God

The English word “God” in the Bible translates several key Hebrew and Greek terms. Each carries a particular emphasis that shapes our understanding of who God is and how He is revealed in Scripture. The most important words are:

• אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) – the most common Hebrew word for God.
• יְהוָה (YHWH) – the covenant name of God in the Old Testament. Some English Bible translations use the word “Jehovah.”
• אֵל (El) and its compounds, emphasizing God’s power.
• θεός (Theos) – the standard Greek term for God in the New Testament.
• κύριος (Kyrios) – “Lord,” used to translate YHWH in the Greek OT and applied to Jesus.

Below is a detailed study of each term.

אֱלֹהִים (Elohim)

This word is a plural form noun used overwhelmingly with singular verbs when referring to the God of Israel. The word conveys majesty, power, and transcendence. It can refer to the true God, pagan gods, angels, judges, or supernatural beings. The context determines the meaning and usage.

 

Key Examples

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

“For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords…” (Deuteronomy 10:17)

The plural form with singular grammar is significant. It can imply intensification or majesty (“the Supreme God”) and the fullness and complexity of God’s nature (later understood more fully in Trinitarian theology). When used for the God of Israel, Elohim emphasizes His power as Creator, authority, and sovereignty over all spiritual beings.

יְהוָה (YHWH)

YHWH is the personal covenant name of God revealed to Moses. Often vocalized as Yahweh; it is translated in many English Bibles as LORD (all caps). The word is derived from the Hebrew verb to be (היה), suggesting “He is,” “He causes to be,” or self-existence.

Key Examples

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM’; and He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you.”’” (Exodus 3:14)

“This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations.” (Exodus 3:15)

YHWH emphasizes God’s eternality and self-existence, His covenant faithfulness and His personal relationship with His people. Though “God” does not translate YHWH directly, any study of “God” in the Bible must include it, because the Old Testament almost always refers to Israel’s God as YHWH Elohim (“the LORD God”).

אֵל (El) and Compounds

This is a generic but ancient Semitic word for “god,” often used to highlight God’s strength or might. Many compound names appear, revealing aspects of God’s character. For example, El Shaddai (God Almighty) as found in Genesis 17:1, El Elyon (God Most High) as found in Psalm 78:35 and El Olam (Everlasting God) as found in Genesis 21:33.

El stresses power, protection and God’s exalted status above all beings. Its compounds function as theological “word pictures,” revealing diverse attributes of God.

θεός (Theos) – Greek

This is the primary Greek word for “God” in the New Testament. It is used for the one true God and occasionally for false gods.

Key Examples

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16)

Theos parallels Elohim but with clarity brought by New Testament revelation. God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus is truly God (e.g., John 1:1; Titus 2:13). God is personal, relational, and actively involved with humanity.

κύριος (Kyrios) – “Lord”

This word means “Lord, Master, Owner.” In the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint), Kyrios is used to translate YHWH. In the New Testament, Kyrios applied to Jesus identifies Him with the God of Israel.

For example, Philippians 2:11 says, “Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” When the NT calls Jesus “Kyrios,” it implicitly identifies Him with YHWH, affirming His deity. Kyrios therefore functions as a divine title, not merely a description of authority.

Summary: What “God” Means in the Bible

Across Scripture, “God” refers to:

1.     The Creator and sovereign ruler of the universe.

2.     The self-existent, eternal One (YHWH).

3.     The powerful and mighty One (El, Elohim).

4.     The triune God revealed in the New Testament (Theos, Kyrios).

The word “God” in English is therefore a compressed title representing the Hebrew concepts of power, covenant faithfulness, holiness and the Greek concepts of divine nature, personhood, and revelation in Christ. To study “God” is to study the character, nature, and identity of the One who reveals Himself throughout Scripture as, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth.” (Exodus 34:6)