God’s Names : Why Does the Bible Use Different Names of God?

The estimation is that 34% of adults in the U.S. read the Bible at least once a week.

The more you study Bible teachings, the more you know God and His character. In the Old Testament, in particular, you find there are many different names of God.

If you’ve ever wondered, “how many names does God have?” or “why does He have different names?”, keep reading.

Yahweh

In the Old Testament, God has sixteen different names. These names come from three primary ones.

Yahweh appears over 6,500 times in Scripture, more than any other name of God. Spelled “YHWH“, Yahweh was too holy of a name to be spoken.

God revealed this name to Moses in Exodus 3, and it comes from the words “I am.” Nothing more fitting for the Creator and upholder of the universe.

El or Elohim

El or Elohim means “God”, and when used with other words, describes different aspects of God’s character.

Variations of this name of God include:

• El Shaddai – Lord God Almighty
• El Elyon – The Most High God
• El Olam – The Everlasting God

These names communicate the sovereignty of a preeminent God.

Jehovah

The name Yahweh was too holy for people to speak, so Jewish scholars created a hybrid word for “Lord”: Yehovah. 

Like with the names El or Elohim, combining other words to the end of Jehovah speak of God’s characteristics.

These names include:

• Jehovah-Raah – The Lord My Shepherd
• Jehovah Rapha – The Lord that Heals
• Jehovah Shammah – The Lord is There
• Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord of Righteousness
• Jehovah Mekoddishkem – The Lord Who Sanctifies You
• Jehovah Shalom – The Lord is Peace
• Jehovah Sabaoth – The Lord of Hosts

More commonly known names such as Jehovah Nissi (The Lord my Banner) and Jehovah Jireh (the Lord will Provide) grant encouragements of hope and provision by a holy and present God. Sound of Heaven shares an even deeper understanding of God as Jehovah Jireh to show the Lord as the ultimate Provider.

Why Does God Have Different Names?

So, why does God have so many names?

As you read through the different names and their meanings, you see how each has a different connotation. Each unique name gives a different perspective of a God who is indescribable.

No one name can describe Him. God’s characteristics and qualities are more than one name, or even sixteen can characterize. Finite people can only speak in words they understand, so each title shows a different piece of who God is.

Different Names of God to Stir Worship and Adoration

These different names of God give only a glimpse into the fullness and richness of the God of the universe. God will always be better than even our highest and loftiest thoughts of Him.

Understanding the names used in Scripture does provide God’s people with a deeper and more intimate understanding and relationship with Him.

Find other tips and resources on the blog to keep you learning and growing. Develop your healthiest and happiest self to live your best life.