SQLite format 3@  O{tableTopicsTopicsCREATE TABLE 'Topics' (Title NVARCHAR(100), Notes TEXT) }+_00 Names of God{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Scholar;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Symbol;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\stylesheet{ Normal;}{\s1 heading 1;}} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb400\sa60\qc\lang1033\kerning28\b\f0\fs32 The Names of God\par \pard\brdrb\brdrs\brdrw30\brsp60 \sb60\sa60\qc\kerning0\b0\fs22 by \line J. Hampton Keathley III \line hamptonk3@bible.org \par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf1\fs20 The great purpose of man, especially the believer in Christ, is to glorify God. \ldblquote Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God\rdblquote (\cf2\ul 1Co_10:31\cf1\ulnone ). Essential to our ability to glorify God is the knowledge of God and knowing Him personally in view of that knowledge. \par The word \ldblquote glory\rdblquote in the Greek New Testament is \i doxa\i0 which means an opinion, an estimation, or reputation in which one is held. It refers to that which should accrue to God as praise, thanksgiving, obedience, reverence, and service because of who God is and what God does (past, present, and future). In other words, giving glory to God is tied in with the knowledge of God (revelation of God), and knowing God personally (response to God).\par The Lord Jesus said in \cf2\ul Joh_17:3\cf1\ulnone , \ldblquote And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.\rdblquote The many names in Scripture constitute additional revelation of God\rquote s character, His works, and His relationship to us based on His character and works. The names which God chose for Himself and which are ascribed to Him in the Word of God are additional revelations of the who and what of God that we may know and relate to God.\par Note David\rquote s declarations about God\rquote s name and word in \cf2\ul Psa_138:1-2\cf1\ulnone . God\rquote s name declares much about His person, but it is God\rquote s Word that reveals God and His name.\par \pard\li720\ri720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf0 We know what God is like, not only by His perfections and works, but also by His names. They tell us many things about God\rquote s care and concern for his own. This is one of the fascinating studies of Scripture. The various circumstances which bring forth each of the names of God are important. \par \pard\keepn\s1\sb240\sa60\qc\lang3082\kerning28\b\fs28 The Significance of \line the Names of God in Scripture\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf1\lang1033\kerning0\b0\fs20 In our twentieth century Western culture, personal names are little more than labels to distinguish one person from another. Sometimes nicknames are chosen which tell something about a person, but even this is a poor reflection of the significance of names in the Bible. \par Unfortunately, to many the names \i God\i0 or \i Lord\i0 convey little more than designations of a supreme being. It says little to them about God\rquote s character, His ways, and what God means to each of us as human beings. But in Scripture, the names of God are like miniature portraits and promises. In Scripture, a person\rquote s name identified them and stood for something specific. This is especially true of God. Naming carried special significance. It was a sign of authority and power. This is evident in the fact that God revealed His names to His people rather than allowing them to choose their names for Him. This is also seen in the fact that God often changed the names of His people: Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel. Note also how this concept of authority and power is seen when Nebuchadnezzar changed the names of Daniel and his three friends.\par \pard\keepn\s1\sb240\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\kerning28\b\fs28 The Name of God in General\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf1\lang1033\kerning0\b0\fs20 There are a number of instances where no name of God is employed, but where simply the term \ldblquote name\rdblquote in reference to God is used as the point of focus:\par (1) Abraham called on the \i name\i0 of the Lord (\cf2\ul Gen_12:8\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Gen_13:4\cf1\ulnone ).\par (2) The Lord proclaimed His own \i name\i0 before Moses (\cf2\ul Exo_33:19\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Exo_34:5\cf1\ulnone ).\par (3) Israel was warned against profaning the \i name\i0 of the Lord (\cf2\ul Lev_13:21\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Lev_22:2\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Lev_22:32\cf1\ulnone ).\par (4) The \i name\i0 of the Lord was not to be taken in vain (\cf2\ul Exo_20:7\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Deu_5:11\cf1\ulnone ).\par (5) The priests of Israel were to minister in the \i name\i0 of the Lord (\cf2\ul Deu_18:5\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Deu_21:5\cf1\ulnone ).\par (6) The \i name\i0 of God is called \ldblquote wonderful\rdblquote in \cf2\ul Jdg_13:18\cf1\ulnone .\par (7) To call on the \i name\i0 of the Lord was to worship Him as God (\cf2\ul Gen_21:33\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Gen_26:25\cf1\ulnone ). \par Consequently, from this we can conclude that such phrases as \ldblquote the name of the LORD\rdblquote or \ldblquote the name of God\rdblquote refer to God\rquote s whole character. It was a summary statement embodying the entire person of God. \par When we turn to the New Testament we find the same. The name \i Jesus\i0 is used in a similar way to the name of God in the Old Testament:\par (1) Salvation is through His \i name\i0 (\cf2\ul Joh_1:12\cf1\ulnone ).\par (2) Believers are to gather in His \i name\i0 (\cf2\ul Mat_18:20\cf1\ulnone ).\par (3) Prayer is to be made in His \i name\i0 (\cf2\ul Joh_14:13-14\cf1\ulnone ).\par (4) The servant of the Lord who bears the \i name\i0 of Christ will be hated (\cf2\ul Mat_10:22\cf1\ulnone ).\par (5) The book of Acts makes frequent mention of worship, service, and suffering in the \i name\i0 of Jesus Chri st (\cf2\ul Act_4:18\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Act_5:28\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Act_5:41\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Act_10:43\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Act_19:17\cf1\ulnone ).\par (6) It is at the \i name\i0 of Jesus that every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (\cf2\ul Php_2:10-11\cf1\ulnone ).\par So, just as the name of God in the Old Testament spoke of the holy character of God the Father, so the name of Jesus in the New Testament speaks of the holy character of God the Son. \par \pard\keepn\s1\sb240\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\kerning28\b\fs28 Overview of the \line Names of God in Scripture\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf1\lang1033\kerning0\b0\fs20 (1) \b\i Elohim\i0 : \b0 The plural form of \i EL\i0 , meaning \ldblquote strong one.\rdblquote It is used of false gods, but when used of the true God, it is a plural of majesty and intimates the trinity. It is especially used of God\rquote s sovereignty, creative work, mighty work for Israel and in relation to His sovereignty (\cf2\ul Isa_54:5\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Jer_32:27\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Gen_1:1\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Isa_45:18\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Deu_5:23\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Deu_8:15\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Psa_68:7\cf1\ulnone ).\par Compounds of \i El\i0 :\par \pard{\pntext\f3\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf3\pnindent360{\pntxtb\'B7}}\fi-360\li720\sb60\sa60\b\i El Shaddai:\i0 \b0\ldblquote God Almighty.\rdblquote The derivation is uncertain. Some think it stresses God\rquote s loving supply and comfort; others His power as the Almighty one standing on a mountain and who corrects and chastens (\cf2\ul Gen_17:1\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Gen_28:3\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Gen_35:11\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Exo_6:31\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Psa_91:1\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Psa_91:2\cf1\ulnone ).\par \b\i{\pntext\f3\'B7\tab}El Elyon: \b0\i0\ldblquote The Most High God.\rdblquote Stresses God\rquote s strength, sovereignty, and supremacy (\cf2\ul Gen_14:19\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Psa_9:2\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Dan_7:18\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Dan_7:22\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Dan_7:25\cf1\ulnone ).\par \b\i{\pntext\f3\'B7\tab}El Olam\i0 : \b0\ldblquote The Everlasting God.\rdblquote Emphasizes God\rquote s unchangeableness and is connected with His inexhaustibleness (\cf2\ul Gen_16:13\cf1\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\b (2)\i Yahweh (YHWH): \b0\i0 Comes from a verb which means \ldblquote to exist, be.\rdblquote This, plus its usage, shows that this name stresses God as the independent and self-existent God of revelation and redemption (\cf2\ul Gen_4:3\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Exo_6:3\cf1\ulnone (cf. 3:14); 3:12).\par Compounds of \i Yahweh: \i0 Strictly speaking, these compounds are designations or titles which reveal additional facts about God\rquote s character.\par \pard{\pntext\f3\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf3\pnindent360{\pntxtb\'B7}}\fi-360\li720\sb60\sa60\b\i Yahweh Jireh (Yireh): \b0\i0\ldblquote The Lord will provide.\rdblquote Stresses God\rquote s provision for His people (\cf2\ul Gen_22:14\cf1\ulnone ).\par \b\i{\pntext\f3\'B7\tab}Yahweh Ni ssi:\i0 \b0\ldblquote The Lord is my Banner.\rdblquote Stresses that God is our rallying point and our means of victory; the one who fights for His people (\cf2\ul Exo_17:15\cf1\ulnone ).\par \b\i{\pntext\f3\'B7\tab}Yahweh Shalom:\b0 \i0\ldblquote The Lord is Peace.\rdblquote Points to the Lord as the means of our peace and rest (\cf2\ul Jdg_6:24\cf1\ulnone ).\par \b\i{\pntext\f3\'B7\tab}Yahweh Sabbaoth:\b0 \i0\ldblquote The Lord of Hosts.\rdblquote A military figure portraying the Lord as the commander of the armies of heaven (\cf2\ul 1Sa_1:3\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Sa_17:45\cf1\ulnone ).\par \b\i{\pntext\f3\'B7\tab}Yahweh Maccaddeshcem\i0 :\b0 \ldblquote The Lord your Sanctifier.\rdblquote Portrays the Lord as our means of sanctification or as the one who sets believers apart for His purposes (\cf2\ul Exo_31:13\cf1\ulnone ).\par \b\i{\pntext\f3\'B7\tab}Yahweh \i0\f1 Ro\rquote i\i\f0 :\b0\i0 \ldblquote The Lord my Shepherd.\rdblquote Portrays the Lord as the Shepherd who cares for His people as a shepherd cares for the sheep of his pasture (\cf2\ul Psa_23:1\cf1\ulnone ). \par \b\i{\pntext\f3\'B7\tab}Yahweh Tsidkenu\i0 :\b0 \ldblquote The Lord our Righteousness.\rdblquote Portrays the Lord as the means of our righteousness (\cf2\ul Jer_23:6\cf1\ulnone ).\par \b\i{\pntext\f3\'B7\tab}Yahweh Shammah\i0 :\b0 \ldblquote The Lord is there.\rdblquote Portrays the Lord\rquote s personal presence in the millennial kingdom (\cf2\ul Eze_48:35\cf1\ulnone ).\par \b\i{\pntext\f3\'B7\tab}Yahweh Elohim Israel: \b0\i0\ldblquote The Lord, the God of Israel.\rdblquote Identifies Yahweh as the God of Israel in contrast to the false gods of the nations (\cf2\ul Jdg_5:3\cf1\ulnone .; \cf2\ul Isa_17:6\cf1\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj (3)\b\i Adonai: \b0\i0 Like \i Elohim\i0 , this too is a plural of majesty. The singular form means \ldblquote master, owner.\rdblquote Stresses man\rquote s relationship to God as his master, authority, and provider (\cf2\ul Gen_18:2\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Gen_40:1\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Sa_1:15\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Exo_21:1-6\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Jos_5:14\cf1\ulnone ).\par (4)\b\i Theos\i0 : \b0 Greek word translated \ldblquote God.\rdblquote Primary name for God used in the New Testament. Its use teaches: (1) \i He is the only true God\i0 (\cf2\ul Mat_23:9\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rom_3:30\cf1\ulnone ); (2)\i He is unique \i0 (\cf2\ul 1Ti_1:17\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_17:3\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_15:4\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_16:27\cf1\ulnone ); (3) \i He is transcendent\i0 (\cf2\ul Act_17:24\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Heb_3:4\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_10:6\cf1\ulnone ); (4) \i He is the Savior\i0 (\cf2\ul Joh_3:16\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_1:1\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_2:3\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_4:10\cf1\ulnone ). This name is used of Christ as God in \cf2\ul Joh_1:1\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_1:18\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_20:28\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Jo_5:20\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Tit_2:13\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rom_9:5\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Heb_1:8\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 2Pe_1:1\cf1\ulnone .\par (5)\b\i Kurios\i0 :\b0 Greek word translated \ldblquote Lord.\rdblquote Stresses authority and supremacy. While it can mean sir (\cf2\ul Joh_4:11\cf1\ulnone ), owner (\cf2\ul Luk_19:33\cf1\ulnone ), master (\cf2\ul Col_3:22\cf1\ulnone ), or even refer to idols (\cf2\ul 1Co_8:5\cf1\ulnone ) or husbands (\cf2\ul 1Pe_3:6\cf1\ulnone ), it is used mostly as the equivalent of \i Yahweh\i0 of the Old Testament. It too is used of Jesus Christ meaning (1) Rabbi or Sir (\cf2\ul Mat_8:6\cf1\ulnone ); (2) God or Deity (\cf2\ul Joh_20:28\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Act_2:36\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rom_10:9\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Php_2:11\cf1\ulnone ).\par (6)\b\i Despotes\i0 : \b0 Greek word translated \ldblquote Master.\rdblquote Carries the idea of ownership while \i kurios\i0 stressed supreme authority (\cf2\ul Luk_2:29\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Act_4:24\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_6:10\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 2Pe_2:1\cf1\ulnone ; Jude 4).\par (7)\b\i Father\i0 :\i \b0\i0 A distinctive New Testament revelation is that through faith in Christ, God becomes our personal Father. Father is used of God in the Old Testament only 15 times while it is used of God 245 times in the New Testament. As a name of God, it stresses God\rquote s loving care, provision, discipline, and the way we are to address God in prayer (\cf2\ul Mat_7:11\cf1\ulnone ; J\cf2\ul Amo_1:17\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Heb_12:5-11\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_15:16\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_16:23\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Eph_2:18\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Eph_3:15\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Th_3:11\cf1\ulnone ).\par \par \pard\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw30\brsp80 \sb60\sa60\qj\cf0 J. Hampton Keathley III, Th.M. is a 1966 graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and a former pastor of 28 years. Hampton currently writes for the Biblical Studies Foundation and on occasion teaches New Testament Greek at Moody Bible Institute, Northwest Extension for External Studies in Spokane, Washington.\par \pard\fi360\sb60\sa60\qj\par \pard\sb60\sa60\par \pard\cf1\lang2058\f2\fs22\par }