El Shad-di (Lord God Almighty)

El El-yone` (The Most High God)

Ad-o-noy (Lord, Master)
YHWH yah-weh yeh-ho-vaw (Lord)
YHWH yeh ho vaw Nis-see (The Lord My Banner, The Lord my Miracle)
YHWH yeh ho vaw raw aw Raah (The Lord My Shepherd)
YHWH Rapha (The Lord That Heals)
YHWH Shammah (The Lord Is There)
YHWH Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness)
YHWH Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You)
El Olam (The Everlasting God)
Elohim (God)
Qanna (Jealous)
YHWH Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)
YHWH Shalom (The Lord Is Peace)
YHWH Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)

INTRODUCTION
"Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above
the earth and heaven." Psa 148:13
In the Old Testament times, a name was not only identification, but an identity as well. Many
times a special meaning was attached to the name. Names had, among other purposes, an
explanatory purpose (e.g., Nabal, whose name means "fool," is the target of Abigail's
explanation to David: "For as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him:" -
1Sa 25:25). Throughout Scripture God reveals Himself to us through His names. When we
study these names that He reveals to us in the Bible, we will better understand who God
really is. The meanings behind God's names reveal the central personality 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, the Lord Who Will
Provide? Is He your Father? We must be careful not to make God into an "it" or a "thing" to
which we pray. He is our Jehovah Raah, the Lord our Shepherd. God knows us by our name,
shouldn't we know Him by His?
Hallowed be Your name?
To hallow a thing is to make it holy or to set it apart to be exalted as being worthy of absolute
devotion. To hallow the name of God is to regard Him with complete devotion and loving
admiration. God's name is of the utmost importance (Neh 9:5); therefore we ought reserve it
a position of grave significance in our minds and hearts. We should never take His name
lightly (Exd 20:7; Lev 22:32), but always rejoice in it and think deeply upon its true meaning.

EL SHADDAI (LORD GOD ALMIGHTY)

(el shad-di')
All-Sufficient One, Lord God Almighty
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament El Shaddai occurs 7 times. El Shaddai is first used
in Gen 17:1.
Variant spellings: None
TWOT Reference: 2333
Strong's Reference: H7706
El Shaddai in the Septuagint: theou saddai - God Shaddai; pantokratôr (for Shaddai) - the
Almighty
Meaning and Derivation: 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: Gen 17:1; Gen
28:3; Gen 35:11; Gen 43:14; Gen 48:3

(el el-yone')
The Most High God
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament El Elyon occurs 28 times. It occurs 19 times in
Psalms. El Elyon is first used in Gen 14:18.
El Elyon in the Septuagint: ho theos ho hupsistos - the God most high
Meaning and Derivation: 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."(Psa 57:2)
Further references of the name El Elyon in the Old Testament: Gen 14:18; Gen
14:19; Gen 14:20; Gen 14:22; Psa 57:2; Psa 78:35

(ad-o-noy')
Lord, Master
Use in the Bible: 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 Gen 15:2.
Variant spellings: None
TWOT Reference: 27b
Strong's Reference: h136
Adonai in the Septuagint: kurios - Lord, Master
Meaning and Derivation: 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. Exd 34:23). To avoid contravening the commandment "Thou shalt not
take the name of the LORD thy God in vain" (Exd 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.

(yah-weh)
Lord, Jehovah
Use in the Bible: 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.
Variant spellings: YHWH, Jehovah
TWOT Reference: 484a
Strong's Reference: H3068
Yahwehin the Septuagint: kurios - Lord, Master
despotês - Lord, Master, denoting the omnipotence of God (TDNT), despot, absolute ruler
Meaning and Derivation: 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" (Exd 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.

(yeh-ho-vaw' nis-see')
The Lord My Banner, The Lord My Miracle
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Nissi occurs only once in Exd 17:15.
Variant spellings: Jehovah Nisi; Jehovahnissi
TWOT Reference: None
Strong's Reference: H3071
Jehovah Nissi in the Septuagint: kurios kataphugê mou - the Lord is my refuge
Meaning and Derivation: 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 Nissiderived, means "banner" in Hebrew.
In Exd 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:Exd 17:15
JEHOVAH-RAAH (THE LORD MY SHEPHERD)
(yeh-ho-vaw' raw-aw')
The Lord My Shepherd
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Raah (The Lord my Shepherd) is used
in Psalm 23.
Variant spellings: Jehovah Rohi; Jehovah Ro'eh
TWOT Reference: 2185, 2186
Strong's Reference: H7462
Jehovah-Raah in the Septuagint: kurios poimainei me - the Lord shepherds me
Meaning and Derivation: 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 Raahderived, means "shepherd" in Hebrew. A
shepherd is one who feeds or leads his flock to pasture (Eze 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:Gen 48:15; Gen
49:24; Psa 23:1; Psa 80:1

JEHOVAH RAPHA (THE LORD WHO HEALS)

(yeh-ho-vaw' raw-faw')
The Lord That Heals
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord that Heals) is used in Exd
15:26.
Variant spellings: Jehovah-Rophe; Jehovah Rophecha; Jehovah Raphah
TWOT Reference: 2196
Strong's Reference: H7495
Jehovah Rapha in the Septuagint: kurios ho iômenos se - the Lord your healer
Meaning and Derivation: 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.Jer 30:17; Jer 3:22; Isa 30:26; Isa 61:1; Psa
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:Exd 15:26

JEHOVAH SHAMMAH (THE LORD IS THERE)

(yeh-ho-vaw' shawm'-maw)
The Lord Is There
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah Shammah occurs only once in Ezekiel
48:35.
Variant spellings: Jehovah Samma
TWOT Reference: None
Strong's Reference: H3074
Jehovah Shammah in the Septuagint: estai to onoma autês - the name thereof
Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord."
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.

(yeh-ho-vaw' tsid-kay'-noo)
The Lord Our Righteousness
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah Tsidkenu occurs 2 times. Jehovah
Tsidkenu is first used in Jer 23:6.
Variant spellings: Jehovah Tzidkaynu; Jehovah Tsidqenuw
Jehovah Tsidkenu in the Septuagint: kuriou tou theou hêmôn elalêsen pros hêmas - the
Lord our God spoke to us
Meaning and Derivation: . 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:Jer 33:6

(yeh-ho-vaw' M-qadash)
The Lord Who Sanctifies You, The Lord Who Makes Holy
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament YHWH M”kaddesh curs 2 times. Jehovah
Mekoddishkem is first used in Exd 31:13.
Variant spellings: Jehovah M'kaddesh
Jehovah Mekoddishkem in the Septuagint: kurios ho hagiazôn humas - the Lord that
sanctifies you
Meaning and Derivation: . 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: Exd
31:13; Lev 20:8

(el o-lawm')
The Everlasting God, The God of Eternity, The God of the Universe, The God of Ancient
Days
Use in the Bible: El Olam is first used in Gen 21:33.
El Olamin the Septuagint: [ho] theos [ho] aiônios - the everlasting God
Meaning and Derivation: 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: ; Jer 10:10; Isa 26:4

ELOHIM (GOD)
 (el-o-heem')
God, Judge, Creator
Use in the Bible: : In the Old Testament Elohim occurs over 2000 times. Elohim is first used
in Gen 1:1.
Elohim in the Septuagint: theos - the standard Greek word for god, "a transcendent being
who exercises extraordinary control in human affairs or is responsible for bestowal of unusual
benefits" (BDAG). It specifically refers to the monotheistic God of Israel.
Meaning and Derivation: 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.

QANNA (JEALOUS)
(kan-naw')
Jealous, Zealous
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Qanna occurs 6 times. Qanna is first used in Exd
20:5.
Variant spellings: Kanna
Qanna in the Septuagint: zêlôtês - jealous
Meaning and Derivation: 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. Exd 34:14)
Further references of the name Qanna in the Old Testament: Exd 34:14; Deu 4:24; Deu
5:9; Deu 6:15

(yeh-ho-vaw' yir-eh')
The Lord Will Provide
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Jireh occurs only once in Gen 22:14.
Jehovah Jireh in the Septuagint: kurios eiden - the Lord has seen
Meaning and Derivation: 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.

(yeh-ho-vaw' shaw-lome')
The Lord Is Peace
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Shalom occurs only once in Jdg 6:24.
Jehovah-Shalom in the Septuagint: eirênê kuriou - peace of the Lord
Meaning and Derivation: Meaning and Derivation: 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:Jdg 6:24
 (yeh-ho-vaw' se ba'ôt)
The Lord of Hosts, The Lord of Powers
Use in the Bible: Jehovah and Elohim occur with Sabaoth over 285 times. It is most
frequently used in Jeremiah and Isaiah. Jehovah Sabaoth is first used in 1Sa 1:3.
Jehovah Sabaoth in the Septuagint: kurios sabaôth - the Lord of hosts (sabaôth: Gr.
transliteration of Heb. "hosts")
Meaning and Derivation:
Sabaoth (se bâ'ôt) means "armies" or "hosts." Jehovah Sabaoth can be translated as "The
Lord of Armies" (1Sa 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. (Psa 24:9-
10; Psa 84:3; Isa 6:5).
Further references of the name Jehovah Sabaoth in the Old Testament:1Sa 1:11; 1Sa
17:45; 2Sa 6:18; 2Sa 7:27; 1Ki 19:14; 2Ki 3:14; 1Ch 11:9; Psa 24:10; Psa 48:8; Psa
80:4; Psa 80:19; Psa 84:3; Isa 1:24; Isa 3:15; Isa 5:16; Isa 6:5; Isa 9:19; Isa 10:26; Isa
14:22; Jer 9:15; Jer 48:1; Hsa 12:5; Amo 3:13; Mic 4:4; Nah 3:5; Hag 2:6; Zec 1:3; Mal
1:6; Hab 2:13; Zep 2:9

Praying that the lives of God's children may look different because people see
Jesus in us By Jonathan Rockey Faith

I started looking at the devotion book that St. John Lutheran will be using during Lent with many
others around the country – The Red Letter Challenge. “Red letters” point to the words and
teachings of Jesus, which in certain editions of the Bible are printed in red ink, in contrast to the
black ink used for the rest of the Bible. In the introduction to this devotion, author Zach Zehnder
asks the question, “Why is there no significant difference between the lives of those who call
themselves Christians and the rest of the world?” I’ve heard that assertion before. Sometimes
that statement seems true. Sometimes Christians don’t look any different than others. So the
question can be asked, “Does God, does Jesus make a difference?’

I would suggest that God’s children often do look different, and that can be both bad and good.
Some see Christians as judgmental and arrogant. When Christians focus on God’s law rather
than His forgiveness, and when Christians blindly forget their own sin but point to the failings of
others, that is contrary to the attitude of repentance and faith God desires in His people. But,
unfortunately, sometimes Christians can and do come across that way.

However, sometimes others ask God’s children, “How can you have peace when the world
around us is going crazy?” Sometimes God’s people know their sin, but also trust the Almighty
Good and Gracious Creator of the Universe, in spite of the chaos in our world. The attitudes of
repentance and faith created by God’s love don’t seem to make sense to someone who does not
know God’s forgiveness and salvation in Jesus. But, when a Christian can be honest about their
own failings, yet when they also know that in love God forgives us in this life, and He saves us
for eternal life in heaven, then all the noise of this world can be muted by thanks and praise to
God in our hearts. That is a good kind of difference!
In a devotion from Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer I read on Tuesday, January 26, he talked about
community and COVID, and pointed to Ephesians 3, a wonderful statement of how God makes a
difference in the life of His people.

‘What have we learned through the pandemic? The importance of community! Yes, but what
kind of community? For example, if a person believes the Q Anon conspiracy, there’s a
community for you. Or if someone believes gender is something you select, there’s a community
for you. If you haven’t bought into some cause, casually associating with whatever community
can draw you in. Even with social distancing, we’re not lacking for communities, but some
communities can be harmful to you and to society. Remember Jonestown in Guyana or the
Branch Davidians in Waco?

Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus. If you think about it, your congregation is a community
set amid other communities, but your congregation offers what other communities can’t. Read
what Paul said about the congregations in Ephesus and let it be your prayer for your
congregation.

“For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on
earth is named…” We don’t see much humility today, Your congregation models humility before
the great Creator. “… that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be
strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being…” Who doesn’t need inner
strength to face our troubled times? “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…”
Unlike the tribalism and division we see all about us, us against them, your congregation points
you to Jesus Christ, who is greater than the vanities of this world. “…so that Christ may dwell in
your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to
comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know
the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
What community online or in person offers the insights into life, the calmness of faith, the
welcome of love and the fullness of God that your congregation offers?

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think…” “Have good
cheer, little flock!” “…according to the power at work with us…” Good things happen when
you’re active in your congregation. “…to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen”’ (Ephesians 3:14-21). It’s a great time to be
the Church! (The Meyer Minute for January 26, 2021)

The writer of the Red Letter Challenge devotional book asks the question, “Why is there no
significant difference between the lives of those who call themselves Christians and the rest of
the world?” Our goal as the church of God is that, when Christ’s love lives in us, we are different
than we were before we knew His grace and salvation. Paul prayed that all the church would
know “. . . the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that
surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

My prayer for God’s church is that, as we are together in God’s Word, we may know “the
breadth and length and height and depth” of God’s love for us in Jesus. My prayer for the church
of God, for each of you and for myself, is that knowledge of God’s love changes our lives so we
live with attitudes of humility because of our own failings, but we also live in peace and joy
because of the love of God. My prayer for myself, and for each of us, is that when people look at
us, they see something different. My prayer is that they see Jesus in us.