אֵל שַׁדַּי
El Shaddai / El Shaddai
“God Almighty”
El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי, El Shaddai) is a Hebrew name meaning “god almighty,” pronounced “el sha-DAI.” El (אֵל) means 'God' or 'mighty one.' Shaddai (שַׁדַּי) is debated: it may derive from 'shadad' (to overpower), 'shad' (breast, suggesting nurture), the Akkadian 'shaddu' (mountain), or 'she-dai' ('who is sufficient'). The Septuagint translated it as 'Pantokrator' (All-Powerful).
| Hebrew | אֵל שַׁדַּי |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | El Shaddai |
| English Name | El Shaddai |
| Meaning | God Almighty |
| Pronunciation | el sha-DAI |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Category | Names of God |
| Variants | El-Shaddai, God Almighty, Shaddai, Pantokrator |
| Key Scripture | Genesis 17:1 |
El Shaddai is the name God used to introduce Himself to Abraham: 'I am El Shaddai — walk before me faithfully and be blameless' (Genesis 17:1). It is the name of covenant, the name of impossible promises fulfilled, and the name that appears when God demands total trust in His sufficiency. While 'El' means 'God,' the meaning of 'Shaddai' has been debated for millennia. The traditional rendering 'Almighty' captures the overwhelming power, but the root may connect to 'breast' (shad) — suggesting not just power but nourishing provision — or to 'mountain' (shaddu in Akkadian) — evoking unshakeable permanence. El Shaddai is the God who is enough, in every sense of the word.
Key Scripture: Genesis 17:1
“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, 'I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before me faithfully and be blameless.'”
What Does El Shaddai Mean in Hebrew?
אֵל (El) is a generic Semitic word for 'God/deity.' שַׁדַּי (Shaddai) has multiple proposed etymologies: from שׁ-ד-ד (shadad, 'to destroy/overpower'), from שַׁד (shad, 'breast'), from Akkadian 'shaddu' (mountain), or from שֶׁ (she, 'who') + דַּי (dai, 'enough/sufficient'). The plurality of meanings may be intentional, presenting God as all-powerful, all-nurturing, immovable, and all-sufficient.
El Shaddai in the Bible
El Shaddai is the primary name by which God revealed Himself to the patriarchs before revealing the name YHWH to Moses (Exodus 6:3). It appears in God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:1), Isaac's blessing of Jacob (Genesis 28:3), and Jacob's blessings over his sons (Genesis 49:25). It emphasizes God's power to fulfill impossible promises.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
The name El Shaddai appears on the mezuzah scroll affixed to Jewish doorframes — the letter shin (שׁ) on the outside of the mezuzah case is said to stand for Shaddai, making this name of God a guardian over every Jewish home. Amy Grant's song 'El Shaddai' became one of the best-selling Christian songs of all time.
El Shaddai is not typically used as a personal name but is widely known through Amy Grant's 1982 song 'El Shaddai,' which introduced millions of Christians to this Hebrew name of God. It is frequently used in worship music, theology, and devotional literature.
Frequently Asked Questions About El Shaddai
What does El Shaddai mean in Hebrew?
El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי, El Shaddai) means “God Almighty” in Hebrew. El (אֵל) means 'God' or 'mighty one.' Shaddai (שַׁדַּי) is debated: it may derive from 'shadad' (to overpower), 'shad' (breast, suggesting nurture), the Akkadian 'shaddu' (mountain), or 'she-dai' ('who is sufficient'). The Septuagint translated it as 'Pantokrator' (All-Powerful).
How do you pronounce El Shaddai in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of El Shaddai is “el sha-DAI.” The name is written אֵל שַׁדַּי in Hebrew script.
What does El Shaddai mean in Hebrew?
El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי) is traditionally translated 'God Almighty.' 'El' means 'God,' while 'Shaddai' may derive from 'shadad' (to overpower), 'shad' (breast — suggesting nurturing provision), Akkadian 'shaddu' (mountain — immovable strength), or 'she-dai' (who is sufficient). The name presents God as all-powerful, all-providing, and absolutely sufficient.
When does El Shaddai appear in the Bible?
El Shaddai appears primarily in the patriarchal narratives of Genesis. God uses it to introduce Himself to Abraham (Genesis 17:1), Isaac blesses Jacob using it (Genesis 28:3), and Jacob uses it to bless his sons (Genesis 49:25). Exodus 6:3 indicates it was the primary name by which God was known before revealing YHWH to Moses. It also appears prominently in the Book of Job.
What is the connection between El Shaddai and the mezuzah?
The letter shin (שׁ) displayed on the outside of mezuzah cases is traditionally said to represent Shaddai. The three-letter name שַׁדַּי is also interpreted as an acronym for 'Shomer Daltot Yisrael' — 'Guardian of the Doors of Israel.' This connects El Shaddai to the protection of Jewish homes, making the name a daily presence in Jewish life.
Sources & Further Study
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