The Names of God and Their Meaning

The names of God are rich in meaning and reveal different aspects of His character, nature, and attributes. Each name reflects a facet of God’s divine essence, providing believers with a greater understanding of who He is. These names are not just titles but spiritual insights that can deepen our relationship with God and enhance our prayer life. By understanding and invoking the names of God, we can experience His presence more intimately and be reminded of His power, provision, and love.

In this post, we will explore 30 Hebrew and Aramaic names of God, their meanings, biblical references, and how you can use each name in prayer to draw closer to Him.

Elohim (Hebrew)

Meaning: The Creator, The Strong One
Biblical Reference: Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning, God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth.”
Elohim is the first name of God revealed in the Bible. It emphasizes God's majesty as the Creator and His power over all things. This name reminds us of God's ability to create everything from nothing and His sovereign control over the universe.
Prayer Use: When you pray using the name Elohim, acknowledge God as the Creator of all things, and express your awe and trust in His creative power to work in your life.

Yahweh (Hebrew)

Meaning: I Am That I Am, The Eternal One
Biblical Reference: Exodus 3:14
“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you.”’”
Yahweh is God’s personal name, highlighting His eternal, self-existent nature. It shows God as unchanging and ever-present.
Prayer Use: When you pray to Yahweh, acknowledge His eternal and unchanging nature. Call on Yahweh to bring stability and assurance in times of uncertainty.

Adonai (Hebrew)

Meaning: Lord, Master
Biblical Reference: Psalm 8:1
“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens!”
Adonai highlights God’s authority over all creation. It reflects His sovereignty and lordship.
Prayer Use: Use Adonai to acknowledge God’s sovereignty in your life. Ask for His guidance as your Lord and Master in all circumstances.

El Shaddai (Hebrew)

Meaning: God Almighty, The All-Sufficient One
Biblical Reference: Genesis 17:1
“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am Almighty God (El Shaddai); walk before Me and be blameless.’”
El Shaddai speaks of God’s omnipotent power and His ability to meet every need.
Prayer Use: When you pray using El Shaddai, ask God to provide for your needs and to show His power in your life.

El Elyon (Hebrew)

Meaning: The Most High God
Biblical Reference: Psalm 78:35
“And they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God (El Elyon) their Redeemer.”
El Elyon emphasizes God’s supreme position above all gods and rulers.
Prayer Use: Invoke El Elyon when you need to submit to God’s highest authority and trust in His supremacy over all challenges.

El Roi (Hebrew)

Meaning: The God Who Sees
Biblical Reference: Genesis 16:13
“Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, ‘You are the God who sees’ (El Roi); for she said, ‘Have I also here seen Him who sees me?’”
El Roi reveals God’s awareness of our struggles and His constant care.
Prayer Use: Use El Roi to remind yourself that God sees every situation in your life, no matter how hidden or unnoticed.

Jehovah Jireh (Hebrew)

Meaning: The Lord Will Provide
Biblical Reference: Genesis 22:14
“And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide (Jehovah Jireh); as it is said to this day, ‘In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.’”
Jehovah Jireh speaks of God as the provider of all needs.
Prayer Use: When you are in need, call on Jehovah Jireh to provide for your every need.

Jehovah Rapha (Hebrew)

Meaning: The Lord Who Heals
Biblical Reference: Exodus 15:26
“He said, ‘If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you (Jehovah Rapha).’”
Jehovah Rapha emphasizes God’s power to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Prayer Use: Pray to Jehovah Rapha for healing in your life, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.

Jehovah Nissi (Hebrew)

Meaning: The Lord is My Banner
Biblical Reference: Exodus 17:15
“And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner (Jehovah Nissi).”
Jehovah Nissi reveals God as our protector and source of victory in battle.
Prayer Use: Call on Jehovah Nissi when facing battles, asking God to be your strength and victory.

Jehovah Shalom (Hebrew)

Meaning: The Lord is Peace
Biblical Reference: Judges 6:24
“So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace (Jehovah Shalom).”
Jehovah Shalom is a reminder that true peace comes only from God.
Prayer Use: When you are anxious or troubled, pray to Jehovah Shalom to grant you peace in your heart and mind.

Jehovah Tsidkenu (Hebrew)

Meaning: The Lord Our Righteousness
Biblical Reference: Jeremiah 23:6
“In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness (Jehovah Tsidkenu).”
Jehovah Tsidkenu refers to God as the source of righteousness for His people.
Prayer Use: Use this name when you seek to be clothed in God’s righteousness and to live according to His will.

Jehovah Mekoddishkem (Hebrew)

Meaning: The Lord Who Sanctifies
Biblical Reference: Exodus 31:13
“Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you (Jehovah Mekoddishkem).’”
Jehovah Mekoddishkem emphasizes God's work of sanctification in His people.
Prayer Use: Pray to Jehovah Mekoddishkem to help you live a holy and sanctified life, set apart for His service.

El Gibbor (Hebrew)

Meaning: Mighty God
Biblical Reference: Isaiah 9:6
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God (El Gibbor), Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
El Gibbor reveals God’s might and strength, particularly in His ability to deliver and save.
Prayer Use: Pray to El Gibbor for strength and deliverance in times of difficulty or spiritual warfare.

El Olam (Hebrew)

Meaning: The Everlasting God
Biblical Reference: Isaiah 40:28
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God (El Olam), the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.”
El Olam reminds us that God is eternal, unchanging, and limitless in His wisdom and strength.
Prayer Use: Use El Olam in your prayers when you need to reflect on God’s eternal nature and trust in His unending presence.

Rohi (Hebrew)

Meaning: The Lord is My Shepherd
Biblical Reference: Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Rohi emphasizes God’s care, guidance, and protection as a shepherd tends to His sheep.
Prayer Use: Pray to Rohi when you seek direction, provision, and care from God, trusting Him as your shepherd.

Melek (Hebrew)

Meaning: King

Biblical Reference: Psalm 24:10

"Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory." Melek emphasizes God's kingship over all the earth. It highlights His rule and reign as sovereign over the universe.

Prayer Use:
You can pray, “Melek, You are the King of glory. I submit to Your rule and ask that Your kingdom come and Your will be done in my life.”

Savior

Meaning: Deliverer, Rescuer

Biblical Reference: Luke 2:11

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." The title of Savior speaks to Jesus’ mission to rescue humanity from sin and death. He is the Deliverer, who brings salvation to all who trust in Him.

Prayer Use:
You can pray, “Savior, thank You for delivering me from sin. I place my faith in You as my Savior, and I trust in Your ability to save and restore.”

Immanuel (Hebrew)

Meaning: God With Us

Biblical Reference: Matthew 1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us.’” Immanuel is a name that signifies God's presence among His people. It assures believers that God is not distant but dwells with His people.

Prayer Use:
In times of loneliness or difficulty, you can pray, “Immanuel, I thank You for being with me. I know You are always near, and I trust Your presence will guide and comfort me.”

Rock

Meaning: Foundation, Stronghold

Biblical Reference: Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." The name Rock symbolizes God as a foundation and refuge. He is a solid and unmovable source of strength for His people.

Prayer Use:
You can pray, “Rock of Ages, I stand firm upon Your strength. You are my refuge and my fortress, and I trust You to be my unshakable foundation.”

Kadosh (Hebrew)

Meaning: Holy

Biblical Reference: Isaiah 6:3 "And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!’” Kadosh means that God is utterly set apart, pure, and perfect in every way. It highlights His holiness, which is central to His nature.

Prayer Use:
In worship, you can pray, “Kadosh, I stand in awe of Your holiness. You are perfect in all Your ways, and I honor You for Your pure and holy nature.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the names of God in the Bible reveal different facets of His character and His relationship with humanity. From being our Provider, Healer, and Protector to being the Eternal King and our source of peace, each name carries profound meaning and invites us into a deeper connection with Him. By meditating on these names, we can grow in our understanding of God's nature and experience His presence in various aspects of our lives.

As we incorporate these names into our prayers and worship, we acknowledge God's sovereignty, trust in His faithfulness, and seek His guidance, healing, and provision. Each name is a powerful reminder of the many ways in which God works in our lives, offering us strength, peace, and hope in all circumstances. Let these names inspire us to draw closer to God, knowing that He is ever-present, unchanging, and worthy of our deepest devotion and trust.