God

By He Reads Truth

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1-5, Job 37:5-13, Psalm 42:1-11 ESV, Isaiah 43:10-13 ESV

In this reading plan, we are learning more about God by studying the names given to Him in Scripture. Each day, you’ll come here to read the description of the name we’re studying today and a brief explanation of how God’s character is seen through His name. (Remember that because the Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek, some of God’s names are written in the English form of His name from their original language.) You can then head to today’s passages to see how this name functions in Scripture.

GOD: God’s unmatched power and majesty

Elohim is the first name used for God in the Bible. It appears in the opening verse of Scripture: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Elohim is a generic term for spiritual beings, translated as “god” or “gods.” The Israelites adapted elohim from el, an ancient word for “god,” as a name for the one true God. This name emphasizes His greatness and majesty over all creation and all other gods. Throughout Scripture this name is paired with descriptive words to distinguish God and His character from pagan gods (e.g., El Olam, “everlasting God,” El Roi, “God who sees,” and El Rahum, “merciful God”). Elohim is a reminder that the one true God is distinctly powerful.