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Volume 30: Names of God

Understanding God's character through His revealed names in Scripture.

I. Why the Names of God Matter

In Scripture, names are not just labels—they reveal identity, nature, authority, and covenant relationship. God reveals His names progressively as His people experience His character through history.

The Progressive Revelation:

Elohim → The Mighty Creator.

Yahweh → The Covenant God.

Yahweh-Jireh → The Provider.

Yahweh-Rapha → The Healer.

Yahweh-Shalom → The Peace.

Each name tells a story of how God acts on behalf of His people, providing a specific facet of His infinite nature.

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V. Names of God in the New Testament

Jesus reveals God’s names in new fullness, primarily shifting the focus to the intimacy of the Fatherhood of God. Through Christ, the distant "Most High" becomes "Abba"—a term of deep familial trust and love.

Key NT Revelations:

Abba, Father: Intimate relationship made possible through the Son.

Theos: The standard Greek term for God, used of the Father, Son, and Spirit.

Pantokratōr: The Almighty Ruler who holds all things together.

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VIII. Theological Summary

God’s names reveal four critical truths:

His Being: He is eternal, self-existent, and unchanging (*Yahweh*).

His Character: He is holy, righteous, and loving (*Kadosh*, *Tsidkenu*).

His Covenant: He binds Himself to His people in faithfulness (*Yahweh-Sabaoth*).

4. His Mission: To redeem humanity through Christ, the ultimate "Word" of God.

II. PRIMARY NAMES OF GOD (CORE OT NAMES)

Name	Meaning	Description	Key Verse
Elohim	God, Mighty Creator	Emphasizes power in creation. Plural of majesty.	Genesis 1:1
Yahweh (YHWH)	The LORD, “I AM”	God’s covenant name; eternal and unchanging.	Exodus 3:14–15
Adonai	Lord, Master	Expresses ownership, authority, and submission.	Genesis 15:2
El Shaddai	God Almighty	God who is all-sufficient and more than enough.	Genesis 17:1
El Elyon	God Most High	Supreme, sovereign God above all powers.	Genesis 14:18–22
El Olam	Everlasting God	Emphasizes God's eternal and unchanging nature.	Genesis 21:33
El Roi	The God Who Sees Me	God sees the oppressed and marginalized (Hagar).	Genesis 16:13

III. COMPOUND YAHWEH NAMES (COVENANT-ACTION)

Name	Meaning	Description	Key Verse
Yahweh-Jireh	The LORD Will Provide	Revealed to Abraham; foreshadows Christ.	Genesis 22:14
Yahweh-Rapha	The LORD Who Heals	God heals physically, spiritually, emotionally.	Exodus 15:26
Yahweh-Nissi	The LORD Is My Banner	The LORD is the source of victory in battle.	Exodus 17:15
Yahweh-Shalom	The LORD Is Peace	Revealed to Gideon during oppression.	Judges 6:24
Yahweh-Tsidkenu	The LORD Our Righteousness	Prophetic title of the coming Messiah.	Jeremiah 23:6
Yahweh-Ra’ah	The LORD My Shepherd	God leads, protects, and provides for His own.	Psalm 23:1
Yahweh-Shammah	The LORD Is There	God's eternal presence with His people.	Ezekiel 48:35
Yahweh-Sabaoth	The LORD of Hosts	Commander of angelic armies; unmatched power.	1 Samuel 1:3

IV. NEW TESTAMENT NAMES OF GOD

NT Name	Meaning	Theological Context	Verse
Abba	Father / Daddy	The intimacy of adoption through Christ.	Romans 8:15
Pater ton Photón	Father of Lights	God as the source of all good and perfect gifts.	James 1:17
Pantokratōr	Almighty / Ruler of All	Used extensively in Revelation to denote sovereignty.	Revelation 1:8
Ho On	The One Who Is	The Greek equivalent to the Hebrew "I AM".	Revelation 1:4
Theos Agapē	God is Love	The fundamental nature of God’s character.	1 John 4:8

VI. SYMBOLIC & POETIC NAMES

Title	Meaning / Metaphor	Spiritual Reality	Reference
Rock	Tsur	Stability, refuge, and unchanging strength.	Psalm 18:2
Fortress	Metshudah	Defense and protection in times of trouble.	Psalm 46:1
Shield	Magen	Active protection for the believer.	Psalm 3:3
Light	Or	Source of truth, holiness, and guidance.	Psalm 27:1
Refiner	Tsaraph	The one who purifies His people through fire.	Malachi 3:3
Bridegroom	Chatan	The covenant love between God and His people.	Isaiah 62:5