Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, God reveals His identity through various names, titles, and self-descriptions, each reflecting different aspects of His nature and character. These revelations are foundational to understanding the nature of God and His relationship with humanity.
YHWH (Yahweh): One of the most significant self-identifications of God is found in
Exodus 3:14, where God reveals His name to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM" . This name, often rendered as Yahweh, signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature. It is a declaration of His unchanging and independent existence, emphasizing that He is the source of all being.
El Shaddai: In
Genesis 17:1, God appears to Abram and identifies Himself as "El Shaddai," often translated as "God Almighty" . This name underscores God's supreme power and authority over all creation, highlighting His ability to fulfill His promises and His sovereignty over the universe.
Elohim: The term "Elohim" is used throughout the Old Testament to refer to God, beginning with
Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" . This plural form, used with singular verbs, suggests the complexity and majesty of God, hinting at the Trinitarian nature of the Godhead.
Jehovah Jireh: In
Genesis 22:14, after God provides a ram as a substitute for Isaac, Abraham names the place "Jehovah Jireh," meaning "The LORD Will Provide" . This name reflects God's provision and faithfulness to meet the needs of His people.
Jehovah Rapha: In
Exodus 15:26, God declares, "I am the LORD who heals you" , identifying Himself as Jehovah Rapha. This name reveals God's power to heal and restore, both physically and spiritually, and His desire for the well-being of His people.
Jehovah Nissi: In
Exodus 17:15, after the victory over the Amalekites, Moses builds an altar and names it "Jehovah Nissi," meaning "The LORD Is My Banner" . This name signifies God's protection and leadership in battle, symbolizing His role as the defender and protector of His people.
Jehovah Shalom: In
Judges 6:24, Gideon builds an altar to the LORD and calls it "Jehovah Shalom," meaning "The LORD Is Peace" . This name emphasizes God's provision of peace and wholeness, offering assurance and tranquility to those who trust in Him.
The Good Shepherd: In
John 10:11, Jesus identifies Himself as "the good shepherd" , a title that reflects His care, guidance, and sacrificial love for His followers. This self-identification connects Jesus with the shepherd imagery found in the Old Testament, such as in
Psalm 23.
The Alpha and Omega: In
Revelation 1:8, God declares, "I am the Alpha and the Omega" , signifying His eternal nature and sovereignty over history. This title, repeated in
Revelation 21:6 and 22:13, affirms that God is the beginning and the end, encompassing all of time and existence.
The Light of the World: In
John 8:12, Jesus proclaims, "I am the light of the world" , indicating His role as the source of truth and life. This self-identification highlights Jesus' mission to illuminate the darkness of sin and guide humanity toward salvation.
The Bread of Life: In
John 6:35, Jesus states, "I am the bread of life" , emphasizing His role as the sustainer of spiritual life. This metaphor underscores the necessity of a relationship with Jesus for eternal life and spiritual nourishment.
Through these and other self-revelations, God provides insight into His character, attributes, and the ways in which He interacts with His creation. Each name and title serves as a reminder of His multifaceted nature and His desire to be known by His people.