THE NAMES AND TITLES OF GOD



BIBLE DOCTRINE I

LECTURE 24

THEOLOGY – THE NAMES & TITLES OF GOD

(The following is taken from Robert Sargeant’s ebook “Landmarks of Baptist Doctrine”)

The God of the Bible is referred to by a number of different Names, the most common being “God,” “Lord,” and “LORD”. Through these Names, God has revealed Himself in the various aspects of His relationship to His creation. They are referred to as the primary Names of deity.

God’s eternal Name is “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:15).

There are also a number of secondary, or descriptive compound Names used in the Word of God, such as “Almighty God,” “Everlasting God,” etc. These are “appellatives” or titles of God.

I. THE PRIMARY NAME “GOD”

The Name “God” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon, “The Good,” and is a translation of the Hebrew words, “El,” “Elah,” and “Elohim” in the Old Testament, and of the Greek word “theos” in the New Testament.

“El” literally means “Strength,” thus giving the meaning of the word “God” as the “Strong One” see: Deuteronomy 10:17

This Name is the generic Name for deity, it is a positional Name, used over 30 times in Genesis chapter 1, and 2,570 times in the Old Testament in reference to God as Creator (see: Genesis 1:1,2; Psalm. 100:3; etc.).

Ps 100:3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

The most common word is “Elohim” which is in fact a combination of “El” (Strong One) and “Elah” (to swear), and literally means “Faithful, Strong One.” Hebrew scholars inform us that the word “Elohim” is “uni-plural,” meaning the same word is used in a singular and plural sense. This sense is accurately brought out in our English Bible in:

Genesis 1:26 – plural. Genesis 1:27 – singular.

Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

II. THE PRIMARY NAME “LORD”

Where the Old Testament has the word LORD (printed in all upper case letters) it is a translation of the Hebrew word “Jehovah.” Where the Old Testament has the word “Lord” (printed with lower case letters) it is a translation of the Hebrew word “Adonai.” When the name “GOD” is capitalized, it also indicates “Adonai.” Where the word “Lord” appears in the New Testament it is a translation of the Greek word “kurios” (kurioß).

A. THE NAME “JEHOVAH”

The Hebrew word actually appears as “JHWH”. This word is sometimes called the ‘tetragranimaton’. There is considerable interest in the correct pronunciation of the Name based on the assumption that, because Hebrew was written without vowels and because the Jews would not speak the Name of God out of fear, the correct vocalization was lost. This is a false assumption, upon which critical scholars have attempted to ‘re-discover’ the divine Name through various unfounded speculations. God has preserved His words – every ‘jot and tittle” (diacritical marks) – and this preservation has come down to us through the Masoretic Hebrew text. The so-called tetragrammaton is “Jehovah,” which is translated into English as LORD.

“Jehovah” is the relative Name of deity, and designates personality. It is used to indicate the special relation of deity to man, first appearing in Genesis 2:4 compounded with Elohim.

Gen 2:4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens,

“Jehovah” is also the covenant Name of God, and, strictly speaking, the only “Name” of deity. While the Name “Jehovah” is used throughout the Book of Genesis, its meaning was not revealed until Exodus 3:13,14. See: Exodus 6:3.

Ex 3:13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

Ex 6:3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

“I AM THAT I AM” is the meaning of the Name Jehovah. In other words, Jehovah is the “self existent One,” the “One without beginning or ending,” the “Alpha and Omega.”

The word “JHWH” comes from the Hebrew root word “hayah,” which means “to become.” This indicates continuous self-revelation. Thus we may define “Jehovah” as “The Self Existent One Who reveals Himself”. It is the Name that describes the character of God. The name Jehovah appears over 1,700 times in the Old Testament. All that the Name “Jesus” means to us, “Jehovah” meant to Israel. In fact, the New Testament teaches very clearly that Jesus is Jehovah.

John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

“Jesus” is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew “Joshua”. Joshua, or “Je-hoshua” means “Jehovah-Saviour.”

B. THE WORD “ADONAI”

This is the possessive Name of Deity, denoting sovereignty, and primarily means “master.” As such, it is applied also to men; e.g. Genesis 18:12; I Peter 3:6.

Gen 18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

1 Peter 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

This word is found over 400 times in the Old Testament.

C. THE WORD “KURIOS”

The word “Lord” in the New Testament is used of God in the context of both “Lord” (Master) and “LORD”

(Jehovah). Compare the following Old Testament and New Testament scriptures to note this important point:

Isa 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Matt 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

III. THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE PRIMARY NAMES OF GOD TO THE BELIEVER

Elohim – the One Who made me (position Creator)

Jehovah – the One Who saved me (personality Covenant)

Adonai – the One Who owns me (possession Master)

IV. COMPOUNDS OF THE PRIMARY NAMES OF GOD

There are two compound Names used in the Old Testament:

A. Lord God – Jehovah Elohim. (Genesis 2:4)

B. Lord God – Adonai Jehovah. (Genesis 15:2)

Gen 2:4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens,

Gen 15:2 And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?

Note: that common to both these compound Names is the Name “Jehovah.” In God we see the personality and relationship of the Creator. In ‘Lord God’ we see the personality and relationship of the sovereign.

We can have a personal relationship with the Creator and King.

V. THE “EL” APPELLATIVES

There are several adjectival compounds applied to the word “Elohim,” which help to emphasize certain aspects of deity.

A. ALMIGHTY GOD

Gen 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

This is translated from the Hebrew “El Shaddai.” The word “Shaddai” comes from the word “shad” meaning “breast,” and means “breasted.” Hence the term El Shaddai literally means the “Nourisher,” “Strength Giver,” etc.

B. THE MOST HIGH GOD

Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

This is translated from the Hebrew “El Elyon.” The word “elyon” means “high.”

C. EVERLASTING GOD

Gen 21:33 And Abraham planted a grove in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.

This is translated from the Hebrew “El Olam.” The word “olam” means “an indefinite period.”

Note: The names, “El-Elohe-Israel,” “El-Roi,” and “El-Bethel,” found in the book of Genesis are locations, not Names for God.

VI. THE “JEHOVAH” APPELLATIVES

There are two compound Names of LORD (Jehovah) which relate to His deity, and seven titles which relate to man and our redemption in Christ.

A. COMPOUND NAMES REVEALING DEITY:

1. The Lord Of Hosts – I Samuel 1:3. This Name is translated from the Hebrew “Jehovah Sabaoth.” Primarily the term “hosts” refers to the spirit world, and in a secondary way to the armies of men. It is a military term, revealing the mighty power of God.

2. The Lord Most High – Psalm 7:17; 97:9. This is translated from the Hebrew “Jehovah Elyon.” It means “the Transcendent One.”

B. COMPOUND NAMES REVEALING REDEMPTION:

These “Jehovah titles” show the Lord meeting every need of man. The seven titles are as follows:

1. Jehovah-Jireh.

Gen 22:13,14 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.

This means “The Lord will provide” (a sacrifice). Just as God provided a substitute for Isaac on the altar of sacrifice, so in Christ, God has provided the perfect sacrifice for sinners. Jehovah Jireh is the Name of Provision.

2. Jehovah-Rapha.

Ex 15:26 If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which i have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

This means “The LORD that healeth.” Truly God is our saving health He heals the sinner, binds the brokenhearted, soothes the troubled soul. Jehovah Rapha is the Name of Preservation.

3. Jehovah-Nissi.

Ex 17:15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi.

It is important to read the context of the above passage in Scripture. Amalek is a picture of the flesh, and the battle between Israel and the Amalekites typifies the spiritual warfare between the believer’s two natures. Only God can give the victory. This title means, “The LORD our banner.” Jehovah Nissi is the Name of Victory.

4. Jehovah-Shalom.

Jdg 6:24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD and called it Jehovah-shalom.

The word “shalom” means peace; thus this title means “The LORD our peace.” Jehovah Shalom is the Name of Peace.

5. Jehovah-Ra-ah.

Ps 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

This means “The LORD is my shepherd.” Jehovah Ra-ah is the Name of Guidance.

6. Jehovah-Tsidkenu.

Jer 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

This Name is revealed from a prophetic passage of the Word of God dealing with the future restoration and salvation of Israel. Jehovah Tsidkenu is the Name of Imputed Righteousness.

7. Jehovah-Shammah.

Ez 48:35 It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.

This means, “The LORD is there” (present). This particular verse is referring to the Millennial city of the Great king. Jehovah Shammah is the Name of Personal Presence.

Note: In all these “Jehovah titles,” we see our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our substitute, bearing sin’s punishment; healing us from sin; making us to stand righteous in Him before a Holy God; He gives us The Doctrine of God victory over sin; brings peace within our hearts; is always present to guide us.

VII. THE NEW TESTAMENT “JEHOVAH” TITLES

These are titles given to Christ, Who used the term “I AM” to declare His deity.

Jn 8:58,59 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him...

Rv 1:8,18 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty ... I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

They are taken from the Gospel of John which is the “Gospel of Deity.”

A. “I AM The Bread Of Life” – John 6:48

B. “I AM The Light Of The World” – John 8:12.

C. “I AM The Door” — John 10:7,9.

D. “I AM The Good Shepherd” — John 10:11.

E. “I AM The Resurrection And The Life” — John 11:25.

F. “I AM The Way, The Truth, And The Life” – John 14:6.

G. “I AM The Vine” — John 15:1.

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