אֱלֹהִים
Elohim
God, gods, divine beings
The very first verse of the Bible contains a grammatical mystery that has fascinated scholars for millennia. 'In the beginning, Elohim created...' — but Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is a plural noun paired with a singular verb. God's most common name in Scripture (appearing over 2,600 times) is technically plural, yet it takes singular verbs. Why? For Christians, this hints at the Trinity — a unity within plurality. For Jewish scholars, it's a 'plural of majesty.' Either way, the very first word used for God in the Bible signals that He is beyond our categories. Understanding Elohim is the first step to understanding everything else in Scripture.
“In the beginning, God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth.”
Etymology & Root Letters
Elohim is the plural form of 'Eloah' (God), from the root א-ל-ה. The plural form used with singular verbs ('Elohim created') has fascinated scholars for millennia — it hints at God's majesty and, for Christians, the Trinity.
How Elohim Is Used in Scripture
Elohim appears over 2,600 times in the Hebrew Bible — it's the most common name for God. It's the very first name used in Scripture (Genesis 1:1). The plural form with singular verbs suggests a unity within plurality.
Cultural & Modern Context
In Jewish tradition, Elohim represents God's attribute of justice, while YHWH represents mercy. The name 'El' (God) appears in many biblical names: Isra-el, Dani-el, Micha-el, Immanu-el.
How to Use Elohim in Prayer
Address God as Elohim when you need to remember His creative power and sovereign authority. The God who spoke the universe into existence (Genesis 1) is the same God who hears your prayers.
People Also Ask About Elohim
Why is Elohim plural if there is one God?
This is one of the great mysteries of Hebrew. Elohim is grammatically plural (-im ending) but consistently takes singular verbs when referring to the God of Israel. Jewish scholars call it a 'plural of majesty' — like a king saying 'we.' Christians see a hint of the Trinity. Genesis 1:26 ('Let US make man in OUR image') deepens the mystery. The plural form may express God's infinite fullness — He is too vast for a singular noun.
What is the difference between Elohim and Yahweh?
Elohim is God's general name, emphasizing His power as Creator and Judge. Yahweh (YHWH) is God's personal, covenant name, emphasizing His intimate relationship with His people. In Jewish tradition, Elohim represents God's attribute of justice, while Yahweh represents mercy. Genesis 1 uses Elohim (God creating the universe); Genesis 2 switches to Yahweh Elohim (God relating to humans).
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