Names of God in the Bible
To Whom Should I Pray?
As a follower of Christ, I believe there is only one God—eternally existing as three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. When I pray, I direct my prayers to this one true God. Additionally, I may address Him using any of the names, titles, or descriptions found in the Old Testament (the TaNaK) and the New Testament that refer to God.
In the TaNaK (Old Testament), there are seven primary names for God, and seven prominent names or titles in the New Testament. Of special note is YHWH (Yahweh), the personal name of God, which appears more than 6,800 times in the Old Testament.Each of these names brings to mind specific aspects of God’s character, His actions, and His attributes. Together, they give us a rich and multifaceted picture of who He is. Yet even all these names combined cannot fully contain or describe the infinite majesty, holiness, and greatness of the Most High. Human words are simply too limited to capture the fullness of God.
The most common Greek and Hebrew name are listed below:
Hebrew
- יהוה (The Lord ‘God’, YHWH)
- (הַשֵּׁם) (The Name, Hashem ) everyday speech.
- אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה (I am that I am, ’eh·yeh;-’ă·šer-’eh·yeh)
- אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה (I am ’eh·yeh)
- אֵל (God, ale)
- אֱלֹהִ֑ים (God, ’ĕ·lō·hîm)
- אֲדֹנָ֣י (Lord, ’ă·ḏō·nāy)
- שַׁדַּ֔י (Almighty/sufficient, šad·day)
- צָבָא (Hosts/Armies, ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ,)
Greek
- εἰμί (i am, eimi)
- θεός (God, theos)
- κύριος (Lord, kurios)
- Ἰησοῦς (Jesus, Iésous)
- πατήρ (Father, pat-ayr’)
- Χριστός(Christ~Annionted”, khris-tos’)
- πνεύματος ἁγίου (Holy Spirit, pneumatos hagiou)
Additional Names
Getting to know the names of God brings us face to face with the One who is utterly holy and completely “Other.” From the majestic and awe-inspiring name YHWH—which many have hesitated to pronounce with unclean lips—to the tender and intimate Ἀββά ὁ Πατήρ (“Abba, Father”), a name filled with all the warmth, trust, and affection a child can have for a loving father.
When we thoughtfully consider and meditate on the names of God, our prayer life is wonderfully enriched and opened to new depths and possibilities.
Encountering God Through His Names
- Abir “Strong One” of Jacob or Israel;
- Lion of the Tribe of Judah
- King of Israel
- King of Kings
- Potentate
- Ruler of Creation
- Root of David
- Rose of Sharon
- Second Adam
- Seed of Abraham
- Seed of David
- Seed of the Woman
- Son of David
- Son of God
- Son of Man
- Son of Mary
- Son of the Most High –
- Nazarene
- קָדוֹשׁ – kaw-doshe’ – holy one (one of my favorites)
- Holy One of Israel
- Righteousness
- Son of Righteousness
- Ẓur (“Rock”) – Ẓur Yisrael “Rock of Israel
- Cornerstone
- Foundation
- Head of the Church
- Shem ha-Meyuḥad “the Extraordinary Name”
- Shem ha-Meforash “the Distinguished Name”
- Angel of the Lord –
- of Souls
- Day Star
- Glory of God
- ‘Attiḳ Yamin” the Ancient One of the universe
- Light of the World
- High Priest
- Priest
- Purifier
- Refiner
- Propitiation
- Comforter
- Mediator
- Shalom (“Peace”) is God’s name.
- Shelomoh God of Peace,
- Song of Solomon – Song of Songs God’s love toward the “Shulamite” (His people Israel)
- Prince of Peace
- Author and Perfecter of our Faith
- Guide
- Wonderful Counselor
- Advocate
- Messiah
- Emmanuel
- Fountain
- Vine
- Branch
- Gift of God
- Refuge
- Strong Tower
- Shepherd
- Gate sheep
- Everlasting Father
- “we-Ani” – Hillel – “If I am here everything is here”
- Master – Baali – בַּעְלִֽי׃
- Husband – Ishi – אִישִׁ֑י
- Alpha and Omega
- Bridegroom
- The Way
- The Truth
- The Life
- Resurrection
- The Word
- Logos
- Lamb of God
- First Fruits
- Passover Lamb
- Savior
- Lamb of God
- Redeemer
- Ransom
- Deliverer
- Sacrifice
- Horn of Salvation
- Bread of Life
- Witness
- Servant
- Carpenter
- Rabbi
- Teacher
- Physician
- Prophet
- Friend of Sinners