The Names and Attributes of God

Introduction

  • Significance of Divine Names: In biblical theology, a name is far more than a simple label; it is a manifestation of character, nature, and reputation. To know God's name is to know His revealed character. God's names are divinely revealed, acting as a bridge between His infinite nature and our finite understanding.

  • Dual Function of a Name:

    • Denotation: Serves as a specific designation for the person of God.

    • Connotation: Carries deep theological meaning and intrinsic value reflecting God's essence.

Names and Titles of God

Names of God in the Old Testament

  • Generic Name: Elohim

    • Etymology: Derived from the root El, meaning 'mighty' or 'strong.' Used over 2,5702,570 times in the Old Testament.

    • Plural of Majesty: Although plural in form, it is used with singular verbs. This signifies 'Pluralis Amplitudinis'—the fullness of power and majesty, rather than a plurality of beings.

    • Role: Primarily associated with God as the Creator and the Sovereign Judge of the universe.

  • Personal Name: Yahweh (The Tetragrammaton)

    • Meaning: Often translated as 'The Lord,' the name YHWHYHWH is the sacred personal name of the God of Israel. It is derived from the verb hayah, meaning 'to be.'

    • Revelation: Revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14Exodus\ 3:14) as 'I AM THAT I AM,' signifying God's self-existence, eternity, and faithfulness to His covenant.

    • Jewish Tradition: Out of reverence, the name was historically not pronounced, leading to the use of 'Adonai' as a substitute.

  • Significant Title: Adonai

    • Meaning: 'Lord,' 'Master,' or 'Owner.' It emphasizes God's authority and lordship over His creation and His people.

Compound Names of God in the Old Testament

  • El-Based Compounds:

    • El Shaddai: 'God Almighty' (Genesis 17:117:1). Indicates God as the all-sufficient sustainer and nourisher of His people.

    • El Olam: 'The Everlasting God,' emphasizing God's existence beyond the horizons of time and the unknown.

    • El Elyon: 'The Most High God,' highlighting His supreme status and absolute sovereignty over all other powers.

    • El Kadosh: 'The Holy God,' stressing His absolute purity and separation from sin.

  • Jehovah (Yahweh) Compounds:

    • Jehovah Jireh: 'The Lord Will Provide' (Genesis 22:1422:14).

    • Jehovah Rapha: 'The Lord Who Heals' (Exodus 15:2615:26).

    • Jehovah Nissi: 'The Lord Our Banner' (Exodus 17:1517:15).

    • Jehovah Shalom: 'The Lord is Peace' (Judges 6:246:24).

    • Jehovah Tsidkenu: 'The Lord Our Righteousness' (Jeremiah 23:623:6).

Nature and Attributes of God

Understanding God's Nature

  • Pure Spirit: God is spirit (John 4:24John\ 4:24), meaning He is a non-material, personal substance. He lacks physical dimensions and is not subject to the limitations of matter.

  • Divine Simplicity: God is not a composite being; His attributes are not 'parts' of Him but are identical to His essence. He is what He has.

Classification of Divine Attributes

  1. Incommunicable Attributes (Absolute): Attributes that belong exclusively to God and have no analogy in creatures.

    • Aseity (Self-existence): God has the ground of His existence in Himself. He is independent and necessary for all other existence.

    • Immutability: God is unchangeable in His nature, perfections, purposes, and promises (Malachi 3:6Malachi\ 3:6).

    • Eternity: God is infinite in relation to time; He resides in an eternal 'now' with no beginning or end.

    • Omnipresence (Immensity): God is not limited by space; He is fully present in all places at all times.

  2. Communicable Attributes (Relative): Attributes that find a limited reflection in human beings as the Imago Dei.

    • Wisdom (Omnisapience): The ability to apply infinite knowledge to achieve the best possible ends through the most appropriate means.

    • Justice and Righteousness: God's inherent holiness as expressed in His dealings with humanity and His law.

    • Goodness and Love: God's disposition to bless His creatures and the self-giving nature of His character (1 John 4:81\ John\ 4:8).

Key Divine Characteristics (The 'Omnis')

  • Omniscience: God possesses perfect knowledge of everything actual and possible. He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10Isaiah\ 46:10).

  • Omnipotence: God is all-powerful. He can do anything that is consistent with His holy nature and logically possible (Ephesians 3:20Ephesians\ 3:20).

  • Omni-benevolence: The perfection of God's goodness, being infinite in His mercy, grace, and love.