The meaning of “אֵל”
Understanding ʼêl reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
shortened from אַיִל God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el...
אֵל
shortened from אַיִל God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' - strength - as adjective, mighty - especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity) 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 31:13 | “I am the God of Beth–el, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.” Word: אֵל (ʼêl) | |
| Joshua 22:22 | “The Lord God of gods, the Lord God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the Lord, (save us not this day,)” Word: אֵל (ʼêl) | |
| Nehemiah 9:31 | “Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.” Word: אֵל (ʼêl) | |
| Isaiah 43:12 | “I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.” Word: אֵל (ʼêl) | |
| Daniel 11:36 | “And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.” Word: אֵל (ʼêl) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: God
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: God (plural of majesty)
The Hebrew Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is a plural form denoting majesty and fullness of deity. Though grammatically plural, it takes singular verbs when referring to the one true God, suggesting the Trinity's plurality within unity.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: God
The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally.