In Scripture, God reveals Himself not only through His works and His Word, but also through His names. Each name is like a window into His character—teaching us who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised.
God’s self-revelation in Scripture is sufficient, clear, and authoritative. When God tells us His name, He is not giving us a mere label; He is graciously disclosing His nature and inviting us into a covenant relationship with Him.
Why the Names of God Matter
The names of God anchor our faith in His unchanging character. When trials come, we remember that He is El Shaddai, the Almighty who keeps His covenant. When our hearts are anxious, we cling to Yahweh Shalom, the LORD who is our peace. These names are not abstract theology—they are living truths that bring comfort, conviction, and confidence to God’s people.
Exploring the Names of God in Scripture
| Name | Original Language | Meaning | Key Scripture | Theological Implication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) | Hebrew | God, Mighty Creator | Genesis 1:1 | Declares God’s sovereign power over creation; hints at the Trinity’s fullness. |
| Yahweh (יְהוָה) | Hebrew | I AM WHO I AM | Exodus 3:14–15 | God’s covenant name; reveals His self-existence, immutability, and covenant faithfulness. |
| Adonai (אֲדֹנָי) | Hebrew | Lord, Master | Psalm 8:1 | Emphasizes God’s lordship and our joyful submission to His authority. |
| El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי) | Hebrew | God Almighty, All-Sufficient One | Genesis 17:1 | Highlights God’s omnipotence and sufficiency to fulfill His covenant promises. |
| Jehovah Jireh (יְהוָה יִרְאֶה) | Hebrew | The LORD Will Provide | Genesis 22:14 | Points to God’s provision—fulfilled ultimately in Christ as our atoning sacrifice. |
| Jehovah Rapha (יְהוָה רֹפְאֶךָ) | Hebrew | The LORD Who Heals | Exodus 15:26 | Reveals God as the source of physical and spiritual healing; fulfilled in Christ’s redemptive work. |
| Jehovah Nissi (יְהוָה נִסִּי) | Hebrew | The LORD Is My Banner | Exodus 17:15 | Declares God’s victory over our enemies; He fights for His people. |
| Kurios (Κύριος) | Greek | Lord, Sovereign | Philippians 2:11 | Affirms Christ’s deity and absolute authority as Lord over all. |
| Theos (Θεός) | Greek | God | John 1:1 | Affirms the divinity of Christ and the unity of the Godhead. |
| Abba (Ἀββᾶ) | Aramaic/Greek | Father | Romans 8:15 | Reveals God’s intimate relationship with His redeemed children through Christ. |
Living in Light of God’s Names
Knowing the names of God is not about memorizing a list—it’s about growing in relationship with the One those names reveal. When we call Him Elohim, we acknowledge His sovereign hand in creation and history. When we pray to Abba, we approach Him as beloved children bought with the blood of Christ.
Reformed theology reminds us that this God—Elohim, Yahweh, Adonai—is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His names are a steady anchor for our souls because they reveal His eternal nature and unfailing promises.
So let us not only read His names, but rest in them. Let us worship Him as El Shaddai, trust Him as Jehovah Jireh, obey Him as Adonai, and rejoice in Him as Abba Father.
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” — Proverbs 18:10
Dawn Zauner 