Hebrew
אֱלֹהִים
Elohim
God (plural form used as singular)
The Hebrew word for 'God' — grammatically plural but used with singular verbs to refer to the one true God (Genesis 1:1). The first divine name introduced in the Bible.
Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is the Hebrew word for 'God' or 'gods.' Grammatically it is plural — adding the 'im' ending common in Hebrew masculine plurals. But when it refers to the true God, it is consistently used with singular verbs and adjectives — a grammatical anomaly. The first verse of the Bible uses it: 'In the beginning Elohim created [singular verb] the heaven and the earth' (Genesis 1:1). The 'plural of majesty' (a royal 'we') is one explanation. Many Christian interpreters have also seen in the plural form a hint of the Trinity — God is one, yet plural. The singular forms Eloah (Job uses this often) and El (the most common ancient Near Eastern word for God) are related.
Elohim appears about 2,600 times in the OT. Key uses. (1) The Creator. Genesis 1:1 — 'In the beginning God [Elohim] created the heaven and the earth.' Elohim is the God of creation, of power, of universal scope. (2) The God of Israel. Used in covenant contexts to identify Israel's God (Deuteronomy 6:4 with YHWH). (3) Pagan gods. Sometimes Elohim refers to the gods of the nations (Exodus 12:12; Psalm 96:5). The plural ending fits literal plural reference here. (4) The 'us' passages. Genesis 1:26 — 'Let US make man in OUR image.' Genesis 11:7 — 'let US go down.' Christians have read these as hints of the Triune God. (5) Compounds. El Elyon (God Most High, Genesis 14:18), El Shaddai (God Almighty, Genesis 17:1), El Roi (God who sees, Genesis 16:13), El Olam (the everlasting God, Genesis 21:33). (6) Echoed in the NT. The Greek word for God (Theos) translates Elohim in the Septuagint. The NT's 'God' carries Elohim's range.
“In the beginning God [Elohim] created the heaven and the earth.”
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God [Elohim] is one LORD.”
“The heavens declare the glory of God [El]; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”
“I am the Almighty God [El Shaddai]; walk before me, and be thou perfect.”
Worship Elohim as Creator. Trust him for great things — Elohim made heaven and earth. Recognize the plural form's hint of the Trinity — one God in three persons. Use the compound names (El Shaddai, El Elyon) in prayer for specific needs.
Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is the Hebrew word for 'God' or 'gods.' Grammatically plural, it is used with singular verbs when referring to the one true God (Genesis 1:1). It is the first divine name in the Bible and appears about 2,600 times in the OT.
Hebrew often uses the plural for emphasis ('plural of majesty' — like a royal 'we'). Other explanations include hints of the Trinity (Genesis 1:26 — 'Let US make man') and the inclusion of God's heavenly court. Christians have long seen the plural form as compatible with — though not proving — the doctrine of the Trinity.
El Elyon (God Most High, Genesis 14:18), El Shaddai (God Almighty, Genesis 17:1), El Roi (God who sees me, Genesis 16:13), El Olam (the everlasting God, Genesis 21:33). Each names a specific attribute of God. Worship and prayer using these names is biblical.
Elohim is the general word for God — used by all nations. YHWH is the personal covenant name of Israel's God. Genesis 1 uses Elohim (the Creator); Genesis 2 introduces YHWH Elohim (the covenant LORD God). Both names belong to the one true God; they emphasize different aspects of his being.