When reading the Bible in Swahili, we often come across the word Mungu, meaning God. However, what many may not realize is that in the original Hebrew text of the Old Testament, one of the most commonly used names for God is ELOHIM. This name appears over 2,500 times in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and carries rich theological meaning.
1. ELOHIM in Genesis 1:1
The very first verse of the Bible sets the stage:
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1, ESV)
In Hebrew, this verse reads:
“Bere’shith bara’ Elohim et hashamayim ve’et ha’aretz.”
Here, Elohim is used for God. Although Elohim is grammatically plural in form, it is almost always used with singular verbs when referring to the God of Israel, indicating a plurality of majesty, not multiple gods. This has been understood by many Christian theologians as an early hint or foreshadowing of the Trinitarian nature of God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — though the doctrine of the Trinity is fully developed later in the New Testament.
2. The Meaning and Significance of ELOHIM
The word Elohim encompasses God’s power, sovereignty, and creative authority. It portrays God as the Almighty Creator, the Supreme Judge, and the Sustainer of all things.
3. Compound Names Derived from EL or ELOHIM
Throughout the Old Testament, we see God referred to by several compound names beginning with El (a shortened form of Elohim), each revealing a different aspect of His character:
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El Shaddai – “God Almighty”
“I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.” (Genesis 17:1, ESV)
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El Elyon – “God Most High”
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth.” (Genesis 14:19, ESV)
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El Roi – “The God Who Sees”
“You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” (Genesis 16:13, ESV)
These names not only reflect theological truths but also arose from people’s real-life encounters with God, revealing how they experienced Him in moments of need, promise, or revelation.
4. Jesus’ Use of the Name on the Cross
In the New Testament, during His crucifixion, Jesus quoted Psalm 22:1 in Aramaic:
“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” — “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34, ESV)
This cry shows both His deep suffering and the continuity of His relationship with the God of Israel — Elohim — even in the midst of His abandonment.
5. Theological Reflection
Understanding the use of Elohim deepens our appreciation for God’s nature. He is:
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Eternal – without beginning or end (Psalm 90:2)
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All-powerful – Creator of all things (Jeremiah 32:17)
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Omniscient and Omnipresent – nothing escapes His sight (Psalm 139)
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Relational – not distant, but deeply involved with His creation
The name Elohim reminds us that God is not just a distant deity but the Living God who creates, governs, and redeems. In Christian theology, this same Elohim is fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, who is called Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Conclusion:
The name ELOHIM is more than just a title—it reflects the divine majesty, power, and eternal nature of God. Whether translated in Swahili as Mungu or in English as God, the depth of the original Hebrew name invites us to know God more deeply and personally.
Be blessed as you grow in understanding His name.