Foundations of the Faith is a series where we will look at the basic teachings and beliefs of our faith in YHWH as recorded in the Bible. This series is intended to be a summarized overview of the faith, which we hope will guide new disciples in the beginning of their study. Throughout this series, we will address such fundamental issues as:
Who is God and how do we relate to Him?
What is Torah (God’s teachings and commandments)?
What is sin and the penalty of sin?
How can the penalty of our sins be resolved?
What do we do after receiving salvation?
Elohim is Creator and Ruler of the Universe
In the beginning Elohim (אלהים) created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1)
The first sentence of the Bible establishes two truths:
1. Elohim exists
2. Elohim created the universe
If one cannot accept the fundamental truth of Genesis 1:1, then there’s no point continuing through the Bible. The entirety of scripture and our faith rests upon the immutable truth that Elohim exists, He is the all-powerful creator of the universe, and He is the all-powerful ruler of the universe.
If one can accept Genesis 1:1, then he or she can believe anything else that comes after it in the scriptures. If Elohim has unlimited power to create the universe then He can rescue His people from distress, resurrect the dead, and punish the wicked. Given the unlimited power and authority of Elohim, nothing is impossible for Him to accomplish.
Understanding Elohim
Elohim (אלהים) translates to English as God; however, it is a plural word and literally means “gods”. In some portions of scripture, Elohim is actually used to mean “gods” such as:
You shall have no other elohim (אלהים) before me (Exodus 20:3)
We can understand when Elohim refers to God (the creator) or “gods” (false idols) by the context of the passage where the word appears. In the case of Exodus 20:3, God (the creator) is speaking; and, He is saying we are not to have any elohim (gods/idols/mighty ones) other than Him. This does not mean there are other legitimate gods or goddesses but that we are not to worship and idolize anyone, or anything, other than the one true God.
The plurality of Elohim is often difficult to understand. If our faith is monotheistic, having only one God, then why is the one true God described with a plural word? Does the use of the plural word Elohim to describe God mean He exists as multiple entities?
The Plurality of Majesty
The word Elohim has two possible grammatical uses: A plurality of number or a plurality of power and majesty. When used to describe idols and false gods, elohim means a plurality of number (more than one “god”) such as:
It is YHWH your Elohim you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear. You shall not go after other elohim, the elohim of the peoples who are around you. (Deuteronomy 6:13-14)
In the above verses, God is commanding His people not to follow the “gods” of the nations. The “gods of the nations” are described as plural in number, not power. We know the “gods of the nations” are plural in number because the Bible describes numerous “gods and goddesses” worshipped by the ancient civilizations; and, extra-Biblical evidence shows us most nations were polytheistic (having multiple “gods”). We know the “gods of the nations” are not plural in power and majesty, because YHWH continuously describes them as powerless, mute, and unable to respond or save (see Psalm 115 for example).
Elohim exists as one God. The plurality of the word Elohim denotes God’s characteristic of being the all-powerful head of creation. Throughout Genesis 1, we see Elohim exercise His unlimited power and authority to speak the universe into existence. The entire first chapter of Genesis establishes the infinite nature of God so that we will know who is our source and our sovereign ruler.
There is only one God, who exists as a singular entity. There are not three gods. There are not many gods. And, there is not a pantheism of gods.
A Plural Noun with a Singular Verb
A context clue that Elohim describes God as plural in power and majesty (not number) is seen in the common sentence structure where Elohim performs an action. Every time we see Elohim do something, the noun Elohim is plural while the verb in the sentence is singular. This violates normal Hebrew grammatical rules and describes Elohim as intensive in power, committing actions that transcend anyone else’s ability.
Again, consider Genesis 1:1
In the beginning Elohim (אלהים) created the heavens and the earth
Elohim is a plural noun. The Hebrew word for “created” in this sentence is bara (ברא), which is in the third-person singular. This sentence structure of relating a plural noun with a singular verb indicates the subject of the sentence is intended to be singular but described in terms of majesty and power.
And Elohim (אלהים) said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Genesis 1:3)
A literal translation of Genesis 1:3 would read “and said Elohim”. Again, Elohim is a plural noun. The Hebrew phrase for “and said” in this sentence is way-yō-mer (ויאמר), which is in the third-person singular. The account of creation in Genesis 1 repeatedly declares God as a plurality of intensity and power who singularly created life, the universe, and everything.
Other Pluralities of Majesty and Power
Like Elohim, other Hebrew words are constructed as plural but intended to be singular in number when used. An example is the Hebrew word chayim (חיים), which means “life”. Chayim is plural; however, we understand it’s used to express singular life and not plural lives.
then YHWH Elohim formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. (Genesis 2:7)
In this verse, chayim (life) is a plural noun. The Hebrew word for “breathed” in this sentence is third-person singular verb.
First, we’re told Elohim (plural noun) created (singular verb) man from the dust of the ground.
Then, we’re told Elohim breathed (singular verb) life (plural noun) into the man
Through context and sentence structure, we understand God did not give Adam multiple lives. Adam received a single life, which had intensive power to transform inanimate matter to living flesh. We know Adam only had a single life if we continue reading through Genesis 3. Chapter three records how Adam lost out on the chance at eternal life through his rebellion against God’s commandment. Therefore, Adam’s one life came to an end.
Mankind has a singular life with the potential to acquire eternal life as a gift from God. But, the chayim God breathed into mankind is singular in number. It takes another action of God to resurrect the dead and make mankind’s life eternal, which we will read about in an upcoming part of this series.
The Name of YHWH
Elohim (God) is not a proper name. Elohim is a title or honorific that refers to deity and might, and it is not exclusively used to refer to the Most High God. God revealed His name YHWH, which is His proper name and is only ever applied to Him.
And Elohim said further to Moses, “Thus shall you speak to the Israelites: YHWH, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is my memorial to all generations.” (Exodus 3:15)
YHWH is a transliteration of the Hebrew יהוה, which is the proper name of God. God revealed his name as YHWH to Moses, and His name appears nearly 7,000 times in the original Hebrew texts.
The name YHWH encompasses all forms of the verb “to be”. The name of God essentially means He was, He is, and He will be. The name of God identifies Him as self-existent, eternal, and uniquely set apart from everyone else in existence. There are many “gods” created and abandoned throughout history, but there has only ever been one YHWH who has no origin and no demise.
The Character of YHWH
Throughout the Bible, YHWH reveals His nature and character to us. We learn who YHWH is and what He is like, what He approves of and what He disapproves of, and we learn how we relate to Him and what He requires of us.
Ultimately, YHWH wants a relationship with us where we know Him, live according to His teachings, serve Him, and He will provide for our needs and guard us from danger. Through study of scripture, we can learn about YHWH and His instructions for our life. Through following YHWH and practicing His instructions, we can experience the relationship with Him and come to know Him by intimate experience.
For more study of YHWH’s nature and character, please see our study on The Thirteen Attributes of YHWH.
Conclusion
God is Elohim, the almighty deity who created the universe and gave us life. In His deity, Elohim is creator and ruler of all.
God is YHWH, our self-existent and compassionate LORD. In His relationship with mankind, He is our teacher, our guide, and our deliverer. It is YHWH who gave us His instructions and commandments; and, it is YHWH who forgives sin and delivers us from destruction. But, if we reject YHWH and rebel against His teachings and commands then it is YHWH who will judge us for our wicked deeds.
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