God inspired the Old Testament authors to identify him by various names in the original texts. These names tell us how God views himself and his role in the world.
Here are a few of them.
- ADONAI: Lord. An informal name that acknowledges God’s status as the ruler over all.
- ELOHIM: God Creator, Mighty and Strong. A plural noun that reflects his triune personage.
- EL ELYON: Most High. He is exalted above all else.
- EL-GIBHOR: Mighty God. He is a strong warrior and a powerful ruler.
- EL-OLAM: Everlasting God. He is without beginning or end.
- EL ROI: God of Seeing. He knows all.
- EL SHADDAI: God Almighty. He has ultimate power.
- YAHWEH: LORD; the formal name for God. Translates “I AM who I AM.”
- YAHWEH-ELOHIM: The Lord of Lords. He has consummate authority above all others.
- YAHWEH-JIREH: The Lord Will Provide. He promises to come to our aid.
- YAHWEH-M’KADDESH: The Lord Who Sanctifies and Makes Holy. This name acknowledges our inability to cleanse ourselves of sin.
- YAHWEH-NISSI: The Lord Our Banner. He is our rallying place.
- YAHWEH-RAPHA: The Lord Who Heals. He restores us.
- YAHWEH-ROHI: The Lord Our Shepherd. He guards and guides us.
- YAHWEH-SABAOTH: The Lord of Hosts. He rules the angels.
- YAHWEH-SHALOM: The Lord Our Peace. He is the ultimate source of true peace.
- YAHWEH-TSIDKENU: The Lord Our Righteousness. This name acknowledges our inability to live righteously on our own.
