated as Jehovah, it is more correctly rendered as Yahweh.

3.   This name is commonly associated with the covenant-keeping and redeemer relationships of God to Israel (Exod 34:5–7).

4.   This name is used only of the true God.

C. Adonai (used 340 times in the OT)

1.   This name denotes the master-owner idea of God. He is the owner and sovereign of each member of the human race (Gen 15:1–2).

2.   This name is translated Lord or master in most English translations, but the label is used widely in a non-divine sense.

D. Combinations of Yahweh

1.   Yahweh-Jireh—“the Lord will provide” (Gen 22:14).

2.   Yahweh-Rapha—“the Lord that heals” (Exod 15:26).

3.   Yahweh-Nissi—“the Lord our banner” (Exod 17:15).

4.   Yahweh-Qadash—“the Lord who sanctifies” (Lev 20:8).

5.   Yahweh-Shalom—“the Lord our peace” (Judg 6: 24).

6.   Yahweh-Tsidkenu—“the Lord our righteousness” (Jer 23:6).

7.   Yahweh-Shammah—“the Lord is there” (Ezek 48:35).

8.   Yahweh-Sabaoth—“the Lord of hosts” (1 Sam 1:3).

9.   Yahweh-Ra’ah—“the Lord my shepherd” (Ps 23:1).

E. Combinations of Elohim

1.   El Elyon—“the most high God” (Gen 14:18; Num 24:16; cf. Phil 2:9).

2.   El Olam—“the everlasting God” (Gen 21:33).

3.   El Shaddai—“the almighty God” (Gen 17:1; 28:3).