Throughout our Names of God series, we will touch on many of these names and why they are important. Knowing and understanding the different names for God is so valuable in developing an even stronger relationship with Him. Through knowing His names, we get to learn more about the truth of who He is.
Elohim
God the Creator
‘In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.’
Genesis 1:1
Elohim is God the Creator. He created everything; Heaven, earth, plants, animals, people, oceans, mountains, and everything in between. God the Creator is all-powerful.
‘ The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.’
Psalms 19:1
Elohim comes from two Hebrew words; El, meaning strength and unlimited power, and allah, meaning to keep a promise. God is the all-powerful creator and keeper of promises, and God makes us a lot of very important promises.
By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
Hebrews 11:3
Patēr
Father
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
John 14:9
God the Father is one of the most familiar names for God. It is a reference to God as the Father in the Holy Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is our Father in Heaven. He cares for us as His children. God the Father disciplines, provides, and guides. God the Father is our powerful protective parent. He is the disciplinarian who corrects us and works to set us on the right path with love and compassion.
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Matthew 6:9
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
Psalm 103:13
Abba Father
Daddy
‘And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” ‘
Mark 14:36
Not only is God our Heavenly Father, but His name Abba Father is a name given by only two people in scripture; Jesus and the apostle Paul. This name indicates the deep, compassionate parent-child relationship we have with Abba Father. He loves us as a Father loves his children, and wants us to come to Him for refuge, guidance, and nurturing. Abba Father shows us the deep compassion He has for us, and though we are messed up, broken people He never disowns us. He loves us deeply and adopts us as His children.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 8:15
LORD (Yahweh or Jehovah)
Personal, the most intimate name God gave Himself
For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him.
1 Samuel 1:27
Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.
Genesis 2:7
Listen closely, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see. Hear the words that Sennacherib has sent to mock the living God.
2 Kings 19:16
This name for God is the most personal name that He assigned Himself. It is a name that speaks to His goodness and sovereignty. There are a couple of translations for LORD, though. This is all capital meaning Yahweh in Hebrew and Jehovah in Latin. It directly means The Self-Existent One who has always been and will always be. In the Jewish culture, this name is so sacred it is scarcely said. When using this name for God, we recognize the almighty strength and power He has in our lives.
The Lord is my Shepherd (Yahweh Rohi)
God who provides loving care.
‘ The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.’
Psalms 23:1
Yahweh Rohi means Yahweh Cherishes; the LORD is my Shepherd. Yahweh Rohi provides for our needs. Not only that but He takes pleasure in providing for us. With Yahweh Rohi we shall not lack anything we need. He loves and cherishes the opportunity to bless His children and give them what they need.
The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Psalm 34:10
God is a loving, powerful, protective Father who provides for and loves His children deeply and unconditionally. There is no end to His love and help. There is so much more to learn through His many other names as well, which we will dive into through our May series “Names of God”. Don’t miss it in the coming 3 weeks!
