God inspired the Old Testament authors to identify him by various names in their original texts. These names reveal how he sees himself and his place in the world.
Here are a few of them.
- ADONAI: Lord. An informal name acknowledging God’s status as ruler over all.
- ELOHIM: God the Creator, Mighty and Strong. A plural noun that reflects his triune personage.
- EL ELYON: Most High. He is exalted above all.
- EL-GIBHOR: Mighty God. He is a strong warrior and a powerful ruler.
- EL-OLAM: Everlasting God. He has neither beginning nor end.
- EL ROI: God of Seeing. He knows everything.
- EL SHADDAI: God Almighty. He possesses ultimate power.
- YAHWEH: LORD; the formal name for God. Translates to “I AM who I AM.”
- YAHWEH-ELOHIM: The Lord of Lords. He holds supreme authority over 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 point.
- YAHWEH-RAPHA: The Lord Who Heals. He restores us.
- YAHWEH-ROHI: The Lord Our Shepherd. He both guards and guides us.
- YAHWEH-SABAOTH: The Lord of Hosts. He rules over 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 by our own efforts.
