Holy Bible Online 
In the Bible, God is called by many names and titles. But it’s important to know that He also has a personal name, just like each of us. God uses His name to introduce Himself in a special way. Let’s explore the names of God in the Bible and their meanings.
YHWH or Yahweh
YHWH or YHVH is the name attributed to God in the Torah and the Old Testament. With origins in ancient Hebrew, the name YHWH means something like "I Am Who I Am" or "I Will Be Who I Will Be".
The first reference to this name was when God revealed Himself to Moses on Mount Horeb: “God said to Moses, “I am who I am.This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ (Exodus 3:14).
The name YHWH is considered sacred by Jews, and the exact pronunciation is unknown. Later, vowels were added, leading to the Hebrew name Yahweh and Jehovah.
Jehovah or Yahweh
The name Jehovah is the translation of the Hebrew name Yahweh. In both cases, the meaning refers to the expression LORD. Some older translations, such as the King James Version (KJV), use the form Jehovah, while the name Yahweh is used in a few modern Bible translations.
The name Jehovah is often combined with titles of God. These titles reveal God's qualities, helping us understand who He is.
- Jehovah Jireh: "The Lord Will Provide," from the original Yahweh-yir'eh – Genesis 22:14
- Jehovah Rapha: "The Lord Who Heals" or "The Lord Who Heals," from the original Yahweh Raph'eka – Exodus 15:26
- Jehovah Nissi: "The Lord Is My Banner," from the original Yahweh-nisi – Exodus 17:15
- Jehovah Shamah (Shammah or Samá): "The Lord Is Here" or "The Lord Is Present," from the original Yahweh-shamah – Ezekiel 48:35
- Jehovah Shalom: "The Lord Is Peace," from the original Yahweh-shalom – Judges 6:24
- Jehovah Sabaoth (Sabaot, Sabaoth, or Tzevaoth): "The Lord of Hosts" or "Lord of the Heavenly Armies," from the original Yahweh-tseva'ot – 1 Samuel 1:3
- Jehovah Tsidkenu (or Tsidquenu): "The Lord Our Righteousness," from the original Yahweh-tsidqenu – Jeremiah 23:6
- Jehovah Elohim Yisra'el: "The Lord is the God of Israel," from the original Jehovah Elohe Yisra'el – Judges 5:3
- Jehovah Kadesh (M'Kadesh, Mekaddesh, or Mecadishkem): "The Lord Who Sanctifies," from the original Yahweh-meqaddishkhem – Leviticus 20:8
- Jehovah Raah: "The Lord Is My Shepherd" or "The Lord Is My Guide," from the original Yahweh-Raah – Psalm 23:1
- Jehovah Nakeo: "The Lord Who Completely Destroys Evil," from the original Yahweh-Nakeo – Ezekiel 7:9
- Jehovah Elyon: "The Lord Most High," "The Highest," "Strongest of the Strong," from the original El Elyon – Isaiah 14:13
- Jehovah El Gmolan (or Gmola): "The Lord Who Rewards," from the original Yahweh-El Gmolan – Jeremiah 51:56
LORD
LORD is an approximate translation of the name YHWH, aiming to reflect its essential characteristics of sovereignty. As the Creator of all things, God holds complete authority over everything and everyone, and this name expresses the power attributed to Him.
Adonai
The Hebrew name Adonai means "Lord" or "My Lord" in English. The name Adonai is used to acknowledge God's supreme position as the absolute Lord over everything.
Elohim
In the Bible, the word Elohim is the plural form of the Hebrew word Eloah, meaning "God." The name Elohim highlights the plurality of God, referring to the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Father
Technically, 'father' is a form of address, not a name. However, the use of this word in the New Testament is frequent and noteworthy. The fact is that Jesus calls God "Father," showing the bond between the two. Additionally, the apostle Paul teaches believers that we are now adopted children, and God is our heavenly Father.
El Shaddai
El Shaddai in the Bible is a Hebrew term meaning "God Almighty." It reflects God's omnipotence, representing God as the provider, sustainer, and all-powerful one. This expression is used to emphasize God's strength and sufficiency.
El Elyon
El Elyon in the Bible is a Hebrew term meaning "God Most High." It reflects God's supremacy and exaltation over all. Used in Genesis 14:18-20, it highlights God's sovereignty and His superior position.
El Olam
El Olam in the Bible is a Hebrew term meaning "Everlasting God" or "God Forever." It emphasizes God's eternity and constancy. Used in Genesis 21:33, it underscores the unchanging and perpetual nature of the Lord.
El Roi
El Roi in the Bible is a Hebrew term meaning "The God Who Sees." Found in Genesis 16:13, it highlights God's omniscience and His ability to see all things.
Emmanuel
The name Emmanuel originates from the Hebrew "Immanu'El," meaning "God with us." It is mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in Isaiah 7:14, as part of the prophecy of the birth of Jesus. Therefore, Emmanuel symbolizes the promise of the Savior who came to be present with and guide humanity.
Kyrios
In the Bible, Kyrios is a Greek word meaning "Lord" or "Master." In the New Testament, the word Kyrios is often used to refer to God or Jesus Christ as sovereign and holder of authority.
Theos
In the Bible, Theos is a Greek word meaning "God." This designation is commonly found in the Greek translation of the Bible, known as the Septuagint.
Jesus
We cannot forget that Jesus is God, and this is His name. An angel of God told Jesus' parents, Mary and Joseph, to give Him this name (Matthew 1:20-21). This shows that God the Father chose the name of Jesus Christ, acting as a good father. This is very special and profound.
The name of Jesus carries great power and authority. It is by His name that He instructs us to make our requests, and it is to His name that all people will bow (Philippians 2:10).
In the New Testament, God Himself came into the world in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus declared Himself to be the "I AM," revealing His identity with YHWH on multiple occasions.
- I am the way, the truth, and the life – John 14:6
- I am the good shepherd – John 10:11
- I am the light of the world – John 8:12
- I am the bread of life – John 6:35
- I am the true vine – John 15:1
- I am the door – John 10:7
- I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End – Revelation 22:13
Holy Spirit
Just like Jesus, the Holy Spirit is also God. The Father, Son, and Spirit are one God. The Holy Spirit has several variations of names, see which ones they are:
- Spirit of God (Romans 8:14)
- Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9)
- Spirit of the Father (Matthew 10:20)
- Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)
- Spirit of wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17)
- Spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15)
- Spirit of sanctification (Romans 1:4)
- Spirit of life (Romans 8:10)
- Spirit of meekness (1 Corinthians 4:21)
- Spirit of comfort (Acts 9:31)
Learn more about the names of God: