אֱלוֹהַּ

a deity or the Deity

Definition

The Hebrew word אֱלוֹהַּ (ʼĕlôwahh) is a singular noun meaning 'a god' or 'the God.' It is a poetic and emphatic form, often used to refer to the one true God of Israel with a sense of majesty and reverence, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:15 where Israel is said to have forsaken 'the Rock' who is called אֱלוֹהַּ. It can also denote false gods or deities, as in Deuteronomy 32:17, which speaks of sacrificing to 'demons that were no gods' (אֱלוֹהַּ). In the book of Job, the term is used frequently in dialogues about divine justice and power, referring to the Almighty (e.g., Job 4:9, 4:17).

Biblical Usage

This word appears 56 times in the Old Testament, with a significant concentration in the poetic books, especially Job (over 40 occurrences). It is used in contexts of worship, judgment, and theological reflection. In Deuteronomy 32, it contrasts the true God with false gods. In 2 Chronicles 32:15 and Nehemiah 9:17, it refers to the God of Israel in historical narratives emphasizing His power and the people's rebellion. Its usage in Job highlights discussions of God's nature and human suffering.

Etymology

אֱלוֹהַּ is a prolonged, emphatic form derived from the common Semitic root אֵל (ʼēl, H410), meaning 'god' or 'deity.' It is a rare singular variant, sometimes shortened to אֱלֹהַּ, and is related to the more frequent plural form אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlōhîm, H430). The elongation likely adds intensity or poetic weight, emphasizing God's majesty or the concept of divinity.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the singular, personal nature of the God of Israel, especially in contrast to pagan deities. Its emphatic form enriches passages about God's sovereignty, justice, and covenant relationship, as in Deuteronomy 32 and Job. Understanding אֱלוֹהַּ helps Bible readers grasp the poetic and reverential tones in texts that highlight God's uniqueness and humanity's response to Him.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the term reflected a worldview where multiple gods were worshipped. Israel's use of אֱלוֹהַּ for both the true God and false gods (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:17) engaged this polytheistic context, asserting Yahweh's supremacy. The emphatic form may have served to distinguish the Israelite deity from others, emphasizing His power and reality in a setting where divine beings were commonly discussed.

אֵל (ʼēl, H410) — a more basic term for 'god' or 'deity,' often used in names and poetic lines. אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlōhîm, H430) — the common plural form meaning 'God' or 'gods,' with a broader usage range. יְהוָה (YHWH, H3068) — the personal, covenantal name of Israel's God, emphasizing relationship over general divinity.

Word Details

Scripture References