God is one, but He has revealed Himself in various ways through His names, each reflecting different aspects of His character and work. These names reveal His nature, His power, and His relationship with His people in specific circumstances. Just as a person named JOHN might be called “father,” “uncle,” “engineer,” or “commander-in-chief” depending on the context, God is also known by many names, each one reflecting a unique attribute of His being.
1. ELOHIM
Meaning: God, the Powerful Creator, the Eternal One“
ELOHIM” is the plural form of God, often associated with the fullness of God’s power and majesty as the Creator. It speaks to God’s sovereignty and His role as the Creator of all things.
Genesis 1:1 – “
In the beginning, God (ELOHIM) created the heavens and the earth.”
This name emphasizes the omnipotence of God in creation, signifying that everything in existence is made by His power.
2. ADONAI
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Meaning: Lord, Master, Sovereign
ADONAI” is used to emphasize God’s absolute lordship and ownership over all creation. It reflects God as the One who rules with authority over everything.
Genesis 15:2–8 – “
But Abram said, ‘Sovereign Lord (ADONAI), what can you give me…'”
This name points to God’s role as the ultimate authority, ruling with perfect justice and care.
3. EL-ELYON
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Meaning: God, the Most High
This name emphasizes God’s supremacy over all things. He is higher than any other god or force, and no one can compare to His majesty and power.
Genesis 14:18 – “
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High (EL-ELYON).”
“EL-ELYON” reminds us of God’s exalted status, the One who reigns above all other powers.
4. YEHOVA-RAFA
The Lord Who Heals
: God as “RAFA” highlights His role as the Healer of both physical and spiritual afflictions. God’s healing power is not only about restoration to health but also about spiritual wholeness and reconciliation.
Exodus 15:26 – “
He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes… I am the Lord, who heals you.'”
This name shows God’s desire to restore and make whole.
5. YEHOVA EL-SHADAI
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Meaning: God, Our Sufficiency
“El Shaddai” speaks to God’s nurturing and all-sufficient nature. It suggests that God is not only almighty but also tender and caring, providing for His people in every way.
Genesis 17:1 – “
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty (EL-SHADAI); walk before me faithfully and be blameless.'”
This name reassures us that God provides and sustains us with all we need.
6. YEHOVA-NISI
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Meaning: The Lord is Our Banner
“NISI” refers to God being the standard of victory in battles, both physical and spiritual. It symbolizes God’s leadership and His role in granting victory to His people.:
Exodus 17:15 – “
Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is My Banner (YEHOVA-NISI).”
This name reflects God’s divine protection and leadership in times of trial.
7. YEHOVA-YIRE
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Meaning: The Lord Who Provides
YIRE” focuses on God’s provision, showing that God is not only the Creator but also the Provider of everything we need—spiritually and materially.
Genesis 22:14 – “
So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide (YEHOVA-YIRE), and to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.'”
This name reminds us of God’s faithfulness in providing for His people.
8. YEHOVA-ROHI
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Meaning: The Lord is My Shepherd
God is our Shepherd, guiding us, providing for us, and protecting us. This name emphasizes God’s tender care and the personal relationship He offers His people.
Psalm 23:1 – “
The Lord is my shepherd (YEHOVA-ROHI); I lack nothing.”
This name assures us that God cares for His people as a shepherd cares for their sheep.
9. YEHOVA-MEKADISHKEMU
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Meaning: The Lord Who Sanctifies
God is not only the Creator and Provider, but He is also the One who sanctifies and sets apart His people for holy living.
Exodus 31:13 –
“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy
God sanctifies His people through His holiness and grace.
10. YESHUA (JESUS)
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Meaning: God, Our Savior
“YESHUA” is the name through which God reveals Himself as the Savior of mankind. It is through Jesus that humanity finds salvation, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life.
Matthew 1:21 –
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus (YESHUA), because he will save his people from their sins.”
This name represents the culmination of God’s redemptive plan for the world.
The Future Name of Christ
While JESUS is the name we use for salvation today, the Bible reveals that this name will not always be the one by which Christ is known. When Christ returns, He will have a new name that reflects His kingship and divine authority (Revelation 19:12).
Revelation 19:12 –
“His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.”
This new name will signify the glorious return of Christ as the reigning King and Judge.
The Urgency of Salvation
For now, we are in the age of grace, and through Jesus Christ, the door to salvation remains open. He is our High Priest, interceding on our behalf before the Father, offering mercy and forgiveness for our sins. But this door of grace will not remain open forever. All the signs of Christ’s second coming have been fulfilled, and we now await His return. The rapture is imminent, and it is crucial to embrace the grace offered today.