Quick Answer: How to Say God in Hebrew
God in Hebrew is:
Meaning: God, gods, divine beings
How to Pronounce Elohim
The Hebrew word אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) is pronounced eh-loh-HEEM.
Pronunciation Breakdown
- אֱלֹה (eloh) - Sounds like "eh-loh" (the "e" as in "bed", the "o" as in "go")
- ִים (im) - Sounds like "HEEM" (the "ee" as in "see", emphasis on this syllable)
Stress: The emphasis is on the final syllable: eh-loh-HEEM
Practice Saying Elohim
Try saying it slowly: eh-loh (pause) HEEM
Then say it faster: eh-loh-HEEM
Tip: The "h" in "heem" is pronounced softly, almost like a breath.
What Does Elohim Mean?
The word אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) is one of the most important words in the Hebrew Bible. While it's translated as "God," its meaning is rich and complex:
🙏 The One True God
When used with singular verbs, Elohim refers to the one true God of Israel
💪 Power and Strength
Comes from the root א.ל.ה (a.l.h) meaning "power," "strength," or "might"
👥 Plural Form
Despite being plural in form (-im ending), it often takes singular verbs when referring to God
📖 Biblical Usage
Appears over 2,500 times in the Hebrew Bible, especially in Genesis and Psalms
Key Insight: Elohim comes from the root א.ל.ה (a.l.h), which means "power," "strength," or "might." This root appears in words like אֵל (El) meaning "God" or "mighty one," and אֱלוֹהַּ (Eloah) meaning "God." The plural form (-im) is used to express majesty, greatness, or intensity—a concept called the "plural of majesty" or "plural of intensity." When Elohim refers to the one true God, it takes singular verbs, showing that despite the plural form, it refers to one being.
How to Use Elohim
Elohim is used throughout the Hebrew Bible in various contexts. Here's how it appears:
1. In the Creation Account
Elohim appears prominently in Genesis 1, the creation story:
Genesis 1:1:
בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים
Bereshit bara Elohim
"In the beginning God created"
Notice that "bara" (created) is singular, even though Elohim is plural in form. This shows Elohim refers to one God.
2. In Worship and Prayer
Elohim is frequently used in the Psalms and prayers:
Psalm 46:10:
הַשְׁבִּיתוּ וּדְעוּ כִּי אָנֹכִי אֱלֹהִים
Hashbitu ud'u ki anochi Elohim
"Be still, and know that I am God"
Elohim is used here to refer to the one true God who commands and deserves our worship.
3. Combined with Other Divine Names
Elohim often appears with other names of God:
Yahweh Elohim: יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים (Yahweh Elohim) - "LORD God"
Elohim Chayim: אֱלֹהִים חַיִּים (Elohim Chayim) - "Living God"
Note: When Elohim is combined with Yahweh, it emphasizes both God's personal name and his divine nature.
Biblical Significance of Elohim
Elohim is central to understanding God's nature in the Hebrew Bible. Here are key biblical concepts involving Elohim:
Genesis 1:1 - In the Beginning
בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֵת הָאָרֶץ
Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve'et ha'aretz
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"
Elohim appears in the very first verse of the Bible, establishing God as the creator of all things. The singular verb "bara" (created) shows that despite the plural form, Elohim refers to one God.
Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָד
Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one"
Here Elohim appears as "Eloheinu" (our God), showing the personal relationship between God and his people, while affirming that there is only one God.
Practical Tips for Understanding Elohim
How to Study
- Practice pronunciation: Say "eh-loh-HEEM" slowly, emphasizing the final syllable
- Read Genesis 1: Notice how Elohim is used with singular verbs throughout the creation account
- Compare with other names: Study how Elohim differs from Yahweh, Adonai, and other divine names
- Understand the plural form: Recognize that the plural form expresses majesty, not multiple gods
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