The names or titles given to God in the Bible reveal much about His characteristics - who He is, what He is like, and what He does. When the Bible uses the phrase the ``name of God" or ``in the name of the Lord" it refers to His total person - all that He is. And God's name is excellent and majestic. (Psalm 8: 1)
Elohim (God) means ``might or strong one"; it denotes the power and pre-eminence of God and is especially used in relationship to creation and strength. (Genesis 1: 1; Psalm 68: 1)
Adonai (Lord) means ``master, sovereign ruler or Lord" and generally denotes the authority and position of God. (Psalm 68: 32; Isaiah 6: 8-11)
Yahweh or Jehovah (Lord) means most likely the self-existent one (I am who I am or Iam the One who is) and denotes God's personal name and His eternality. It is often used in relationship to God as redeemer and covenant keeper. Yahweh is the most common name for God in the Old Testament. God's personal name was so sacred to most Jews that they feared to write or say it lest they misused it and usually substituted Adonai for Yahweh. Jehovah is an English word created from the other two to stand for God's personal name. (Genesis 2:4; Exodus 3:14; Psalm 68:14)
El Shaddai means ``God Almighty" and pictures God as the all powerful source of blessing and comfort. (Genesis 17:1; Exodus 6:3; Psalm 68:14)
El Elyon means ``God most High" and pictures God's strength and sovereignty. (Genesis 14:18; Psalm 9:2)
El Roi means ``God who sees" and denotes God's personal care and presence (Genesis 16:13)
El Olam means ``Everlasting and Eternal God" and pictures God's eternality and infinite strength. (Genesis 21:33; Isaiah 40:28)
The following are the main Old Testament Yahweh/Jehovah compound names:
Yahweh Jireh means the ``Lord provides" and was used by Abraham when God provided a sacrificial lamb instead of Isaac. (Genesis 22:14)
Yahweh Sabbaoth means the ``Lord of hosts" (hosts is sometimes translated almighty or army) and pictures God as the commander of the heavenly armies. (Joshua 5:14; I Samuel 1:3; Psalm 24:10)
Yahweh Rophe (or Rapha) means the ``Lord who heals" and denotes the physical and spiritual healing power of God. (Exodus 15:26)
Yahweh Shalom means the ``Lord is peace" and denotes the lack of tension, conflict and strife in God. (Judges 6:24)
Yehweh Nissi means the ``Lord is my banner" and signifies that the battle is the Lord's. (Exodus 17:15)
Yahweh Tsidkenu means the ``Lord our righteousness" and signifies God as the only source of true righteousness. (Jeremiah 23:6)
Yahweh Maccaddeschcem means the ``Lord our sanctifier" (or the Lord who makes you holy) and signifies that God is the one who sets people apart and makes them holy. (Exodus 31:13; Leviticus 20:8)
Yahweh Raah (rohi) means the ``Lord our Shepherd" and denotes God's loving care, protection and provision for His people. (Psalm 23:1)
