אֱלֹהִים
Elohim / Elohim
“God/gods”
Elohim (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) is a Hebrew name meaning “god/gods,” pronounced “e-lo-HIM.” From the Hebrew root א-ל-ה (aleph-lamed-heh), the basic word for 'god/deity.' Elohim is the plural form of 'Eloah,' but when used for the God of Israel, it takes singular verbs — a 'plural of majesty' or 'intensive plural' expressing God's fullness of power.
| Hebrew | אֱלֹהִים |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Elohim |
| English Name | Elohim |
| Meaning | God/gods |
| Pronunciation | e-lo-HIM |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Category | Names of God |
| Variants | Eloah, El, Elah, Allah |
| Key Scripture | Genesis 1:1 |
The very first word for God in the Bible is Elohim: 'In the beginning, Elohim created the heavens and the earth' (Genesis 1:1). What makes this name endlessly fascinating is its grammatical form — Elohim is a plural noun, yet it takes singular verbs when referring to the God of Israel. This 'plural of majesty' has generated two thousand years of theological discussion. Is it a royal plural, indicating God's supreme authority? A hint of the Trinity? Or an absorption of the concept of 'all divinity' into one? Whatever the interpretation, Elohim as a name presents God as the totality of divine power — not one god among many, but the God who contains within Himself everything the word 'god' could possibly mean.
Key Scripture: Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth.”
What Does Elohim Mean in Hebrew?
Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is the plural of Eloah (אֱלוֹהַּ), which itself is an expanded form of El (אֵל, 'god/mighty one'). The -im suffix is the masculine plural. When referring to the God of Israel, Elohim functions as a singular: 'Elohim bara' (God created — singular verb). When referring to pagan gods, it takes plural verbs. This grammatical distinction is one of Hebrew's most remarkable features.
Elohim in the Bible
Elohim is the most common generic name for God in the Hebrew Bible, appearing approximately 2,600 times. It is the name used throughout Genesis 1, emphasizing God as Creator. When combined with YHWH ('YHWH Elohim'), it expresses both God's covenant relationship and His universal creative power.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
The Arabic word 'Allah' (God) is linguistically related to the Hebrew 'Eloah/Elohim' — both derive from the same Semitic root for deity. This shared etymology underscores the common linguistic and cultural heritage between Arabic and Hebrew, even as the theological understandings diverge between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Elohim is not used as a personal name due to its sacred nature. However, the element 'El' appears in countless Hebrew names: Daniel (God is my judge), Michael (Who is like God), Samuel (heard by God), Raphael (God heals), Gabriel (strength of God), etc.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elohim
What does Elohim mean in Hebrew?
Elohim (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) means “God/gods” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew root א-ל-ה (aleph-lamed-heh), the basic word for 'god/deity.' Elohim is the plural form of 'Eloah,' but when used for the God of Israel, it takes singular verbs — a 'plural of majesty' or 'intensive plural' expressing God's fullness of power.
How do you pronounce Elohim in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Elohim is “e-lo-HIM.” The name is written אֱלֹהִים in Hebrew script.
Why is Elohim plural?
Elohim is grammatically plural (-im is the Hebrew masculine plural) but takes singular verbs when referring to the God of Israel. This is called a 'plural of majesty' or 'intensive plural' — similar to how royalty uses 'we.' It expresses the fullness and totality of divine power. Some Christian theologians see it as an early hint of the Trinity, while Jewish scholars emphasize it as a grammatical convention for supreme authority.
What is the difference between Elohim and YHWH?
Elohim is a generic title meaning 'God' — it can refer to the God of Israel or to other gods (with different verb agreement). YHWH is God's personal, covenant name, revealed to Moses at the burning bush. Think of it this way: 'Elohim' is like 'King' (a title), while 'YHWH' is like the king's personal name. Together, 'YHWH Elohim' means 'The LORD God.'
Is Allah related to Elohim?
Yes, linguistically. The Arabic 'Allah' derives from 'al-ilah' (the god), which shares the same Semitic root as Hebrew 'Eloah' (singular of Elohim). Both Hebrew and Arabic are Semitic languages with a common ancestor. This linguistic connection reflects shared cultural heritage, though Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have different theological understandings of God's nature.
Sources & Further Study
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