The Names of God
The names of God reveal what God says about Himself. And this is important because it is impossible to have a relationship with someone you don’t know. But fortunately, God does want you to know Him, so He reveals Himself through the Bible and by His many names. Indeed, to understand the meaning of God’s name is to acknowledge who He is and what He can do in your life.
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Each name of God describes a different aspect of His nature, character, and provision that remains the same through all generations. Because assuredly, in an ever-changing world, God never changes. So, may God reveal Himself to you and strengthen your faith in Him as you review some of the names of God.
The Names of God Reveal Who He Is
EL ELYON God Most High. Lord of heaven and earth. Nothing in all creation is higher than God.
God is supreme with absolute power, so nothing can prevent His will from happening. Therefore, God is the sovereign ruler of the universe and worthy of your worship.
Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and praise be to God Most High who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Genesis 14:19-20
The Bible speaks about Nebuchadnezzar, who was proud because he believed in his greatness and that all he had was his doing. But then, God greatly humbled him, and he realized that God rules heaven and earth and everything in it. So, when he came to his senses, Nebuchadnezzar worshipped God Most High, who lives forever.
His dominion is an eternal dominion; His Kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: “What have you done?” Daniel 4:34-35
Do you worship God and trust Him to direct your life? Knowing the answer is vital because every knee will bow before the Lord Jesus Christ one day, willingly or reluctantly. Therefore, learn to bow before Jesus in humble submission to His will while still living on earth.
The Names of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were open to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17
God reveals Himself through His Word, and the Bible teaches that God is one. And, although mystifying to humans, He exists in three persons, who are one in essence: God the Father, God the Son, Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit. And each person of the godhead has a different role that interrelates.
So, for example, God authored the plan of salvation, and Jesus Christ carried out His plan. Hence, Jesus willingly left His glory in heaven to become flesh on earth so people could know God, who is Spirit. Then, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower believers. God in three persons blessed trinity.
For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
The Living God
ELOHIM Mighty Creator of heaven and earth and all life. The one true God spoke the world into existence.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness… Genesis 1:1, 26
Before anything existed, there was God. Thus, God’s very breath gave you your life and created everything seen and unseen, so He is all-powerful. Indeed, only Jesus Christ, who wore the crown of thorns, has the sovereign right to rule His creation. But is Jesus the ultimate authority in your life?
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:15-16
Elohim is King of kings and Lord of lords
God is Spirit, and His sovereign authority rules and overrules all other powers. Indeed, Almighty God is the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and the preeminent judge of the world.
God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and might forever. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:15-16
Jesus Christ, God’s Anointed One, rose from the dead and will return from heaven to judge all who have rejected Him. And then, He will establish His everlasting kingdom and reign as King over all the earth. Is Jesus your Savior and Lord?
Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh, He has this name written. KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:15-16
The Eternal I AM is a Name of God
YHWH (YAHWEH) The LORD, “I AM,” has no beginning or end. Therefore, God is self-existent, unchanging, and eternal.
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14
Because God has no beginning or end, the Lord Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Jesus said: “Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” “You are not yet fifty years old,” the Jews said to Him, “and you have seen Abraham!” “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I AM!” John 8:56-58
In an ever-changing world, there is security in knowing God is infinite and His Word never changes. And because He sees the end from the beginning, He will work everything together for your good. So, ask the Lord now to help you trust Him.
The Name of God is All-Powerful
EL SHADDAI God Almighty, all-powerful. The All-Sufficient One.
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty, walk before Me and be blameless.” Genesis 17:1
God wants for nothing and lacks nothing, so He is complete. And because God is mighty in power, no challenges in your life will ever be too complex for Him. Therefore, confess your sins of self-sufficiency and unbelief. And then, by faith, rely on God to conform you to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!” Matthew 8:26-27
This Name Unveils the God Who Sees
EL ROI The God Who Sees watches over everyone and everything.
Hagar fled from her mistress into the wilderness with her son. And she thought she was alone and forsaken, but she encountered the Presence of the living God in her desolation. As a result of this experience, Hagar gained the courage to obey God and return to Sarah, her mistress. So, how does believing God sees you strengthen your faith?
Hagar gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:13
God sees everything you do and every trying circumstance you face. Moreover, He is merciful and understands how things impact you. So, whenever you feel alone, you are not because God sees you when no one else does. Thus, come as you are and allow Him to order your life because He cares for you. Indeed, God hears your prayers in Jesus’ name, so watch expectantly for His answer.
“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” John 1:48-49
God’s Name Means Helper
EL EZER God is our Helper.
Moses named one of his sons, Eliezer, because of his personal experience of God’s help.
And the other was named Eliezer, for he said, “My father’s God was my helper; he saved me from the sword of Pharaoh.” Exodus 18:4
God called Moses to serve Him, so He helped him by delivering him from his enemies. In addition, God met Moses and the people’s needs for 40 years in the wilderness. Therefore, whenever Moses said his son’s name, Eliezer, he was reminded that his help comes from the Lord. Pause here and recount all the ways God helps you.
God knows all your troubles and fears. Thus, He graciously gave you many promises in the Bible to strengthen your faith in Him. And when you rely on them by faith, God helps you. Indeed, Jesus is the source for all your needs and best of all, He is always available. So, why struggle alone when Jesus wants to be your strong support? Instead, tell Him what concerns you and ask for His help.
Jesus said: “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17
Another Name of God is Provider
YAHWEH JIREH The Lord Will Provide.
Abraham looked up, and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So, Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day, it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Genesis 22:13-14
We deserve to die for our sins, but as God provided a ram in place of Isaac, He provided His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. And in obedience to His Father, Jesus willingly left heaven to pay the death penalty for all our sins against Holy God. Indeed, Jesus came for those who need a Savior, people like you and me. Have you asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior? If so, do you follow Him?
In a world of uncertainty, God wants you to know He is faithful to provide for you as you look to Him. So, considering that, are you worried or troubled about something today? Then, cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Jesus taught: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33
God’s Name Affirms His Power to Heal
JEHOVAH RAPHA God is our Healer. The Lord heals spiritually, physically, and mentally
The Lord said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” Exodus 15:26
Reread the verse to see that God cares most about your spiritual health. So, hopefully, you make it a priority to read and obey God’s Word by faith. But having said that, Jesus demonstrated His divinity and mercy by healing the sick, and He continues to cure people today.
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and sickness. Matthew 9:35
Notably, Jesus did not heal everyone because God’s good purposes prevail even in suffering. But one day, Jesus will raise your body from the dead. And then, there will be no more sickness and pain because you will live in heaven with Him.
The Name of God is Victorious
JEHOVAH NISSI The Lord is My Banner. God is all-powerful and victorious.
Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. Exodus 17:15
Moses gave this name to an altar he made in the wilderness to commemorate a mighty desert victory over the Amalekites. And He credited God for the triumph because Israel fought their enemies under God’s direction and in His mighty strength.
He has taken me to the banquet hall, and His banner over me is love. Song of Songs 2:4
Every day, Christians march into spiritual battle under the authority and leadership of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, believers call on God for victory over sin in Jesus’ name because the battle belongs to the Lord.
And our allegiance is to God alone, so we do not adopt the world’s thinking, nor are we slaves to sin. Instead, by faith, we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to defeat sin and live a life pleasing to Him. Indeed, exalt the name of the Lord Jesus Christ daily and follow Him by faith.
But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
A Name of God is Our Peace
JEHOVAH SHALOM The Lord is our Peace.
So, Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. Judges 6:24
People are in conflict, distressed, agitated, and living in frustration because they have rejected God and His rule over their lives. Because only by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can there be peace with God and harmony in our relationships. So, if you are in turmoil, come to Jesus to receive the tranquility that only He can give you. And then remain connected to Him through prayer and His Word.
Jesus said: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; Trust also in me. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” John 14:1, 27
God’s Name Declares His Righteousness
JEHOVAH TSIDKENU The Lord is our Righteousness.
He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong. Righteous and just is He. Deuteronomy 32:4
Holy God rules wisely and always does what is right and just. Yet, many today believe they can be righteous apart from God, but this is not true. God’s Word says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Therefore, only Jesus Christ, who was sinless, can cleanse people of their sins and make them right with God.
So, have you believed in Jesus alone to forgive your sins? Because it is only through the blood of Jesus Christ that God forgives sinners and considers them righteous. The righteous live by faith in God alone.
God made Him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
This Name Acknowledges God’s Presence
JEHOVAH SHAMMAH The Lord is there. The Lord is Present.
When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it. Genesis 28:16
God is Spirit, so He is present everywhere at the same time. And notably for the believer, the Holy Spirit lives in you, so you are in God’s Presence no matter what you do or where you go. So, do not be dismayed by your circumstances. Instead, draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. The Lord Jesus is near to all who seek Him and call on Him in truth.
Jesus said: Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20
God’s Name Reveals Him as Our Shepherd
YAHWEH ROHI The Lord is My Shepherd.
“You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 34:31
Is the Lord Jesus your shepherd? If so, do you rely on Him daily to lead and guide you? And do you also trust Jesus to provide and protect you? Jesus is pleased when you trust Him and experience the benefits of following Him by faith.
Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:11, 14-15
God’s Name Reveals that Jesus is God
IMMANUEL God with us. Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human.
The Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call Him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
Jesus Christ revealed the Father perfectly while He lived on earth. Indeed, Jesus is the image of the invisible God, and all the fullness and glory of Holy God dwells in Him. Accordingly, he who has the Son has the Father also. So undeniably, Jesus, the name above all names, deserves your love, devotion, and worship forever.
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:21-23
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Bible study for “The Names of God”
Week 1: Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 4:25-26; 14:18-20; 15:1-6; 16:1-13; 17:1; 21:22, 33; 22:6-14; 28:10-17; 35:9-13; 48:15-16; 49:24-25; Exodus 3:7-15; 15:3, 26; 17:15-16; 18:4; 20:7; 34:5-8 Leviticus 20:7-8; Numbers 6:24-27; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 10:12-22; 31:6, 8; 32:4; Judges 6:22-24; Psalms 1:6; 4:1, 8; 9:1-10; 18:6
Week 2: Psalms 20:1, 5-8; 23:1-6; 28:8-9; 29:1-11; 46:1-3, 4-7, 10-11; 66:1-7; 68:19; 71:15-19; 78:52-55; 80:1, 7; 85:13; 89:5-18; 90:2-4; 93:1-2; 96:13; 99:1-5; 102:25-28; 103:1-20; 111:3, 5, 9; 119:89-90; 121:1-8; 139:1-18; 145:1-21; 147:3-6; Proverbs 18:10; Isaiah 6:1-6; 7:14; 9:6-7; 14:12-16; 26:3-4, 12-13; 32:16-20
Week 3: Isaiah 41:10, 13; 44:6-8; 45:9-12, 21-25; 53:4-6; 58:11; 61:1, 10-11; Jeremiah 23:5-6, 23-24; 32:17; Ezekiel 34:11-16, 23-26, 31; 48:35; Daniel 4:1-3, 29-37; Joel 2:28-32; Micah 5:2-5; Malachi 3:6-7; Matthew 1:1, 20-23; 2:6; 3:16-17; 5:1-10; 6:9-13, 25-33; 8:14-17, 23-27; 9:1-8, 18-36; 10:29-31; 28:16-20
The Names of God Bible Study Weeks 4 Through 6
Week 4: Luke 1:26-37; 4:46-21, 33-37, 40-43; John 1:1-3, 14, 29, 47-51; 4:9-10, 13, 22-26, 39-42; 5:1-14; 19-30; 6:35-40; 7:37-39; 8:54-59; 9:1-7; 10:1-18, 24-33; 11:25-27, 40-44; 14:1-31; 15:26-27; 16:7-15, 23-24, 27-28, 33; 17:1-5, 25-26; 20:27-30; Acts 17:24-31; Romans 1:16-17; 3:10-12, 17-18, 21-26;
Week 5: Romans 4:3, 13, 18-25; 5:1, 17; 8:6-9, 13; 10:9-13; 15:13, 33; 1 Corinthians 1:3, 30-31; 3:16; 8:2-6; 14:33; 15:56-57; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 21; Ephesians 1:1-23; 6:10-17; Philippians 2:5-11; 4:4-9, 13, 19-20; Colossians 1:2, 9-20; 2:9-10; 3:15; 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 17; 6:11-16; Hebrews 1:1-4, 8-12; 6:16-20
Week 6: Hebrews 7:21-26; 9 :1-3, 22-28; 13:5-6, 8, 20-21; James 1:17; 2:26; 1 Peter 1:13-17, 25; 2:24-25; 5:2-6; 2 Peter 1:1-4; 1 John 1:1-4, 8-10; 2:1-6, 23, 29; 3:18-20; Revelation 1:4-8; 2:7, 17, 26-29; 4:8-11; 5:5, 9-14; 7:16-17; 12:10-11; 15:1-4; 16:7; 17:14; 19:6, 11-16; 21:5-7, 22-27; 22:3-4, 13, 16-17, 20-21
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