שַׁדַּי

the Almighty

Definition

Shadday is a divine name for God, traditionally translated as 'the Almighty.' It emphasizes God's supreme power, sovereignty, and ability to fulfill His promises, often in contexts of blessing, protection, and covenant. In Genesis 17:1, God reveals Himself to Abram as 'El Shadday,' linking the name to the covenant promise of descendants. The name also appears in contexts of blessing, as in Genesis 49:25, and in poetic or prophetic declarations of God's overwhelming might, such as in Balaam's oracle (Numbers 24:4).

Biblical Usage

This name is used 48 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in the patriarchal narratives (Genesis) and in poetic books like Job (31 times) and the Psalms. In Genesis, it is closely associated with God's covenant promises and blessings to the patriarchs (e.g., Genesis 28:3, 35:11). In Exodus 6:3, God tells Moses that He appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as 'El Shadday,' but now reveals His name Yahweh. In Job, it frequently appears in discourses about God's power and justice.

Etymology

The exact etymology is debated. It is traditionally derived from the Hebrew root שָׁדַד (shadad, H7703), meaning 'to destroy' or 'to overpower,' highlighting God's might. Some scholars also connect it to the Akkadian word 'shadu,' meaning 'mountain,' suggesting connotations of stability or majesty. Others propose a link to the Hebrew word for 'breast' (שַׁד, shad), possibly implying a nurturing aspect, though this is less certain. The name's development reflects an emphasis on God's overwhelming power.

Semantic Range

The name Shadday is theologically significant as it reveals God's character as the all-powerful, covenant-keeping deity. It assures believers of God's ability to fulfill His promises, as seen with the patriarchs, and underscores His sovereignty over all creation, a central theme in Job. Understanding this Hebrew name enriches Bible reading by highlighting the aspect of God's might that is both protective and awe-inspiring, distinguishing it from other names like Yahweh, which emphasizes covenant relationship and presence.

In its ancient Near Eastern context, divine names often highlighted specific attributes or domains of a deity. 'Shadday' likely communicated God's supreme power in a way that resonated with cultures familiar with gods associated with mountains, storms, or raw force. This name would have distinguished the God of Israel as the ultimate source of power and blessing, surpassing all local deities. The patriarchal use of the name may reflect an early stage of Israelite understanding before the fuller revelation of the name Yahweh.

אֵל (El, H410) — A generic term for 'god' or 'God,' often used in compound names like El Shadday. | אֱלֹהִים (Elohim, H430) — A common plural form for 'God,' emphasizing majesty and authority, with a broader semantic range than Shadday. | יְהוָה (Yahweh, H3068) — The personal, covenant name of God, revealed to Moses, focusing on relational faithfulness and existence.

Word Details

Scripture References