Elohim-אֱלֹהִים

Today I’m going to explore the meaning of a Hebrew word that is used over 2500 times in the Bible, the word Elohim. It is the word used for G-d in the very first verse of Genesis where it reads, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” However, this word is not to be confused with G-d’s name as given to us in the Bible. That is a totally different word that we will look at in another lesson.

Depending on the context, Elohim can refer to:

1) The plural majesty of the G-d of the Bible
Example:
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”-Genesis 1:1

2) The gods or divine rulers of other nations.
Example:
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."-Exodus 20:3

3) In a pagan context, spirits that reside in the underworld.
Example:
“And the witch said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.”
1 Sam 28:13

As a quick one-point Hebrew lesson, understand that whenever you want to pluralize a noun in Hebrew, all you have to do is add the letters “IM”. However, there is another usage of the Hebrew “IM” ending known as the “plural of majesty” which denotes greatness.”

So when the G-d of Israel is being referred to as “Elohim” in the Bible, should we interpret elohim as referring to the plurality of G-d or His greatness? The answer is both. G-d’s essence consists of both his greatness and plurality. His plurality is commonly expressed via the doctrine of the trinity in reference to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, throughout history G-d has also appeared in different ways outside of these particular manifestations. Having stated that, even though the nature of G-d may be plural, don’t ever, ever, ever, ever, get the idea that G-d is more than one.

In a nutshell, simply remember that the word “elohim” is either a generic and plural term referring to a god, any god or it denotes “plural majesty” where in that case it would mean just “G-d”, the God as we Christians or Messianic believers know him.

Therefore, when a non-Hebrew refers to the G-d of Israel as Elohim in the Bible, in his mind, he is basically saying “Those gods of Israel.” However, when a Hebrew uses the word Elohim to refer to the G-d of Israel”, he really means the one and only G-d of Israel.” It is exactly the same word but with a different meaning depending on the context. One usage reflects a pagan and polytheistic mindset while the other reflects a Hebrew monotheistic mindset.

So let us thank our Elohim that we have been given the grace to know the true and only Elohim of Israel and let us not worship the elohim from other nations.

Amen