16 Names of God & What They Mean

"Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His majesty is above earth and heaven." Psalm 148:13

In Old Testament times, names were given not only as an identification but many times a special meaning was attached to the name. All throughout Scripture God reveals Himself to us through His many names. When we study these names that He reveals, we better understand Who God is. The meanings behind His names reveal the character and nature of the One Who bears them.

Who is God to you? Is He your Most High God, All sufficient One, Master, Lord of Peace, Lord Who Will Provide? Is He your Father, you Jehovah Raah, the Lord your Shepherd?​​​

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1. El Shaddai el shad-di' Lord God Almighty
2. El Elyon el el-yone' The Most High God
3. Adonai ad-o-noy' Lord, Master
4. Yahweh yah-weh Lord, Jehovah
5. Jehovah Nissi yeh-ho-vaw' nis-see' The Lord My Banner
6. Jehovah-Raah yeh-ho-vaw' raw-aw' The Lord My Shepherd
7. Jehovah Rapha yeh-ho-vaw' raw-faw' The Lord That Heals
8. Jehovah Shammah yeh-ho-vaw' shawm'-maw The Lord Is There
9. Jehovah Tsidkenu yeh-ho-vaw' tsid-kay'-noo The Lord Our Righteousness
10. Jehovah Mekoddishkem yeh-ho-vaw' M-qadash The Lord Who Sanctifies You
11. El Olam el o-lawm' The Everlasting God
12. Elohim el-o-heem' God
13. Qanna kan-naw' Jealous
14. Jehovah Jireh yeh-ho-vaw' yir-eh' The Lord Will Provide
15. Jehovah Shalom yeh-ho-vaw' shaw-lome' The Lord Is Peace
16. Jehovah Sabaoth yeh-ho-vaw' se ba'ôt The Lord of Hosts

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EL SHADDAI el shad-di'
All-Sufficient One, Lord God Almighty

Use: In the Old Testament El Shaddai occurs 7 times. El Shaddai is first used in Genesis 17:1.

Meaning: El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. Another word much like Shaddai, and from which many believe it derived, is shad meaning "breast" in Hebrew (some other scholars believe that the name is derived from an Akkadian word Šadu, meaning "mountain," suggesting strength and power). This refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying His people with all their needs as a mother would her child. Connected with the word for God, El, this denotes a God who freely gives nourishment and blessing, He is our sustainer.

Further references of the name El Shaddai in the Old Testament: Genesis 17:1; Genesis 28:3; Genesis 35:11; Genesis 43:14; Genesis 48:3

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EL ELYON el el-yone'
The Most High God

Use: In the Old Testament El Elyon occurs 28 times. It occurs 19 times in Psalms. El Elyon is first used in Genesis 14:18.

Meaning: El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. Elyon literally means "Most High" and is used both adjectivally and substantively throughout the Old Testament. It expresses the extreme sovereignty and majesty of God and His highest preeminence. When the two words are combined - El Elyon - it can be translated as "the most exalted God."(Psalm 57:2)

Further references of the name El Elyon in the Old Testament: Genesis 14:18; Genesis 14:19; Genesis 14:20; Genesis 14:22; Psalm 57:2; Psalm 78:35

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ADONAI ad-o-noy'
Lord, Master

Use: In the Old Testament Adonai occurs 434 times. There are heavy uses of Adonai in Isaiah (e.g., Adonai Jehovah). It occurs 200 times in Ezekiel alone and appears 11 times in Daniel Chapter 9. Adonai is first used in Genesis 15:2.

Meaning: Adonai is the verbal parallel to Yahweh and Jehovah. Adonai is plural; the singular is adon. In reference to God the plural Adonai is used. When the singular adon is used, it usually refers to a human lord. Adon is used 215 times to refer to men. Occasionally in Scripture and predominantly in the Psalms, the singular adon is used to refer to God as well (cf. Exodus 34:23). To avoid contravening the commandment "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain" (Exodus 20:7), sometimes Adonai was used as a substitute for Yahweh (YHWH). Adonai can be translated literally as, "my lords' " (both plural and possessive).

Further references of the name Adonai in the Old Testament: Complete list available here.

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YAHWEH yah-weh
Lord, Jehovah

Use: In the Old Testament Yahweh occurs 6,519 times. This name is used more than any other name of God. Yahweh is first used in Gen 2:4.

Meaning: Yahweh is the promised name of God. This name of God which (by Jewish tradition) is too holy to voice, is actually spelled "YHWH" without vowels. YHWH is referred to as the Tetragrammaton (which simply means "the four letters"). YHWH comes from the Hebrew letters: Yud, Hay, Vav, Hay. While YHWH is first used in Genesis 2, God did not reveal Himself as YHWH until Exodus 3. The modern spelling as "Yahweh" includes vowels to assist in pronunciation. Many pronounce YHWH as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." We no longer know for certain the exact pronunciation. During the third century A.D., the Jewish people stopped saying this name in fear of contravening the commandment "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain" (Exodus 20:7). As a result of this, Adonai is occasionally a substitute for YHWH. The following compound names which start with "YHWH" have been shown using "Jehovah." This is due to the common usage of "Jehovah" in the English of these compound names in the early English translations of the Bible (e.g., the Geneva Bible, the King James Version, etc.).

Further references of the name Yahweh in the Old Testament: Complete list available here.

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JEHOVAH NISSI yeh-ho-vaw' nis-see'
The Lord My Banner, The Lord My Miracle

Use: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Nissi occurs only once in Exodus 17:15.

Meaning: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Nes (nês), from which Nissi derived, means "banner" in Hebrew. In Exodus 17:15, Moses, recognizing that the Lord was Israel's banner under which they defeated the Amalekites, builds an altar named Jehovah-Nissi (the Lord our Banner). Nes is sometimes translated as a pole with an insignia attached. In battle opposing nations would fly their own flag on a pole at each of their respective front lines. This was to give their soldiers a feeling of hope and a focal point. This is what God is to us: a banner of encouragement to give us hope and a focal point.

Further references of the name Jehovah Nissi in the Old Testament: Exodus 17:15

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JEHOVAH-RAAH yeh-ho-vaw' raw-aw'
The Lord My Shepherd

Use: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Raah (The Lord my Shepherd) is used in Psalm 23.

Meaning: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Rô'eh from which Raah derived, means "shepherd" in Hebrew. A shepherd is one who feeds or leads his flock to pasture (Ezekiel 34:11-15). An extend translation of this word, rea', is "friend" or "companion." This indicates the intimacy God desires between Himself and His people. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Raah - it can be translated as "The Lord my Friend."

Further references of the name Jehovah-Raah in the Old Testament: Genesis 48:15; Genesis 49:24; Psalm 23:1; Psalm 80:1

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JEHOVAH RAPHA yeh-ho-vaw' raw-faw'
The Lord That Heals

Use: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord that Heals) is used in Exodus 15:26.

Meaning: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Rapha (râpâ') means "to restore", "to heal" or "to make healthful" in Hebrew. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Rapha - it can be translated as "Jehovah Who Heals." (cf. Jeremiah 30:17; Jeremiah 3:22; Isaiah 30:26; Isaiah 61:1; Psalm 103:3). Jehovah is the Great Physician who heals the physical and emotional needs of His people.

Further references of the name Jehovah Rapha in the Old Testament: Exodus 15:26

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JEHOVAH SHAMMAH yeh-ho-vaw' shawm'-maw
The Lord Is There

Use: In the Old Testament Jehovah Shammah occurs only once in Ezekiel48:35.

Meaning: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Shammah is derived from the Hebrew word sham, which can be translated as "there." Jehovah Shammah is a symbolic name for the earthly Jerusalem. The name indicates that God has not abandoned Jerusalem, leaving it in ruins, but that there will be a restoration.

Further references of the name Jehovah Shammah in the Old Testament: Ezekiel 48:35

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JEHOVAH TSIDKENU yeh-ho-vaw' tsid-kay'-noo
The Lord Our Righteousness

Use: In the Old Testament Jehovah Tsidkenu occurs 2 times. Jehovah Tsidkenu is first used in Jeremiah 23:6.

Meaning: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Tsedek (tseh'-dek), from which Tsidkenu derived, means "to be stiff," "to be straight," or "righteous" in Hebrew. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Tsidkenu - it can be translated as "The Lord Who is our Righteousness."

Further references of the name Jehovah Tsidkenu in the Old Testament: Jeremiah 23:6; Jeremiah 33:16

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JEHOVAH MEKODDISHKEM yeh-ho-vaw' M-qadash
The Lord Who Sanctifies You, The Lord Who Makes Holy

Use: In the Old Testament Jehovah Mekoddishkem occurs 2 times. Jehovah Mekoddishkem is first used in Exodus 31:13.

Meaning: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Mekoddishkem derives from the Hebrew word qâdash meaning "sanctify," "holy," or "dedicate." Sanctification is the separation of an object or person to the dedication of the Holy. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Mekoddishkem - it can be translated as "The Lord who sets you apart."

Further references of the name Jehovah Mekoddishkem in the Old Testament: Exodus 31:13; Leviticus 20:8

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EL OLAM el o-lawm'
The Everlasting God, The God of Eternity, The God of the Universe, The God of Ancient Days

Use: El Olam is first used in Genesis 21:33.

Meaning: El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. Olam derives from the root word 'lm (which means "eternity"). Olam literally means "forever," "eternity," or "everlasting". When the two words are combined - El Olam - it can be translated as "The Eternal God."

Further references of the name El Olam in the Old Testament: Genesis 21:33; Jeremiah 10:10; Isaiah 26:4

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ELOHIM el-o-heem'
God, Judge, Creator

Use: In the Old Testament Elohim occurs over 2000 times. Elohim is first used in Genesis 1:1.

Meaning: Elohim is translated as "God." The derivation of the name Elohim is debatable to most scholars. Some believe it derived from 'êl which, in turn, originates from the root word, 'wl (which means "strong"). Others think that Elohim is derived from another two roots: 'lh (which means "god") in conjunction with 'elôah (which means "fear"). And still others presume that both 'êl and Elohim come from 'eloah.

Further references of the name Elohim in the Old Testament: Complete list available here.

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QANNA kan-naw'
Jealous, Zealous

Use: In the Old Testament Qanna occurs 6 times. Qanna is first used in Exodus 20:5.

Meaning: Qanna is translated as "jealous," "zealous," or "envy." The fundamental meaning relates to a marriage relationship. God is depicted as Israel's husband; He is a jealous God, wanting all our praise for Himself and no one else. (cf. Exodus 34:14)

Further references of the name Qanna in the Old Testament: Exodus 20:5; Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24; Deuteronomy 5:9; Deuteronomy 6:15

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JEHOVAH JIREH yeh-ho-vaw' yir-eh'
The Lord Will Provide

Use: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Jireh occurs only once in Genesis 22:14.

Meaning: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Jehovah-Jireh is a symbolic name given to Mount Moriah by Abraham to memorialize the intercession of God in the sacrifice of Isaac by providing a substitute for the imminent sacrifice of his son.

Further references of the name Jehovah Jireh in the Old Testament: Genesis 22:14

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JEHOVAH SHALOM yeh-ho-vaw' shaw-lome'
The Lord Is Peace

Use: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Shalom occurs only once in Judges 6:24.

Meaning: Meaning: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Shalom is a derivative of shâlêm (which means "be complete" or "sound") Shalom is translated as "peace" or "absence from strife." Jehovah-Shalom is the name of an altar built by Gideon in Ophrah.

Further references of the name Jehovah-Shalom in the Old Testament: Judges 6:24

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JEHOVAH SABAOTH yeh-ho-vaw' se ba'ôt
The Lord of Hosts, The Lord of Powers

​Use: Jehovah and Elohim occur with Sabaoth over 285 times. It is most frequently used in Jeremiah and Isaiah. Jehovah Sabaoth is first used in I Samuel 1:3.

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Meaning: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Sabaoth (se bâ'ôt) means "armies" or "hosts." Jehovah Sabaoth can be translated as "The Lord of Armies" (I Samuel 1:3). This name denotes His universal sovereignty over every army, both spiritual and earthly. The Lord of Hosts is the king of all heaven and earth. (Psalm 24:9-10; Psalm 84:3; Isaiah 6:5).

​Contents of this document sourced from Blue Letter Bible.

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Which of the 16 names of God is most precious to you today?