The names of God in Scripture are not mere labels; they reveal His character and His relationship with humanity. From the mighty Creator to the ever-present Lord, each name shows a facet of who He is. Here are ten of these names, predominantly from the Old Testament, and what each reveals about the character of God.

  • Elohim

    The name Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is the first name used for God in the Bible, appearing in the very first verse of Genesis. It is a plural noun, yet when it names the true God it takes singular verbs; Matthew Henry reads this plural as a hint of the plurality of persons in the Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. It speaks of God as the mighty Creator, the Sovereign One who brings forth all things from nothing, and it reveals His omnipotence over all creation.

    In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

    Genesis 1:1
    KJV

    Elohim reveals God as the source of all life and existence, worthy of all worship and awe because He spoke the universe into being.

  • Jehovah (Yahweh - LORD)

    The name Jehovah (יְהוָה), often translated as “LORD” in all capital letters in the KJV, is God’s personal, covenant name. It is derived from the Hebrew verb “to be” and means the self-Existent or Eternal One, the sense of “I AM THAT I AM.” This name was revealed to Moses at the burning bush and signifies God’s self-existence, eternal nature, and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It is the name that emphasizes God’s relational character and His active presence with His people.

    And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

    Exodus 3:14-15
    KJV

    Jehovah reveals God’s faithfulness and unchanging nature: He is always present with His chosen people and always true to His word.

  • Adonai

    The name Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning “Lord” or “Master,” emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His position as the absolute ruler and owner of all things. It denotes a relationship of master to servant, highlighting God’s authority and our submission to Him. When used of God, it acknowledges His supreme dominion over all creation and His rightful claim to our obedience and worship.

    And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?

    Genesis 15:2
    KJV

    Adonai reveals God as sovereign over all circumstances, the One to whom all creation is accountable. It calls for humble submission and trust in His will.

  • El Shaddai

    El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי) means “God Almighty.” This name often appears in contexts of God’s blessing, fruitfulness, and His ability to perform beyond human expectation. It portrays God as the One who blesses and makes fruitful: “God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful” (Genesis 28:3). He is the strong and powerful God who provides for, sustains, and blesses His people, especially in times of weakness or impossibility.

    And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

    Genesis 17:1
    KJV

    El Shaddai assures us of God’s limitless power and abundant provision: He can accomplish all things, making the barren fruitful and fulfilling His promises even when human strength fails.

  • Jehovah-Jireh

    The name Jehovah-Jireh (יְהוָה יִרְאֶה) means “The LORD Will Provide.” This name was given by Abraham after God provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice for Isaac on Mount Moriah. It signifies God’s foresight and His active provision for His people’s needs, often in miraculous ways. It points to God’s ultimate provision of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

    And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

    Genesis 22:14
    KJV

    Jehovah-Jireh reveals God as the faithful provider who anticipates our needs and supplies them in His love, wisdom, and sovereign will.

  • Jehovah-Rapha

    Jehovah-Rapha (יְהוָה רָפָא) means “The LORD That Heals.” This name was revealed to the Israelites after they complained about the bitter waters of Marah, which God made sweet. It emphasizes God’s power to heal and restore, not only physically but also spiritually and emotionally. He is the divine Physician who can mend broken bodies, hearts, and spirits, bringing wholeness and health to His people who obey Him.

    And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

    Exodus 15:26
    KJV

    Jehovah-Rapha highlights God’s compassion and His desire for the well-being of His people, and assures us that He can bring restoration and healing in every aspect of our lives, both now and eternally.

  • Jehovah-Nissi

    Jehovah-Nissi (יְהוָה נִסִּי) means “The LORD My Banner” or “The LORD My Standard.” This name was given by Moses after the Israelites’ victory over the Amalekites, where the battle was won by God’s intervention as Moses held up his hands. A banner or standard was a rallying point in battle, signifying leadership, protection, and victory. This name declares God as our source of victory in spiritual warfare, our protector, and the one we rally under.

    And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:

    Exodus 17:15
    KJV

    Jehovah-Nissi reveals God as the victorious warrior who fights for His people and leads them to triumph over their enemies. Their ultimate victory comes from Him alone, and He is their unfailing defense.

  • Jehovah-Shalom

    The name Jehovah-Shalom (יְהוָה שָׁלוֹם) means “The LORD Is Peace.” This name was proclaimed by Gideon after the Angel of the LORD appeared to him and assured him that he would not die, despite seeing the divine messenger. In a time of great fear and oppression under the Midianites, God’s assurance brought peace. This name signifies that God Himself is the source of true peace, not the absence of conflict, but wholeness, well-being, and tranquility.

    Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

    Judges 6:24
    KJV

    Jehovah-Shalom reveals God as the giver of inner peace, who calms our fears and anxieties and establishes order and harmony where there is chaos. He is our security and the rest of our souls.

  • Jehovah-Tsidkenu

    Jehovah-Tsidkenu (יְהוָה צִדְקֵנוּ) means “The LORD Our Righteousness.” This prophetic name is used in Jeremiah to describe the future Messiah, the righteous Branch who will reign as King. It signifies that God Himself provides righteousness to His people. We, being unrighteous by nature, can only be made right with God through His provision. This name points directly to Jesus Christ, who became our righteousness through His sacrifice.

    In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

    Jeremiah 23:6
    KJV

    Jehovah-Tsidkenu reveals God’s perfect justice and His gracious provision for our salvation. It assures us that our standing before a holy God is not based on our own merit, but on the righteousness imputed to us by faith in His Son.

  • Jehovah-Shammah

    The name Jehovah-Shammah (יְהוָה שָׁמָּה) means “The LORD Is There.” This name concludes Ezekiel’s prophecy, referring to the city of Ezekiel’s closing vision, whose twelve gates and the dwelling of God with His people are taken up in the New Jerusalem of Revelation 21. It signifies God’s omnipresence and His abiding, eternal presence with His people: He is never distant, but always near to those who belong to Him, dwelling among His redeemed.

    It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.

    Ezekiel 48:35
    KJV

    Jehovah-Shammah reveals God’s nearness and His desire for fellowship with humanity. No matter where we are or what we face, the sovereign, covenant-keeping God is always present with us, fulfilling His promise to never leave us nor forsake us.

Conclusion

The names of God are more than ancient titles; they are living revelations of His unchanging character. Each name we have explored—from Elohim, the mighty Creator, to Jehovah-Shammah, the ever-present Lord—adds to our understanding of who God is: His omnipotence, faithfulness, provision, healing power, victorious leadership, peace, righteousness, and abiding presence. Knowing these names deepens our worship and gives comfort in times of trial.

To know God is to know His names and to see how they are perfectly embodied in the person of Jesus Christ, who is God with us. May our hearts continually meditate on these glorious names, trusting in the character they reveal, and drawing closer to the One who is all in all.