What are the Different Names for God in the Bible?
Quick Summary
The Bible uses many names and titles for God, each revealing an aspect of God’s character and relationship with humanity. From YHWH and Elohim in the Old Testament to Father, Lord, and Christ in the New Testament, these names testify to God’s presence, power, holiness, compassion, and saving work. Understanding these names deepens how readers encounter God in Scripture.
Introduction
When Scripture speaks of God, it rarely uses a single name. Instead, the Bible gathers a rich collection of names and titles that reflect the many ways God relates to the world. Some names arise from moments of fear or deliverance, others from worship or covenant promise. Each name opens a door into understanding God’s character.
These names are not interchangeable labels. They are windows into the God who creates, rescues, judges, forgives, and draws close. Exploring the different names of God allows readers to see the breadth of God’s life with humanity and the depth of God’s faithfulness.
The Covenant Name: YHWH (Yahweh)
Meaning
The four-letter divine name—YHWH—is God’s personal covenant name in the Old Testament. In Exodus 3:14 God declares, “I AM WHO I AM,” revealing eternal presence and unchanging faithfulness.
Usage
Appears more than 6,000 times.
Represented as LORD (in small caps) in most English Bibles.
YHWH is the foundation for several compound names describing God’s actions and character.
Elohim
Elohim is a common Hebrew word for God.
Meaning
Though grammatically plural, it functions as a singular noun when referring to the God of Israel. It conveys majesty, power, and creative authority.
Usage
The opening line of Genesis uses Elohim: “In the beginning God created…”
Appears frequently throughout the Old Testament.
Adonai
Adonai means Lord or Master.
Meaning
It emphasizes God’s authority and sovereignty.
Usage
Used in prayer, worship, and prophetic speech.
Sometimes paired with YHWH, resulting in English translations like Lord GOD.
El Shaddai
Meaning
Often understood as God Almighty, speaking to God’s strength, power, and ability to sustain.
Usage
God appears to Abraham as El Shaddai (Genesis 17:1).
Associated with blessing and protection.
El Elyon
Meaning
El Elyon means God Most High, highlighting God’s supremacy over all powers.
Usage
Melchizedek uses this title in Genesis 14.
Appears often in the Psalms.
El Olam
Meaning
El Olam means The Everlasting God.
Usage
Used in Genesis 21:33.
Emphasizes God’s eternal nature.
El Roi
Meaning
El Roi means The God Who Sees.
Usage
Spoken by Hagar in Genesis 16.
Highlights God’s attention to the vulnerable and forgotten.
Compound Names of YHWH (Traditional Jehovah Forms)
These names arise in moments when God acts decisively.
Jehovah-Jireh
“The LORD will provide” (Genesis 22:14).
Jehovah-Rapha
“The LORD who heals” (Exodus 15:26).
Jehovah-Nissi
“The LORD is my banner” (Exodus 17:15).
Jehovah-Shalom
“The LORD is peace” (Judges 6:24).
Jehovah-Raah
“The LORD is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1).
Jehovah-Tsidkenu
“The LORD our righteousness” (Jeremiah 23:6).
Jehovah-Shammah
“The LORD is there” (Ezekiel 48:35).
New Testament Names and Titles for God
The New Testament continues the Old Testament’s language while revealing God fully in Jesus.
Father
Meaning
Jesus most frequently calls God Father, emphasizing relationship, care, and intimacy.
Usage
Central to Christian prayer: “Our Father in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9).
Reflects God’s nearness and compassion.
Lord (Kyrios)
Kyrios becomes one of the most important New Testament titles.
Meaning
Used in the Septuagint to translate YHWH.
Applied to Jesus to confess his divine authority.
God (Theos)
Theos is the standard Greek word for God.
Usage
Affirms continuity with the God of Israel.
Used by all New Testament writers.
Jesus (Yeshua)
Meaning
Jesus’ name means “YHWH saves.”
Usage
Announces God’s saving purpose (Matthew 1:21).
Christ (Christos)
Meaning
Christos means Anointed One, the Greek equivalent of Messiah.
Usage
Becomes Jesus’ primary title in Christian confession.
Immanuel
Meaning
“God with us.”
Usage
Applied to Jesus in Matthew 1:23.
Connects God’s presence directly to Christ.
The Holy Spirit (Pneuma)
Meaning
Pneuma means Spirit, breath, or wind.
Usage
Reveals God’s indwelling presence and renewing power.
Alpha and Omega
Meaning
Used in Revelation, Alpha and Omega signify God as the beginning and the end.
Usage
Expresses God’s eternal sovereignty.
Why These Names Matter
1. They reveal God’s character.
Each name opens a window into God’s nature—holy, merciful, just, eternal.
2. They invite trust.
Names like El Roi or Jehovah-Jireh remind believers of God’s care.
3. They enrich prayer and worship.
Praying with these names gives language to faith and experience.
4. They shape Scripture reading.
Knowing the names helps readers see connections across the biblical story.
FAQs
Why does God have so many names?
Different circumstances reveal different aspects of God’s character. Scripture uses many names to express the fullness of who God is.
Is Jehovah a biblical name?
Jehovah is a traditional English rendering combining YHWH with the vowels of Adonai. Most scholars prefer Yahweh, but both point to God’s covenant name.
Which name for God is most important?
YHWH is the central Old Testament name, and Father is the central New Testament name, but all contribute to understanding God.
Should Christians use Hebrew names for God?
It is optional. Scripture emphasizes honoring God with sincerity more than using specific languages.
