The Names of God

Claude Mariottini
Emeritus Professor
of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary

Harry Butler, a correspondent for the Gadsden Times of Alabama, has published an interesting article on the names of God. In his article, Butler says that “the names of God are a fascinating study.” However, he says that many people cannot name some of God’s names in the Old Testament.

Below is an excerpt from Butler’s article in which he mentions some of God’s names using the generic term Elohim which is then combined with other Hebrew words that describe certain characteristics of God:

• Elohay Kedem — God of the Beginning, Deuteronomy 33:27: “The eternal God is your Refuge.”

• Elohay Mishpat — God of Justice, Isaiah 30:18: “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you.”

• Elohay Selichor — God of Forgiveness, Nehemiah 9:17: “They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked … but you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love … .”

• Elohay Mikarov — God who is near: Jeremiah 23:23: “‘Am I only a God nearby,’ declares the Lord. ‘Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?’”

• Elohay Yishi — God of my salvation: Psalms 18:47; 25:5: “He is the God who avenges me; Guide me in your truth and teach me, for You are God, my Savior.”

I have written several posts on the many names of God in the Old Testament. Below are some of the posts on the names of God:

Posts on the Names of God

El Shaddai – Part 1

El Shaddai – Part 2

Erkamka na Adonai

The Titles of God in the Hebrew Bible

Pronouncing the Divine Name – Part 1

Pronouncing the Divine Name – Part 2

Pronouncing the Divine Name – Part 3

Pronouncing the Divine Name: An Explanation

The Name of God: Jehovah

NOTE: For other studies on the name of the God of the Bible, read my post Studies on the Name of God.

Claude Mariottini
Emeritus Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary

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If you are looking for other series of studies on the Old Testament, visit the Archive section and you will find many studies that deal with a variety of topics.

This entry was posted in Divine Name, Elohim, Hebrew God, Names of God and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

1 Response to The Names of God

  1. Pingback: Studies on the Name of God | A disciple's study

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