אֱלֹהִים
Elohim
"GOD, gods, divine beings"
Strong's H430 • 2606 occurrences
Linguistic Analysis
Part of Speech
Noun (plural in form, singular or plural in meaning)
Root
אֱלֹהַּ (Eloah) - singular form of Elohim
Etymology
Plural form of Eloah. When referring to the one true GOD, Elohim takes singular verbs (Genesis 1:1: "Elohim created" - singular verb). The plural may indicate majesty or the Trinitarian nature of GOD.
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Elohim is the first name for GOD in Scripture (Genesis 1:1). It emphasizes GOD's power, might, and sovereignty as Creator. The plural form with singular verbs hints at the Trinity - one GOD in three persons. Context determines whether Elohim refers to the Almighty, false gods, or the divine council.
✝️ Christological Connection
JESUS CHRIST is Elohim incarnate. John 1:1 declares "the Word was GOD (Θεός - Greek equivalent of Elohim)." CHRIST is called "Mighty GOD (El Gibbor)" in Isaiah 9:6. He exercises divine prerogatives: forgives sins, receives worship, and creates - all attributes of Elohim.
Key Verses
Genesis 1:1
"In the beginning Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) created the heavens and the earth."
Plural noun with singular verb - Elohim (plural) "created" (singular). Hints at Trinity: Father, Son, Spirit involved in creation.
Genesis 1:26
"Then Elohim said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.""
Plural pronouns ("Us," "Our") with Elohim, suggesting divine plurality (Trinity) or divine council context.
Psalm 82:1
"Elohim stands in the congregation of El; He judges in the midst of the elohim."
Uses Elohim for both YHWH (the Almighty) and the divine council (spiritual beings). GOD rules over all.
Isaiah 9:6
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given... and His name will be called... Mighty GOD (El Gibbor)."
Messianic prophecy identifying CHRIST as Elohim - the Mighty GOD in human flesh.
Scholar Insights
heiser
Elohim is a flexible term: (1) YHWH, the Most High, (2) lesser elohim (divine council members), (3) disembodied human dead. Context determines meaning. Psalm 82 showcases all three uses.
alter
The plural Elohim with singular verbs is a literary device emphasizing GOD's majesty and uniqueness. It's not grammatical confusion but deliberate theology.
beale
Elohim creating man "in Our image" (Gen 1:26) anticipates the Incarnation. CHRIST is the perfect Image of Elohim (Col 1:15, Heb 1:3).
dumbrell
Elohim establishes GOD as the covenant-making GOD. From creation (Gen 1) through Noah (Gen 9) to Abraham (Gen 17), Elohim initiates covenants.
Note: Extra-biblical sources are provided for historical and cultural context. They are not authoritative like Scripture but help illuminate the ancient understanding of biblical texts.
Extra-Biblical References
Dead Sea Scrolls - Songs of Sabbath Sacrifice (4Q400-407)
4Q400-407"Descriptions of angelic worship in heaven, referring to angelic beings as elohim in the divine council."
Qumran texts affirm the divine council theology - elohim as spiritual beings serving the Most High Elohim (YHWH).
1 Enoch 6-7
1 En. 6-7"The Watchers (fallen elohim) descended to earth, rebelling against GOD."
Enoch expands on Genesis 6:1-4, describing fallen "sons of GOD" (bene elohim) - members of the divine council who rebelled.
Jubilees 2:2
Jub. 2:2"On the first day He created... all the spirits which serve before Him - angels of presence, sanctification, etc."
Jubilees identifies created spiritual beings (elohim) as part of GOD's created order from Day 1.
Testament of Levi 3
T. Levi 3"In the heaven next to it are archangels who minister... the thrones and authorities by which praises are offered to GOD."
Testaments describe hierarchies of elohim (angelic beings) in service to the Most High.
Related Words
יהוה (YHWH)
YHWH
The personal covenant name of GOD. YHWH is Elohim, but Elohim is not always YHWH.
אֵל (El)
El
Singular form meaning "GOD" or "god" - the root from which Elohim derives.
אֱלֹהַּ (Eloah)
Eloah
Singular form of Elohim, emphasizing the oneness of GOD (used in Job and Psalms).
Typology & Patterns
Typological Fulfillment
Elohim as Creator prefigures CHRIST as the agent of creation (John 1:3, Col 1:16). Elohim as Judge (Psalm 82) points to CHRIST as ultimate Judge (John 5:22). Elohim with man (Immanuel) fulfilled in CHRIST (Matthew 1:23).
Biblical Patterns
- •Elohim + singular verb = Trinity in unity (Genesis 1:1)
- •Elohim + plural pronouns = Divine council or Trinity (Genesis 1:26, 11:7)
- •Elohim creating through speech = Logos theology (Genesis 1: "Elohim said")
- •Elohim + image-bearing = Humanity as GOD's representatives (Genesis 1:26-27)
Practical Application
Understanding Elohim deepens our awe of GOD's majesty and power. He is not a distant deity but the covenant GOD who creates, sustains, and redeems. CHRIST, as Elohim incarnate, is worthy of our worship, obedience, and trust. We are created in the image of Elohim - a high calling to reflect His character.
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You."
— Psalm 119:11