The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom and knowledge, providing guidance and inspiration for millions of people around the world. At the heart of the Bible is the character of God, who reveals Himself through His name. The names of God are mentioned over 5,000 times in the Bible, underscoring their significance in the lives of believers. Understanding the different names of God can enrich one’s prayer life, deepen one’s appreciation for God, and help us to cultivate a closer relationship with Him.
Names of God in Genesis
The book of Genesis is the beginning of the Bible, and it introduces us to several names of God. Elohim is used over 2,600 times in the Old Testament, and it is the first name for God mentioned in Genesis 1:1, emphasizing His power and strength as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
Yahweh (Jehovah) is the most significant and widely used name of God in the Old Testament, and it means “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). It emphasizes God’s eternal and self-existent nature and is first mentioned in Genesis 2:4. El Elyon, meaning “Most High God,” is introduced in Genesis 14:18-20, emphasizing God’s sovereignty over all. Finally, El Shaddai, meaning “God Almighty,” is mentioned in Genesis 17:1-8, emphasizing God’s power and strength as the One who fulfills His promises.
A. Elohim – Genesis 1:1 (2601 times) Elohim is the first name for God mentioned in the Bible, introduced in Genesis 1:1. It is used over 2,600 times in the Old Testament and emphasizes God’s power and strength as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
B. Yahweh – Genesis 2:4 (6519 times) Yahweh (Jehovah) is the most significant and widely used name of God in the Old Testament. It means “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14) and emphasizes God’s eternal and self-existent nature. It is first mentioned in Genesis 2:4.
C. El Elyon – Genesis 14:18-20 (28 times) El Elyon, meaning “Most High God,” is introduced in Genesis 14:18-20 and emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all.
D. El Shaddai – Genesis 17:1-8 (48 times) El Shaddai, meaning “God Almighty,” is mentioned in Genesis 17:1-8, emphasizing God’s power and strength.
Names of God in Exodus
The book of Exodus recounts the story of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In this book, we find several additional names of God. Yahweh (Jehovah) is once again emphasized in Exodus 3:14-15, where God reveals Himself to Moses as the one who always was, always is, and always will be.
Adonai, meaning “Lord” or “Master,” is used to show God’s authority and sovereignty over His creation, and is first mentioned in Exodus 4:10-16. Jehovah Mekoddishkem, meaning “The Lord who sanctifies you,” is mentioned only once in Exodus 31:13, emphasizing God’s holiness and His ability to set apart His people for His purposes. Jehovah Shalom, meaning “The Lord is Peace,” is mentioned only once in Judges 6:24, emphasizing God’s ability to bring peace to our lives.
Yahweh – Exodus 3:14-15 (6519 times) Yahweh is mentioned again in Exodus 3:14-15, where God reveals Himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM.”
Adonai – Exodus 4:10-16 (439 times) Adonai, meaning “Lord” or “Master,” is introduced in Exodus 4:10-16 and emphasizes God’s authority and sovereignty.
Jehovah Mekoddishkem – Exodus 31:13 (1 time) Jehovah Mekoddishkem means “the Lord who sanctifies you” and is mentioned only once in Exodus 31:13, emphasizing God’s role in sanctifying His people.
Jehovah Shalom – Judges 6:24 (1 time) Jehovah Shalom means “the Lord is peace” and is mentioned only once in Judges 6:24, emphasizing God’s ability to bring peace to His people.
Names of God in Psalms
A. Jehovah Jireh – Psalm 23:1-6 (1 time) Jehovah Jireh means “the Lord will provide” and is mentioned once in Psalm 23:1-6, emphasizing God’s provision for His people.
Jehovah Rapha – Psalm 103:1-3 (1 time) Jehovah Rapha means “the Lord who heals” and is mentioned once in Psalm 103:1-3, emphasizing God’s ability to heal His people.
Jehovah Nissi – Exodus 17:15-16 (1 time) Jehovah Nissi means “the Lord is my banner” and is mentioned once in Exodus 17:15-16, emphasizing God’s role as the leader of His people.
El Olam – Psalm 90:1-2 (1 time) El Olam means “Everlasting God” and is mentioned once in Psalm 90:1-2, emphasizing God’s eternal nature.
Names of God in Isaiah
A. Immanuel – Isaiah 7:14 (1 time) Immanuel means “God with us” and is mentioned once in Isaiah 7:14, emphasizing God’s desire to be with His people.
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6 (1 time) This verse in Isaiah 9:6 mentions several names and titles of God: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These names emphasize God’s wisdom, power, eternal nature, and ability to bring peace to His people.
The Holy One of Israel – Isaiah 41:14-16 (29 times) The Holy One of Israel is a name used frequently in the book of Isaiah, emphasizing God’s holiness and His special relationship with the people of Israel.
Names of God in the New Testament
The A to Z Names of Our Lord Jesus
A. Abba – Romans 8:15-17 (3 times) Abba is an Aramaic word for “Father” and is used by Jesus and Paul to emphasize the close and intimate relationship between God and His children.
B. The Word – John 1:1-3 (1 time) The Word refers to Jesus Christ, who is described as the Word made flesh in John 1:1-3. This name emphasizes Jesus’ role as the revealer of God’s truth and the mediator between God and humanity.
C. Lamb of God – John 1:29 (28 times) The Lamb of God is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His sacrificial death on the cross as an atonement for the sins of humanity.
D. King of Kings – 1 Timothy 6:14-16 (1 time) King of Kings is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His supreme authority and power over all other rulers and authorities.
E. Lord of Lords – Revelation 19:16 (2 times) Lord of Lords is another title given to Jesus Christ in Revelation 19:16, emphasizing His authority and power over all other lords and rulers.
F. Son of God – Luke 1:35 (42 times) Son of God is a title given to Jesus Christ throughout the New Testament, emphasizing His divine nature as the second person of the Trinity.
G. Messiah – John 1:41 (over 500 times) Messiah is a Hebrew term meaning “anointed one” and is used to refer to Jesus Christ as the Savior and deliverer of humanity. It is mentioned over 500 times in the New Testament.
H. Savior – Luke 2:11 (24 times) Savior is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the one who saves humanity from sin and death. It is mentioned 24 times in the New Testament.
I. Redeemer – Galatians 3:13 (4 times) Redeemer is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the one who redeems or buys back humanity from the power of sin and death. It is mentioned 4 times in the New Testament.
J. Mediator – 1 Timothy 2:5 (6 times) Mediator is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the mediator between God and humanity. It is mentioned 6 times in the New Testament.
K. High Priest – Hebrews 4:14-16 (25 times) High Priest is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the mediator between God and humanity and His ability to sympathize with our weaknesses. It is mentioned 25 times in the New Testament.
L. Good Shepherd – John 10:11 (1 time) Good Shepherd is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the one who cares for and protects His people as a shepherd cares for his flock. It is mentioned once in the New Testament.
M. Immanuel – Matthew 1:23 (1 time) Immanuel means “God with us” and is a name given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divine nature and His closeness to humanity. It is mentioned once in the New Testament.
N. Light of the World – John 8:12 (1 time) Light of the World is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the one who brings spiritual light and truth to the world. It is mentioned once in the New Testament.
O. Alpha and Omega – Revelation 1:8 (3 times) Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, respectively, and are used to refer to Jesus Christ as the beginning and end of all things. It is mentioned 3 times in the New Testament.
P. Bread of Life – John 6:35 (2 times) Bread of Life is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the one who satisfies our spiritual hunger and provides eternal life. It is mentioned twice in the New Testament.
Q. Living Water – John 4:10 (1 time) Living Water is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the one who provides spiritual refreshment and renewal. It is mentioned once in the New Testament.
R. The Way, the Truth, and the Life – John 14:6 (1 time) The Way, the Truth, and the Life is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing that He is the only way to salvation and eternal life, and that He embodies truth and life. It is mentioned once in the New Testament.
S. Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6 (1 time) Prince of Peace is a title given to Jesus Christ in the Old Testament, emphasizing His role as the one who brings peace to humanity through His sacrifice and redemption. It is mentioned once in the New Testament as a reference to the Old Testament prophecy in Isaiah 9:6.
T. King of kings and Lord of lords – Revelation 19:16 (1 time) King of kings and Lord of lords is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority over all creation. It is mentioned once in the New Testament in the context of His return and final victory over evil.
U. Lamb of God – John 1:29 (29 times) Lamb of God is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sins of the world. It is mentioned 29 times in the New Testament.
V. Son of Man – Mark 8:31 (80 times) Son of Man is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His humanity and His identification with humanity as one of us. It is mentioned 80 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels.
W. Word of God – John 1:1 (4 times) Word of God is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the embodiment and expression of God’s message to humanity. It is mentioned 4 times in the New Testament, including in the opening verse of the Gospel of John.
X. The Resurrection and the Life – John 11:25 (1 time) The Resurrection and the Life is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His power to bring spiritual and physical life to humanity, as demonstrated by His resurrection from the dead. It is mentioned once in the New Testament.
Y. Author and Perfecter of Faith – Hebrews 12:2 (1 time) Author and Perfecter of Faith is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the founder and ultimate source of our faith, and the one who perfects and completes our faith. It is mentioned once in the New Testament.
Z. Lord of Glory – 1 Corinthians 2:8 (1 time) Lord of Glory is a title given to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divine glory and majesty as the second person of the Trinity. It is mentioned once in the New Testament.
Conclusion
The names of God reveal much about His character, nature, and attributes. By understanding and studying these names, we can deepen our relationship with God and gain a greater appreciation for His greatness, holiness, and love. As we pray and meditate on these names, we can draw closer to God and experience His peace and presence in our lives.