אֵל
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity)
Definition
The Hebrew word אֵל (ʼêl) fundamentally means 'strength' or 'power.' As an adjective, it describes something or someone as 'mighty' or 'strong' (e.g., Ezekiel 31:11). Its most significant usage is as a noun for God, specifically 'the Mighty One' or 'the Almighty,' emphasizing divine power and supremacy, as seen when God reveals Himself to Abraham as 'El Shaddai' (God Almighty) in Genesis 17:1. It can also function as a generic term for any deity or god, including false gods, as in Exodus 15:11. The word is a core component of many Hebrew names (like Israel, Daniel) and divine titles (El Elyon, El Olam).
Biblical Usage
אֵל appears 236 times throughout the Old Testament, predominantly in poetic and prophetic books (Psalms, Isaiah, Job) and in patriarchal narratives. It is used in three primary contexts: 1) As a title for the God of Israel, highlighting His power and authority (Genesis 14:18-20, Psalm 18:2). 2) As a generic term for other gods or idols (Psalm 44:20, Daniel 11:36). 3) In its adjectival sense meaning 'mighty,' describing people or nations (Ezekiel 31:11). A key pattern is its use in compound names for God, such as El Elyon (God Most High) in Genesis 14:18-22 and El Roi (the God who sees) in Genesis 16:13.
Etymology
אֵל is a primitive root word meaning 'strength' or 'power.' It is likely a shortened form of אַיִל (ʼayil, H352), meaning 'ram,' an animal symbolizing strength and leadership. The word is common in Semitic languages; cognates appear in Ugaritic ('il) and Arabic ('ilāh) as terms for deity. Its meaning developed from the concrete concept of physical power to the abstract title for the supreme, powerful God.
Semantic Range
אֵל is theologically crucial as a primary name for God in the Old Testament, foundational for understanding His nature as the powerful, sovereign Creator and covenant-keeping God. It emphasizes God's might in creation, redemption, and judgment. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches Bible reading by revealing that biblical faith is rooted in a personal relationship with the all-powerful God, not a distant force. It connects to key doctrines of God's omnipotence and majesty, distinguishing the true 'El' from the powerless idols of the nations.
In the ancient Near East, 'El' was a common Semitic term for a high god or the chief deity in many pantheons (e.g., the Canaanite god El). Israel's use of this term was both a point of contact and contrast with surrounding cultures. While neighbors worshipped many 'els' (gods), Israel confessed one supreme 'El,' the Almighty Creator, who is personal, ethical, and the only true object of worship. This reclaimed the term to reveal the unique God of covenant and salvation.
אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlōhîm, H430) — A more general plural term for God/gods, often used for the God of Israel with singular meaning, emphasizing majesty and fullness of being. אֵל שַׁדַּי (ʼêl shadday, H7706) — A compound name meaning 'God Almighty,' highlighting God's ultimate power and provision. יְהוָה (YHWH, H3068) — The personal, covenantal name of Israel's God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and relationship with His people.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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