The Names of God
In Hebrew thought, a name isn't just a label — it reveals character. Each name below is a moment where God (or Jesus, in the last entry) identifies himself in a way that answers a specific need or question in the story around it.
Elohim — Creator
The first word used for God in Scripture, in the act of creating everything that exists.
YHWH — "I AM WHO I AM"
God's answer when Moses asks his name at the burning bush — self-existence itself as a name.
El Shaddai — God Almighty
Spoken to Abram at 99, just before the promise of a son through Sarah.
Jehovah-Jireh — The LORD Will Provide
Named by Abraham at the moment a ram appears in place of Isaac.
Jehovah-Rapha — The LORD Who Heals
Given at Marah, right after God turns bitter water sweet for Israel.
Jehovah-Shalom — The LORD Is Peace
Gideon's name for the altar he builds after God tells him "peace, fear not."
Alpha and Omega
Jesus's own closing words in Scripture — the same self-existence claimed at the burning bush, now spoken by Christ.