### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shadday**, represented by `{{H7706}}`, is a name for God that means **the Almighty**. Derived from שָׁדַד, it appears 48 times in 48 unique verses. This name emphasizes God's supreme power, sovereignty, and all-sufficiency.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7706}}` is used to reveal God's immense power and his covenant relationship with his people. God first introduces Himself to Abram as "the Almighty God" [[Genesis 17:1]], a name He later confirms was used in His appearances to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob [[Exodus 6:3]]. The name is also associated with God's power to bless and make fruitful ([[Genesis 28:3]], [[Genesis 49:25]]). In the book of Job, the name appears frequently in dialogues concerning God's justice, power, and inscrutability, as when Job describes his suffering as coming from "the arrows of the Almighty" [[Job 6:4]]. Prophets like Isaiah and Joel use the name to describe impending judgment as "a destruction from the Almighty" ([[Isaiah 13:6]], [[Joel 1:15]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper insight into the concept of God as the Almighty:
* `{{H7701}}` **shôd** (destruction): This word, meaning ravage or desolation, is linguistically linked to Shadday and highlights the overwhelming power of the Almighty, as seen in the prophetic warning that the day of the LORD will come "as a destruction from the Almighty" [[Isaiah 13:6]].
* `{{H7699}}` **shad** (breast): This term connects to God's role as the all-sufficient provider and nourisher. Jacob's blessing specifically links the Almighty with the "blessings of the breasts, and of the womb" [[Genesis 49:25]].
* `{{H410}}` **ʼêl** (God, mighty one): Often used in direct combination with `{{H7706}}` to form the title "El Shadday," or God Almighty, emphasizing His divine might [[Genesis 17:1]].
* `{{H3581}}` **kôach** (power): This word for power or strength describes a key attribute of Shadday. Job proclaims that the Almighty is "excellent in power" [[Job 37:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7706}}` is profound, revealing key aspects of God's character and actions.
* **Sovereign Power:** The name fundamentally identifies God as possessing all power to carry out His will. This is seen in His ability to bring destruction [[Isaiah 13:6]] and in the folly of strengthening oneself against Him [[Job 15:25]].
* **Source of Life and Blessing:** As the Almighty, God is the source of all life and fruitfulness. He blesses the patriarchs to be fruitful and multiply [[Genesis 35:11]], and his breath is what gives life [[Job 33:4]].
* **Inscrutable Justice:** The book of Job heavily utilizes the name Shadday to explore the mystery of God's justice, which operates beyond human understanding. Characters debate whether the Almighty can pervert justice [[Job 8:3]] and acknowledge that He cannot be fully found out [[Job 11:7]].
* **Patriarchal Revelation:** `{{H7706}}` is presented as a primary name by which God revealed Himself to the patriarchs, predating the revelation of His name Jehovah `{{H3068}}` [[Exodus 6:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7706}}` **Shadday** is a vital name for God in Scripture, denoting His ultimate power and sufficiency. It portrays a God who is not only mighty enough to enact judgment but also the bountiful source of all life and blessing. From the covenant promises made to the patriarchs to the profound questions raised in Job, this name serves as a constant reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation.
TRV