Exodus 3:14-15 NIV [14] 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.’ ” [15] God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ “This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.
The very first name God reveals to us in Scripture—Elohim. This name is found in Genesis, the book of the beginning, and we discover it in the very first verse: “In the beginning God [Elohim] created the heavens and the earth.”
Elohim is the first name used for God in the Bible. It is used exclusively to refer to God from Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 2:3, highlighting God as the powerful creator.
Jehovah-Jireh, a Hebrew phrase that literally means "The LORD Will Provide.
Genesis 22:14 NIV So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”
We also talked about the name Jehovah Rapha. Rapha: This Hebrew word means "to heal," "to restore," "to make whole," or "to mend." It encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Rapha conveys the idea of restoring something to its intended state.
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Exodus 15:26 NIV He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.
We studied the combination name Jehovah-Shalom.
Judges 6:21-24 (NKJV)21 Then the Angel of the LORD put out the end of the staff that was in His hand, and touched the meat and the unleavened bread; and fire rose out of the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. And the Angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.22 Now Gideon perceived that He was the Angel of the LORD. So Gideon said, "Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face."23 Then the LORD said to him, "Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die."24 So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. (Bold mine)
We considered the combination name Jehovah-Nissi, The LORD Is My Banner”
It declares that God is our standard, our rallying point, our source of strength, and the one who leads us to victory in our battles.
Exodus 17:8-16 NIV [8] The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. [9] Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” [10] So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. [11] As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. [12] When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. [13] So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. [14] Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” [15] Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. [16] He said, “Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.”
Jehovah Tsidkenu "The Lord Our Righteousness." This name reveals a key aspect of God's character and His provision for humanity.
Jeremiah 23:5-6 NLT [5] “For the time is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. [6] And this will be his name: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’ In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety.
Jehovah Sabaoth. This name, often translated as "The Lord of Hosts," reveals a powerful and comforting aspect of God's character. As we explore this, it aligns with our ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong foundation in faith and aligning our priorities with God's will. Understanding His names helps us to better understand Him and His guidance in our lives.
Samuel 17:45-47 NKJV [45] Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. [46] This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. [47] Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
I. Jehovah Shammah Meaning and Significance
Jehovah Shammah (pronounced Yahweh Shammah) is a Hebrew name for God that means "The LORD is There." It appears as the name given to the holy city in Ezekiel's vision, marking the culmination of his prophecies.
Ezekiel 48:35: "The perimeter of the city will be 18,000 cubits, and the name of the city from that day on will be: The LORD Is There."
This name is profoundly significant because it addresses the deep longing of the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. Jerusalem and the temple were in ruins, and they felt forsaken. "Jehovah Shammah" was a divine promise question that God had not abandoned them and that His presence would return to dwell among His people.
"Jehovah-Mekoddishkem" means "The LORD Who Sanctifies You" or "The LORD Who Makes Holy." It highlights God's active role in setting His people apart for Himself and transforming them into His likeness.
Exodus 31:12-13 NIV [12] Then the Lord said to Moses, [13] “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.
The name "El Shaddai" is one of the profound and ancient names for God found in the Hebrew Scriptures. It reveals a crucial aspect of His character and our relationship with Him.
"Almighty" / "All-Sufficient" "Almighty" / "All-Sufficient": This is the most common translation and understanding. It suggests God's absolute power and ability to do all things. He is sufficient in Himself and needs nothing from His creation. He is the one who provides all that is needed.
"The Breasted One" / "Nourisher": Some scholars link "Shaddai" to the Hebrew word shad, meaning "breast." This imagery portrays God as a loving, nurturing provider who sustains and nourishes His people, much like a mother nurses her child. This emphasizes His tender care and provision.
Book of Job: "Shaddai" is used frequently in the book of Job, (30 out of the 48 times) often in the context of God's immense power, wisdom, and the incomprehensibility of His ways. Job and his friends grapple with the nature of El Shaddai's justice and sovereignty in the face of suffering.
The Book of Job stands out for its frequent use of the name El Shaddai or simply Shaddai for God. In fact, it uses this name more than any other book in the Bible. While its precise etymology is debated, it is widely understood to mean "God Almighty" or "the All-Sufficient One," emphasizing God's immense power, might, and ability to fulfill His purposes.
Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who is fully divine and fully human, and therefore shares in the nature of God. In the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to with divine titles and attributes that point to his identity as God.
The names of God in the Bible are not mere labels; they are revelations of His character, attributes, and relationship with humanity. Each name provides a deeper insight into who God is and how He interacts with His creation.
Jesus: A Name for God in the New Testament
While the Old Testament lays the foundation, the New Testament profoundly reveals God's nature in the person of Jesus. For Christians, Jesus is not just a prophet or a good man; He is God incarnate.
The Name "Jesus" (Yeshua - "The Lord Saves" / "Yahweh is Salvation")
Matthew 1:21: "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
Significance: The very name "Jesus" points to His divine mission and identity. It is a direct link to God's salvation, emphasizing that salvation comes through Him and from Him. It embodies the concept of "Yahweh saves."
Discussion Question: How does the meaning of the name "Jesus" ("The Lord Saves") deepen your understanding of His purpose and your own salvation?
Jesus Bearing Divine Names and Attributes
"God" (Theos) and "Lord" (Kyrios): The New Testament often uses "Theos" (God) and "Kyrios" (Lord) to refer to Jesus. Notably, "Kyrios" was the Greek translation used for YHWH in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament).
John 1:1: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (Referring to Jesus as the Word)
John 20:28: Thomas confesses to Jesus, "My Lord and my God!"
Titus 2:13: "looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus."
Philippians 2:9-11: "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (This passage parallels Old Testament prophecies where every knee bows to YHWH).
"Immanuel" (God With Us):
Matthew 1:23: "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means 'God with us')."
Significance: This prophetic name from Isaiah 7:14 declares Jesus' divine presence among humanity.
The "I Am" Statements: In John's Gospel, Jesus uses powerful "I AM" statements that echo God's self-revelation to Moses (Exodus 3:14), clearly claiming divinity.
John 8:58: "Very truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" (This caused the Jews to pick up stones to stone Him, as they recognized it as a claim to deity).
Other "I Am" statements: "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35), "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12), "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25), "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
Discussion Question: What is the significance of Jesus using the "I AM" statements, and how does this reinforce the idea that He is God?
III. The Importance of Knowing God's Names for Our Faith
Understanding God's names is not just an academic exercise; it has practical implications for our faith and walk with Him.
Deeper Understanding of God's Nature: Each name unveils a unique aspect of His character, helping us to know Him more intimately.
Confidence in Prayer: When we pray "in Jesus' name," we are praying by His authority, according to His will, and with the confidence that the One who is God Himself hears us.
John 14:13-14 NIV [13] And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Strengthening Our Trust: Knowing God by His various names allows us to trust Him more fully in every circumstance, recognizing Him as our Provider, Healer, Shepherd, and the God who is with us.
Worship and Adoration: As we grasp the richness of God's names, our worship becomes more informed and heartfelt.
"All" is a profound word, and while we can't exhaustively list every divine attribute of God found in Jesus, we can certainly explore some key characteristics that clearly set Him apart as God. These unique attributes are inherent to the divine nature and cannot be possessed by any created being.
Jesus is Eternal
Just as God has always existed, so too has Jesus. There was never a time when He was not.
Psalm 90:2 (NKJV): "Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God."
Jesus was not created; He existed eternally alongside God. John's Gospel beautifully affirms this:
John 1:1-3 (NKJV): "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made."
The "Word" didn't become; He was. "With God" suggests both equality and association, and "The Word was God" declares His full deity without confusion of persons. As Jesus Himself stated;
John 17:5 NIV [5] And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
Hebrews 1:8-11 and Colossians 1:15-17 underscore His eternal nature and role in creation, firmly establishing Him as divine and pre-existent. He is the "image of the invisible God," through whom and for whom "all things were created."
Colossians 1:15-17 NIV[15] The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Hebrews 1:8-12 NIV [8] But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. [9] You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” [10] He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. [11] They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. [12] You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”
Jesus is Everywhere-Present (Omnipresent)
Unlike humanity, which is limited by a physical body and can only be in one place at a time, God is Spirit and can be present throughout the universe simultaneously. This attribute is intrinsically linked to His limitless power and knowledge. God's presence extends to every corner, enabling Him to see, know, and act in all places at once.
Jesus promised His disciples His omnipresence, assuring them of His presence no matter where they gathered:
Matthew 18:19-20 (NKJV): "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
The global gathering of believers in Jesus' name, often simultaneously, attests to His omnipresence. While on earth, Jesus voluntarily limited His physical presence by taking on a human body. Yet, His inherent divine capacity to be everywhere at once, seeing, knowing, and acting upon events globally, remained an undeniable characteristic of His deity.
Jesus is All-Powerful (Omnipotent)
Only God possesses unlimited power over all creation; nothing is impossible for Him.
Job 42:1-2 (NKJV): "Then Job answered the LORD and said: 'I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.'"
Christ Himself created the entire universe, a testament to His infinite power.
John 1:1-3 NKJV[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
While God's omnipotence means He can do anything He chooses, it doesn't mean He does everything He has the power to do. For example, He voluntarily limited His power in certain instances. Jesus, while fully God, limited the exercise of His power during His earthly ministry to fulfill His purpose as a human savior.
Nonetheless, Jesus consistently demonstrated His divine power over:
Nature
Luke 8:24-25 NKJV[24] And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. [25] But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”
Physical Diseases
Matthew 8:2-4 NKJV[2] And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” [3] Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. [4] And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
Demonic Spirits
Mark 1:32-34 NKJV [32] At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. [33] And the whole city was gathered together at the door. [34] Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.
Death
John 11:14-15, 41-44 NKJV [14] Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. [15] And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”
[41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. [42] And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” [43] Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” [44] And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.
Jesus is All-Knowing (Omniscient)
It logically follows that if God has unlimited power, He also possesses unlimited knowledge and wisdom.
Psalm 147:4-5 (NKJV): "He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite."
Colossians 2:1-3 NKJV [1] For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, [2] that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, [3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (emphasis mine)
Scripture provides numerous examples of Jesus' omniscience. He knew exactly where to direct Peter and his fellow fishermen to find a miraculous catch, even after they had toiled all night with no success.
Luke 5:4-11 NKJV [4] When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” [5] But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” [6] And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. [7] So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. [8] When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” [9] For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; [10] and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” [11] So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
His disciples affirmed His all-knowing nature, and He never contradicted their claims.
John 16:29-30 NKJV [29] His disciples said to Him, “See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! [30] Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.”
John 21:17 NKJV He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. (emphasis mine)
He even knew where Peter could find a coin in a fish's mouth to pay taxes.
Matthew 17:24-27 NKJV [24] When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” [25] He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” [26] Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. [27] Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”
A common question arises: if Jesus is God and all-knowing, why did He state that only the Father knows the day and hour of His return?
Matthew 24:36 NKJV “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”
This remains a mystery within divine revelation, but an understanding can be approached through the lens of His earthly ministry. During this time, Jesus operated in the power of the Holy Spirit and fully as a man "under the Law"
John 1:32 NKJV And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.
Galatians 4:4-5 NKJV [4] But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
In His humanity, Jesus was completely dependent on the Father and experienced the limitations inherent to being human. His statement was not a denial of His deity, but rather an acknowledgment of His surrendered state in human form.
Jesus Is Worshiped as God
Scripture unequivocally states that only God is to be worshiped.
Exodus 20:3 NKJV “You shall have no other gods before Me.
Matthew 4:10 NKJV Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”
Yet, countless accounts in Scripture show people worshiping Jesus, and He never once rebuked or stopped them.
Matthew 8:2 NKJV And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
Matthew 9:18 NKJV While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.”
Matthew 28:9-10, 17-20 NKJV [9] And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. [10] Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
[17] When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. [18] And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (emphasis mine)
John 20:28 NKJV And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
Contrast this with instances where individuals attempted to worship angels or even Jesus' disciples; in those cases, the worshipers were immediately corrected and told to worship God alone.
Revelation 22:8-9 NKJV [8] Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. [9] Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
Acts 10:25-26 NKJV [25] As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. [26] But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.”
If Jesus were not God and allowed worship, He would have sinned, rendering Him unqualified to be our sinless Savior. His acceptance of worship is a powerful testament to His divine nature.
Yes, Jesus is God
Jesus "emptied Himself" by taking on the form of man and walking among His creation for thirty-three years, but He was and remains God.
1 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV): "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory."
Conclusion: The names of God, from the ancient Hebrew "Yahweh" to the New Testament "Jesus," reveal a God who is mighty, eternal, personal, faithful, and above all, saving. The Christian faith proclaims that in Jesus, we see the fullest revelation of God – Emmanuel, "God with us." To know Jesus is to know God. This continuous process of self-reflection and openness to God's guidance, which we've discussed, is deeply enriched by meditating on His names and allowing them to shape our understanding of His will for our lives.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your holy names. Thank You for showing us Your power as Elohim, Your faithfulness as Yahweh, and Your saving grace in the name of Jesus. Help us to know You more deeply through these revelations, to trust in Your character, and to live lives that honor Your glorious name. May we always align our priorities with Your will, for Your glory. Amen.
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