Elohim (אֱלֹהִים)

Meaning: God (plural majesty), Creator, Mighty One.

This is the first name used for God in the Bible. While it is a plural form, it is used with a singular verb, indicating the oneness of the one true God while also hinting at a majestic fullness. It emphasizes God’s power as the ultimate Creator and sovereign authority over all things.

“In the beginning **Elohim** created the heavens and the earth.” – Genesis 1:1

Adonai (אֲדֹנָי)

Meaning: Lord, Master.

This name signifies God as the absolute ruler and master over all creation. It expresses the relationship of a servant to a master, and it is often used when a person is addressing God directly. It implies reverence and a willing submission to His authority.

“Then Abram said, ‘**Adonai** Yahweh, what can you give me since I remain childless…’” – Genesis 15:2

El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי)

Meaning: God Almighty, The All-Sufficient One.

This name speaks of God’s power, might, and ability to provide for His people. It is often used to emphasize His covenant-keeping nature and His ability to overcome any obstacles. The name suggests that God is more than enough for all our needs.

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to him and said, ‘I am **El Shaddai**; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.’” – Genesis 17:1

Yahweh (יהוה)

Meaning: I AM WHO I AM, The Eternal, The Self-Existent One.

This is God’s personal covenant name. It is the most sacred name for God in Judaism, so much so that it is not spoken aloud. The four Hebrew letters (YHWH) are known as the Tetragrammaton. This name reveals God as the eternally present, self-sufficient, and unchanging God who is in a relationship with His people.

“God said to Moses, ‘**I AM WHO I AM**… This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.’” – Exodus 3:14-15

Compound Names of Jehovah

These compound names, based on the personal name Yahweh, reveal more specific aspects of God’s character and His actions toward His people.

Jehovah Jireh (יְהוָה יִרְאֶה)

Meaning: The Lord Will Provide.

This name was given by Abraham after God provided a ram as a sacrifice in place of his son Isaac on Mount Moriah. It speaks to God’s foresight and His perfect timing in meeting our needs.

“So Abraham called that place **Jehovah Jireh** (The LORD Will Provide).” – Genesis 22:14

Jehovah Rapha (יְהוָה רֹפְאֶךָ)

Meaning: The Lord Who Heals.

This name was revealed to the Israelites after they had complained about the bitter water at Marah. It signifies God’s power to heal and restore, both physically and spiritually.

“He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the Lord your God… I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you (**Jehovah Rapha**).’” – Exodus 15:26

Jehovah Nissi (יְהוָה נִסִּי)

Meaning: The Lord Is My Banner.

Moses used this name after the Israelites defeated the Amalekites. A banner was a rallying point in battle, a symbol of victory. This name declares that God is our rallying point and the source of our victory.

“Moses built an altar and called it **Jehovah Nissi** (The Lord Is My Banner).” – Exodus 17:15

Jehovah Shalom (יְהוָה שָׁלוֹם)

Meaning: The Lord Is Peace.

Gideon used this name after the angel of the Lord appeared to him, assuring him of victory over the Midianites. This name signifies that God himself is our source of wholeness, well-being, and peace in the midst of conflict or fear.

“So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it **Jehovah Shalom** (The Lord Is Peace).” – Judges 6:24

Jehovah Ra’ah (יְהוָה רֹעִי)

Meaning: The Lord My Shepherd.

This name is used to describe God’s tender care and guidance for His people, much like a shepherd cares for his flock. It speaks of His protection, provision, and leadership.

“The Lord is my shepherd (**Jehovah Ra’ah**), I lack nothing.” – Psalm 23:1

Jehovah Tsidkenu (יְהוָה צִדְקֵנוּ)

Meaning: The Lord Our Righteousness.

This name is a prophetic title for Jesus Christ, revealed through the prophet Jeremiah. It speaks of God as the source of our righteousness, emphasizing that true righteousness comes from Him alone.

“In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness (**Jehovah Tsidkenu**).” – Jeremiah 23:6

Jehovah Sabaoth (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת)

Meaning: The Lord of Hosts.

This name portrays God as the commander of the angelic armies of heaven. It emphasizes His power and authority over all creation and all spiritual forces. It is often used in times of war or conflict to express God’s overwhelming might.

“One called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts (**Jehovah Sabaoth**); the whole earth is full of his glory.’” – Isaiah 6:3

Jehovah Shammah (יְהוָה שָׁמָּה)

Meaning: The Lord Is There.

This is the final name revealed in the book of Ezekiel. It signifies God’s personal and permanent presence with His people. The name speaks of a future time when God will dwell with His people forever.

“The name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE (**Jehovah Shammah**).” – Ezekiel 48:35