What is the meaning of Elohim?
Genesis 1:1
ESV - 1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Clarify
•
Share
•
Report
•
Asked July 14 2021
•
julieta raymundo
Supporter
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Shirley H
Supporter
Elohim (sometimes El or Elah) is the first of three primary names for Diety. It is a uni-plural noun formed from El, meaning strength or strong one. It is also from Alah, meaning to swear, to bind oneself to an oath, as in faithfulness. The uni-plurality implied is directly asserted in Genesis 1:26 (plurality). (Let us make a man.) In Genesis 1:27 it refers to unity, (so God/Elohim created man in the image of God) the same as in Genesis 3:22, (Behold, man is become as one of us). Therefore, it is also reference to a trinity. The Holy Trinity is Elohim. This word occurs in the Old Testament about 2500 times. The Lord Our God (Jehovah) has seven compound names. He is the self-existant One! He is the Everlasting God. Genesis 21:33.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Now that's an interesting question, Julieta! In the Hebrew Bible, elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים [(ʔ)eloˈ(h)im] is the entry from Wikipedia. The noun Elohim is plural but it is always used with a singular verb when it speaks of the true God. This indicates a unity and diversity within the nature of God. This unity and diversity is revealed in Scripture as the doctrine of the Trinity. -- Don Stewart At Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas, where I studied for 4 years, we were taught from Genesis 1:26 that this is called the plural of majesty: See Wikipedia's entry here: With singular verb Elohim, when meaning the God of Israel, is mostly grammatically singular, and is commonly translated as "God", and capitalised. For example, in Genesis 1:26, it is written: "Then Elohim (translated as God) said (singular verb), 'Let us (plural) make (plural verb) man in our (plural) image, after our (plural) likeness'". Wilhelm Gesenius and other Hebrew grammarians traditionally described this as the pluralis excellentiae (plural of excellence), which is similar to the pluralis majestatis (plural of majesty, or "Royal we").[27][a] Gesenius comments that the singular Hebrew term Elohim is to be distinguished from elohim used to refer to plural gods.
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible