Celestial Diary

Christianity isn’t just about rituals; it’s a lifestyle centered on our relationship with God. Communication is key in every relationship, and knowing how to address God matters. Over time, people have used various names to refer to God, depending on how He revealed Himself to them.

In our prayers, worship and alone time with Him, do we understand who God is and how He’s revealing Himself to us? It’s crucial for our connection with Him.

The Names of God the Father

1. Father – This person of the Trinity is understood as the ultimate source and originator of all creation. He is often depicted as the loving and caring parent of humanity, providing guidance, protection, and sustenance to His children. The term emphasizes the relational aspect of God’s nature, portraying Him as a loving Father who desires a personal relationship with His creation.
   • Bible Verse: Matthew 6:9 – “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’”
2. Yahweh (Jehovah) – Meaning “I am who I am” or “I am that I am,” signifying God’s eternal and self-existent nature.
   It reflects His self-existence, unchanging nature and sovereignty over all creation. Knowing this name reminds us of His reliability and steadfastness, even in the midst of life’s uncertainties. In Hebrew tradition, it was considered so sacred that it was not spoken aloud. Instead, “Adonai” (Lord) was used as a substitute when reading scripture.
   • Bible Verse: Exodus 3:14 – “God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
3. Adonai – Meaning “Lord” or “master,” signifying God’s authority and sovereignty over His people. “Adonai” is a Hebrew term used in the Bible to refer to God, particularly emphasizing His lordship and is often translated as “Lord” in English translations of the Bible. “Adonai” is a plural form of “Adon,” which means “lord” or “master.” In Jewish tradition, it is used as a reverential title for God, reflecting the respect and reverence due to Him as the supreme ruler and sovereign over all creation.
   • Bible Verse: Psalm 8:1 – “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.”
4. Elohim – Meaning “God” or “mighty one,” emphasizing God’s power and authority as the Creator and ruler of the universe. It is a plural noun but is often used with singular verbs and adjectives when referring to the God of Israel. It emphasizes His authority, sovereignty, and divine nature.
   • Bible Verse: Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
5. El Shaddai – This is a Hebrew term found in the Bible, often translated as “God Almighty” or “God of the Mountains.” It is one of the names used to refer to God, emphasizing His power, strength, and might. The term “Shaddai” is thought to come from a root word meaning “mountain,” suggesting God’s lofty and majestic nature. “El Shaddai” conveys the idea of God as the all-sufficient and all-powerful provider, protector, and sustainer of His people. It appears frequently in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Genesis, where it is associated with promises, blessings, and fertility.
   • Bible Verse: Genesis 17:1 – “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.’”
6. El Elyon – Meaning “Most High God,” emphasizing God’s supremacy and exaltation above all other gods (“El” means “God” and “Elyon” means “Most High” or “Supreme”). It refers to God’s absolute authority and preeminence above all other gods, powers and authorities.
   • Bible Verse: Psalm 97:9 – “For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.”
7. Jehovah Jireh – Meaning “The Lord will provide,” highlighting God’s faithfulness in meeting the needs of His people. God will always provide for the needs of those who trust in Him, even in the most challenging circumstances.
   • Bible Verse: Genesis 22:14 – “So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.’”
8. Jehovah Rapha – Meaning “The Lord who heals,” emphasizing God’s role as healer and restorer of His people. This title emphasizes God’s ability and willingness to heal, not only physically but also spiritually and emotionally. It signifies God’s compassionate nature and His desire to bring restoration and wholeness to His people.
   • Bible Verse: Exodus 15:26 – “He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”
9. Jehovah Nissi – Meaning “The Lord is my banner,” symbolizing God’s victory and protection over His people. The term “banner” refers to a rallying point, a symbol of identity and authority, or a standard around which people gather for a common cause or in times of battle. God is the one whom they rally around, the one who provides victory in battle, and the one who defends them against their enemies. It serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate source of strength and protection for His people, and they can trust in Him to lead them to triumph in all circumstances.
   • Bible Verse: Exodus 17:15 – “Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner.”
10. Jehovah Shalom – Meaning “The Lord is peace,” signifying God’s presence and tranquility in the midst of turmoil. The term “Shalom” goes beyond the absence of conflict or turmoil; it refers to completeness, wholeness, and well-being in every aspect of life—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Thus, “Jehovah Shalom” emphasizes God’s role as the provider and sustainer of peace in the lives of His people. It signifies that true peace comes from a relationship with God and trusting in His sovereignty and provision.
    • Bible Verse: Judges 6:24 – “So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord is Peace.”
11. Jehovah Sabaoth – Also known as ”Yahweh Sabaoth,” means “The Lord of hosts” or “The Lord of armies,” highlighting God’s sovereignty and authority over all spiritual forces. The term “hosts” or “armies” refers to the large, organized, heavenly army of angels under God’s command. The name emphasizes God’s sovereignty, power, and authority over all creation, including the angelic hosts and earthly powers.
    • Bible Verse: 1 Samuel 1:3 – “And she made a vow, saying, ‘Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.’”
12. Ancient of Days – Describing God’s eternal nature and wisdom as the one who has existed from the beginning of time. It portrays His authority over time and history, and His role as the ultimate judge of the universe. It signifies God’s timeless existence, stretching back to the beginning of time and extending into eternity.
    • Bible Verse: Daniel 7:9 – “As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.”
13. King of Kings – This a name used for both God the Father and God the Son. It serves to highlight God’s ultimate authority and rulership over all creation, both in the Old and New Testaments. It also Reflects God’s sovereignty over all rulers and kingdoms on earth.
    • Bible Verse: Revelation 19:16 – “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.”
14. Alpha and Omega – The term “Alpha” is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, while “Omega” is the last letter. By using these letters to describe Himself, God is expressing that He is the origin and culmination of all things. He exists before all creation and will continue to exist after the end of time. It signifies that God is the ultimate authority and source of all existence, and that He holds power over the course of history and the destiny of humanity.
    • Bible Verse: Revelation 1:8 – “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’”

We could debate whether Jesus Christ’s names should be included, given that He’s also God. Yet, Jesus is the Son of God. Adding His names would mean adding those of the Holy Spirit too, as He’s also God.

This list focuses on how God the Father reveals Himself to us. While all three are one, each – the Father, Son, and Spirit – has distinct roles and ways of manifesting.

Which version of God do you recognize in your life? It is very likely I missed out on some names. One would have to dissect every nook and cranny of the bible to be as thorough as possible. But I do wonder if it’s possible to truly list out and comprehend all the different aspects of God?

Stay Blessed x