There are different names for God in the Bible because each name reveals a distinct aspect of His character, His works, and His relationship with His people. These names are not interchangeable titles but purposeful revelations that teach who God is and how He acts.
God first revealed Himself as Elohim, the Creator:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
(Genesis 1:1)
“Elohim” emphasizes God’s power, authority, and plurality of majesty.
He revealed His covenant name YHWH (Jehovah or Yahweh) to Moses:
“I AM WHO I AM… Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
(Exodus 3:14)
This name shows that God is self-existent, eternal, and faithful. It is the most sacred name in Scripture.
Other compound names express specific attributes:
Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)
“In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”
(Genesis 22:14)Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord Who Heals)
“I am the Lord who heals you.”
(Exodus 15:26)Jehovah-Nissi (The Lord Is My Banner)
“Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner.”
(Exodus 17:15)Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord Is Peace)
“So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace.”
(Judges 6:24)Jehovah-Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness)
“Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”
(Jeremiah 23:6)Jehovah-Shammah (The Lord Is There)
“And the name of the city… shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.”
(Ezekiel 48:35)
Each name teaches truth about God’s nature, actions, and presence. These names were revealed progressively as God worked in history, showing more of Himself to His people.
In the New Testament, Jesus reveals God as Father, emphasizing intimate relationship:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.”
(Matthew 6:9)
God’s names are not man-made descriptions; they are divine disclosures of who He is. They invite worship, trust, and reverence.
