The meaning of “אֱלֹהִים”
Understanding ʼĕlôhîym reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
plural of אֱלוֹהַּ angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. - g...
אֱלֹהִים
plural of אֱלוֹהַּ angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. - gods in the ordinary sense - but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God - occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates - and sometimes as a superlative 1) (plural) 1a) rulers, judges 1b) divine ones 1c) angels 1d) gods 2) (plural intensive-singular meaning) 2a) god, goddess 2b) godlike one 2c) works or special possessions of God 2d) the (true) God 2e) God
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 21:22 | “And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:” Word: אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym) | |
| Ruth 1:16 | “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:” Word: אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym) | |
| Ezra 8:23 | “So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.” Word: אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym) | |
| Jeremiah 29:25 | “Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thy name unto all the people that are at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,” Word: אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym) | |
| Micah 6:6 | “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?” Word: אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym) |
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.