What does the Bible say about the names of God?
The Bible uses many names to describe God, each revealing a different part of who He is.
From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals Himself in powerful and personal ways. His names are more than labels; they are declarations of His nature. In Exodus 3:14, God introduces Himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM” (YHWH), showing His eternal, self-existent nature.
In the Psalms, He is “my refuge and my fortress” (Psalm 91:2), offering security and peace. Isaiah calls Him “Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), while Revelation calls Him the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8), the beginning and the end.
God’s names reflect His love, justice, holiness, and grace. Each one brings a fuller picture of the One who created and sustains all things.
How many names of God are in Scripture?
There are over 100 names and titles of God found throughout the Bible.
While not all are unique names, many are titles or descriptions that highlight a specific attribute of God. For example, Elohim (Genesis 1:1) is the first name mentioned, revealing God as Creator.
Others include:
- El Elyon – God Most High
- El Roi – The God Who Sees
- Adonai – Lord or Master
- Yahweh Nissi – The Lord is My Banner
Each name reveals how God interacts with humanity, especially His covenant people. The wide variety of names shows how limitless His character is—loving, just, merciful, powerful, and present.
Why are the names of God important to believers?
Knowing God’s names strengthens faith, prayer, and worship.
Each name gives believers a specific truth to hold onto. If you’re seeking healing, knowing God as Jehovah Rapha (“The Lord Who Heals”) brings comfort. If you’re facing fear, calling Him Jehovah Shalom (“The Lord Is Peace”) reminds you He is with you.
God’s names help us pray with more confidence and trust. They serve as reminders that He is always more than enough for whatever we face.
In short, the names of God are invitations—to know Him more deeply, trust Him more fully, and worship Him more truly.
What are the Hebrew names of God and their meanings?
Here are foundational Hebrew names of God and their meanings:
- Elohim – “God,” the Creator (Genesis 1:1)
- El Elyon – “God Most High” (Genesis 14:18–20)
- El Shaddai – “God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1)
- El Roi – “The God Who Sees” (Genesis 16:13)
- Adonai – “Lord, Master” (Psalm 8:1)
- YHWH (Yahweh) – “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14)
These names express God’s holiness, authority, provision, and mercy.
They were not just theological terms but were used in real moments of worship, grief, and celebration.
What do the compound names of God reveal about Him?
The compound names combine “Yahweh” with descriptive terms that reflect God’s actions and presence.
Some key examples include:
- Yahweh Yireh (Jehovah Jireh) – The Lord Will Provide
- Yahweh Rapha – The Lord Who Heals
- Yahweh Nissi – The Lord Is My Banner
- Yahweh Shalom – The Lord Is Peace
- Yahweh Tsidkenu – The Lord Our Righteousness
- Yahweh Sabaoth – The Lord of Hosts
- Yahweh Shammah – The Lord Is There
These names come from moments of divine revelation and show that God is intimately involved in our lives.
What names of God appear in the Psalms?
The Psalms are filled with God’s names and titles, reflecting deep trust.
- Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my Shepherd”
- Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength”
- Psalm 91:2 – “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust”
- Psalm 18:2 – “My rock, my fortress, my deliverer”
These names aren’t just poetic—they are personal.
They show how people through history turned to God for strength, hope, and rescue.
What are the names of God in the New Testament?
In the New Testament, God is revealed through Jesus Christ with names such as:
- Abba – “Father” (Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15)
- Immanuel – “God With Us” (Matthew 1:23)
- Theos – Greek for “God”
- Kurios – “Lord”
- Soter – “Savior”
- Logos – “The Word” (John 1:1)
Each points to the closeness and saving nature of God through Christ.
What does the name “Immanuel” mean?
Immanuel means “God with us.”
First mentioned in Isaiah 7:14 and fulfilled in Matthew 1:23, it confirms God’s desire to dwell among His people through Jesus.
It is not only a name—it’s a promise that God has come close to humanity.
What name did Jesus use for God the Father?
Jesus often called God “Abba,” meaning “Father.”
In Mark 14:36, He prayed, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you.” This term expresses deep intimacy and childlike trust.
What does the name “El Shaddai” tell us about God?
El Shaddai means “God Almighty.”
It appears in Genesis 17:1 when God promises Abraham descendants. The name shows God’s sufficiency and power to do the impossible.
How is the name “Yahweh” different from other names of God?
Yahweh is God’s personal, covenant name—used over 6,800 times in the Old Testament.
It is rooted in Exodus 3:14, where God says, “I AM WHO I AM.”
It signifies eternal existence, unchanging nature, and faithful presence.
What does “Jehovah Jireh” mean in everyday life?
Jehovah Jireh means “The Lord Will Provide.”
In Genesis 22:14, Abraham named the place where God provided a ram in place of Isaac.
Today, it assures us that God sees and provides what we truly need.
What is the meaning of “Jehovah Rapha”?
Jehovah Rapha means “The Lord Who Heals.”
In Exodus 15:26, God promises healing to His people if they obey Him.
It shows His power over sickness—both physical and spiritual.
What is “Jehovah Nissi” and what does it teach us?
Jehovah Nissi means “The Lord Is My Banner.”
Moses used this name in Exodus 17:15 after God gave Israel victory over Amalek.
It means God leads and protects in battles.
What is the significance of “Jehovah Shalom”?
Jehovah Shalom means “The Lord Is Peace.”
Gideon used this name in Judges 6:24 after meeting the Angel of the Lord.
It speaks of God’s calming presence in troubled times.
What does “Jehovah Tsidkenu” say about God’s character?
Jehovah Tsidkenu means “The Lord Our Righteousness.”
Jeremiah 23:6 declares this name, pointing to the future reign of the Messiah.
It assures us that righteousness comes from God alone.
What does “Jehovah Sabaoth” reveal about God’s power?
Jehovah Sabaoth means “The Lord of Hosts.”
Used in 1 Samuel 1:3 and Psalm 24:10, it shows God’s command over angelic armies.
It emphasizes His absolute power and authority.
How is God’s name used in Revelation?
In Revelation, God is “Alpha and Omega” (Revelation 1:8), the beginning and the end.
He is also called Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11) and King of Kings (Revelation 19:16).
These names affirm His eternal rule and final victory.
Are the names of God still relevant today?
Yes—completely.
Each name reminds us that God doesn’t change. His love, mercy, power, and justice remain the same.
When we know His names, we remember who He is in every situation.
What can we learn by studying the names of God?
Studying God’s names helps us know Him more personally.
Each name reveals a part of His character.
They bring comfort in grief, strength in battle, and joy in worship.
They are not just history—they are hope.
📚 Shop Our Favorite Ancient Texts
📖 The Book of Enoch 👉 https://amzn.to/4eCzsjj
📖 The Apocrypha Master Collection 👉https://amzn.to/3GvKWbM
📖 Ethiopian Bible in English (Complete 88 Books) 👉 https://amzn.to/45ToL9L
📖 The Book of Giants 👉https://amzn.to/44BDLqm
📖 The Dead Sea Scrolls Bible 👉 https://amzn.to/3Tp1ViV
📖 The book of Lilith 👉 https://amzn.to/4lA7Zkt
Also read more of our Insights here