Elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים) is the most frequently used name for God in the Hebrew Bible, appearing over 2,570 times. This plural form of the Hebrew word Eloah (God) is used with singular verbs when referring to the one true God, emphasizing both divine majesty and the fullness of deity.

Etymology and Meaning

Derivation and Root

Elohim derives from the Hebrew root אלה (alah), meaning “to be strong” or “mighty”:

  • Singular form: Eloah (אֱלוֹהַּ) - “God” or “deity”
  • Plural form: Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) - Intensive plural expressing majesty
  • Related forms: El (אֵל) - “God, mighty one”

Grammatical Significance

The plural form with singular meaning demonstrates the Hebrew concept of plural of majesty or plural of intensity:

  • Majestic plurality: Expressing the fullness and completeness of divine nature
  • Intensive meaning: “The God above all gods”
  • Comprehensive deity: All aspects of divinity contained in one being

Biblical Usage Patterns

First Appearance (Gen 01#1)

Elohim appears in the very first verse of Scripture:

“In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth.”

This establishes Elohim as the Creator God, the source of all existence.

Creation Narrative (Gen 01)

Throughout Genesis 1, Elohim is presented as:

  • Creator: Bringing forth all things by divine word
  • Organizer: Separating, naming, and ordering creation
  • Evaluator: Declaring creation “good” and “very good”
  • Sovereign: Having absolute authority over creation

Universal Scope

Unlike YHWH, which is specifically covenantal, Elohim emphasizes:

  • Universal dominion: God over all nations and creation
  • Transcendent power: Above all natural and supernatural forces
  • Creative authority: Source and sustainer of all existence
  • Moral governance: Judge of all the earth

Theological Significance

Divine Attributes Revealed Through Elohim

Omnipotence (Gen 01#1-31)

Elohim demonstrates unlimited creative power:

“And Elohim said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” - Gen 01#3

Transcendence (Gen 28#12)

Elohim is above and beyond creation:

“And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of Elohim were ascending and descending on it!” - Gen 28#12

Moral Authority (Exo 20#1)

Elohim gives moral law:

“And Elohim spoke all these words, saying…” - Exo 20#1

Justice and Judgment

Elohim serves as the righteous judge of all creation and moral actions.

Relationship with Other Divine Names

Elohim and YHWH (Gen 02#4)

Often combined as “YHWH Elohim” (LORD God):

  • Elohim: Universal creator and ruler
  • YHWH: Personal covenant partner
  • Combined: The covenant God who is also creator of all

Elohim and Compound Forms

  • YHWH your Elohim: Personal covenant relationship (Exo 20#2)
  • Elohim of Abraham: God’s relationship with patriarchs (Gen 28#13)
  • Elohim of Israel: National covenant relationship (Exo 24#10)

Literary Distribution

Torah Usage

Elohim appears throughout the Torah with significant patterns:

  • Genesis: Primarily in creation account and early narratives
  • Exodus: Combined with YHWH in covenant contexts
  • Leviticus: Emphasizing holiness and law
  • Numbers: God’s guidance and discipline
  • Deuteronomy: Covenant renewal and faithfulness

Contextual Usage

Creation and Providence (Gen 01-02)

Primary usage in creation account, establishing divine authority over nature.

Universal Judgment (Gen 06-09)

Elohim as judge of all earth in flood narrative.

Moral Law (Exo 20)

Elohim as lawgiver in Ten Commandments.

National Relationship (Deu 06#4-5)

Elohim as Israel’s exclusive deity in the Shema.

Compound Forms and Combinations

YHWH Elohim (יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים)

“LORD God” - Personal covenant God who is also universal creator

Elohim Chayyim (אֱלֹהִים חַיִּים)

“Living God” - Emphasizing vitality and life-giving power

Elohim of [Person/Nation]

  • Elohim of Abraham - Covenant relationship
  • Elohim of Israel - National identity
  • Elohim of the Hebrews - Ethnic designation

Cross-References

  • YHWH - Personal covenant name often combined with Elohim
  • El - Singular form emphasizing strength
  • El Shaddai - God Almighty, patriarchal revelation
  • Adonai - Lord, emphasizing sovereignty

Key Revelations

  • Creation (Gen 01) - Creator of all existence
  • Moral Law (Exo 20) - Divine lawgiver and moral authority
  • Divine Presence (Gen 28) - God’s transcendent yet accessible nature
  • Covenant Relationship (Deu 06) - Exclusive commitment to Israel

Covenant Partners

  • Adam and Eve - First humans created by Elohim
  • Noah - Preserved through divine judgment
  • Abraham - Called by Elohim for covenant relationship
  • Israel - Chosen nation served by Elohim

Theological Themes

Textual and Archaeological Evidence

Ancient Near Eastern Context

  • Cognate terms: Similar words in Akkadian (ilum), Aramaic (elaha)
  • Comparative usage: Distinction from polytheistic contexts
  • Monotheistic development: Evolution from generic to specific usage

Manuscript Tradition

  • Masoretic Text: Careful preservation with vowel points
  • Dead Sea Scrolls: Ancient Hebrew manuscripts confirm usage
  • Septuagint: Greek translation using Theos (God)

Modern Relevance

Theological Implications

Elohim reveals fundamental truths about God:

  • Creator deity: God as source and sustainer of all existence
  • Moral authority: Divine basis for ethics and law
  • Universal rule: God over all nations and creation
  • Transcendent power: Unlimited divine capability

Practical Applications

  • Reverence in worship: Acknowledging divine majesty and power
  • Trust in providence: Confidence in creator’s care and control
  • Moral obedience: Submission to divine law and authority
  • Universal perspective: Recognition of God’s rule over all

Comparative Religion

Understanding Elohim helps distinguish:

  • Biblical monotheism from ancient polytheism
  • Creator God from created deities
  • Moral deity from amoral forces
  • Personal God from impersonal principles

Elohim stands as the foundational revelation of God as creator, ruler, and moral authority - the one true God who made all things and governs them with perfect power, wisdom, and justice.