אֱלֹהִים

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus

Definition

The Hebrew word אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym) is a plural noun most famously used as the primary name for God in the Old Testament, especially in the creation account (Genesis 1:1). While plural in form, when referring to the one true God of Israel, it is consistently used with singular verbs and adjectives, emphasizing majesty, intensity, or comprehensiveness—a grammatical feature known as the 'plural of majesty' or 'plural of intensity.' In other contexts, the same word can refer to pagan gods (e.g., Exodus 20:3), divine beings or angels (e.g., Psalm 8:5), or even human judges or authorities (e.g., Exodus 21:6, Psalm 82:1).

Biblical Usage

This word appears over 2,200 times, making it the most common term for the divine in the Hebrew Bible. Its usage is pervasive across all books. When referring to the singular God of Israel, it is often paired with the definite article (הָאֱלֹהִים, 'the God') or with the personal name Yahweh (יְהוָה). It is the standard term in narrative and poetic texts for God's creative, sovereign, and covenantal actions, as seen from Genesis 1:1 onward. The plural sense is used for other gods in texts like 1 Kings 11:5 and for supernatural beings (the 'sons of God') in Job 1:6.

Etymology

The word is the masculine plural form of the singular noun אֱלוֹהַּ (ʼĕlôah, H433), meaning 'god.' The root is likely related to the common Semitic root *ʾil-, seen in words like Ugaritic *ʾil* and Arabic *ʾilāh*, all denoting divinity or a god. The plural form may have originally indicated a general category of 'divine beings' before being applied as an intensive singular to the God of Israel.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically foundational. Its plural form used for the singular God of Israel has sparked rich theological reflection on God's unity and complexity, later informing Christian understandings of the Trinity. It underscores God's supreme power, majesty, and transcendence. Understanding that this term can also refer to false gods or heavenly court members highlights the Bible's consistent polemic for Yahweh's unique sovereignty. Recognizing its usage patterns deepens the reader's grasp of monotheism in the Old Testament.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the plural form was common for deities, reflecting polytheistic worldviews where pantheons of gods were the norm. Israel's use of this plural word for one God was a radical redefinition, asserting that the true God encompasses all power and authority typically distributed among many gods in neighboring cultures (e.g., Canaanite El and Baal). This set Israelite religion apart, emphasizing Yahweh's unique and exclusive claim to worship.

אֵל (ʼēl, H410) — A more general term for 'god' or 'deity,' often used in compound names and poetic lines. יְהוָה (Yahweh, H3068) — The personal, covenantal name of Israel's God, revealed to Moses. אֲדֹנָי (ʼădōnāy, H136) — Meaning 'Lord,' a title of reverence and sovereignty often used in place of Yahweh.

Word Details

Scripture References