The names of God and their meanings
In the Bible, a name is never just a label — it reveals character. Each name of God opens a window onto who he is: Creator, provider, healer, shepherd, peace. To learn his names is to learn to trust him more deeply.
Here are the great names of God from the Hebrew Scriptures, each with its meaning, the passage it comes from, and a gentle reflection — so the name becomes not just a fact to know, but a truth to lean on.
Abba
The intimate name for God as Father, taught by Jesus and given to us by the Spirit.
Adonai
God as our Lord and Master — the one who has the rightful claim on our lives.
The Ancient of Days
Daniel's vision of God enthroned in glory, judging with perfect authority.
El Elyon
The Most High God, sovereign over all nations, powers, and rival gods.
El Olam
The eternal God, without beginning or end, whom Abraham worshipped at Beersheba.
El Roi
The God who saw Hagar alone in the wilderness — the God who sees you too.
El Shaddai
The all-sufficient God almighty, who met Abraham with a promise beyond his strength.
Elohim
The first name of God in the Bible — the mighty Creator of heaven and earth.
Jehovah Jireh
The name Abraham gave on the mountain, when God provided a ram in place of his son.
Jehovah Nissi
The name Moses raised after the battle with Amalek — God as our rallying banner and victory.
Jehovah Raah
The shepherd-heart of God, sung by David in the best-loved psalm of all.
Jehovah Rapha
The God who revealed himself to Israel as their healer at the waters of Marah.
Jehovah Sabaoth
The LORD commanding the armies of heaven — our refuge and our fortress.
Jehovah Shalom
The name Gideon gave when God met his fear with peace instead of judgment.
Jehovah Shammah
Ezekiel's final vision — the city whose name is simply, “The LORD is there.”
Jehovah Tsidkenu
Jeremiah's name for the coming King — the LORD who becomes our righteousness.
Yahweh (Jehovah)
God's personal, covenant name, revealed to Moses at the burning bush — the self-existing One.
Why the names of God matter
When the Bible wants us to know God, it often does so by revealing a name. Each name was usually given at a moment of need — provision on a mountain, healing at bitter waters, peace in the middle of fear — so that God’s people would remember, in the next hard place, exactly who he had shown himself to be.
You can also explore the names of Jesus, read the Bible itself, or browse the most loved verses.