English · KJV
H415

אֵל אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל

ʼÊl ʼĕlôhêy Yisrâʼêl /ale el-o-hay' yis-rawale'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom אֵל and אֱלֹהִים and יִשְׂרָאֵל
Meaningthe mighty god of Jisrael; El-Elohi-Jisrael, the title given to a consecrated spot by Jacob
KJV usageElelohe-israel.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of ʼÊl ʼĕlôhêy Yisrâʼêl — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew name ʼÊl ʼĕlôhêy Yisrâʼêl, represented by H415, is a title that means the mighty god of Jisrael. This specific designation appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. It is not a common noun but rather the proper name given by Jacob to a consecrated spot he established.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single biblical occurrence of H415 is found in a definitive act of worship by Jacob. In Genesis 33:20, after erecting an altar, he called it H7121 Elelohe-Israel. This act transforms the altar from a mere structure into a memorial. By giving it this name, Jacob personally dedicates the site, making the altar itself a proclamation of the identity and power of the God of Israel.

Related Words & Concepts

The context of H415 is illuminated by the words used alongside it in its only appearance:

  • H4196 mizbêach (an altar): This is the physical object that Jacob erected and named. An altar is a central place for worship and sacrifice throughout scripture, a place where humanity engages with God, such as when Noah built an altar to the LORD Genesis 8:20.
  • H5324 nâtsab (to station, erect, establish): This verb describes the action of setting up the altar. It conveys a sense of permanence and appointment, whether it is establishing a physical pillar or God setting the bounds of the nations Deuteronomy 32:8.
  • H7121 qârâʼ (to call out to, give name): This word is key to understanding H415, as it signifies the act of naming. This action carries great weight, used when God called Israel by name Isaiah 43:1 and when people call upon the LORD in prayer Psalms 145:18.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H415 is concentrated in its single, powerful use.

  • Commemorative Naming: The act of naming the altar "El-Elohe-Israel" serves as a permanent monument to a significant moment in Jacob's life, consecrating the ground as a place defined by God's identity.
  • Declaration of a Covenant God: The name is a profound statement of faith. It explicitly links "El" (the mighty God) with "Israel," affirming that this powerful God is the specific God of Jacob and his descendants. The altar's name is a personal confession.
  • Worship as Proclamation: The use of H415 demonstrates that worship is not only an action (erecting an altar) but also a declaration. The name given to the altar H4196 proclaims God's character for all time at that location.

Summary

In summary, H415 is a unique and significant name, not just a word. Its sole use in scripture captures a moment where a physical act of worship is sealed with a verbal proclamation of faith. By naming an altar Elelohe-Israel, Jacob creates a lasting testament to the identity of God and His specific relationship with His people, showing how a place can carry the very name and character of God.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 3 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • אֱלֹהֵי
  • יִשְׂרָאֵל
  • אֵל

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H7121 קָרָא a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly H4196 מִזְבֵּחַ from זָבַח; an altar; altar. H5324 נָצַב a primitive root; to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively); appointed, deputy, erect, establish,

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Genesis — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.