On Elohim — the majesties
A targeted ad on twitter invited me to explore in detail the meaning of the word Elohim by joining an online class in biblical Hebrew. I didn’t want to join the class, yet the question interests me. I didn’t really know the answer. Therefore, I asked chat GPT.
🔶 Me: Can you tell me about the etymology & usage & meaning of the Hebraic word "Elohim"?
🔷 Bot: Certainly! The word "Elohim" is a Hebrew term with rich significance in Jewish and biblical tradition. Let’s explore its etymology, usage, and meaning.
Etymology: The word "Elohim" is derived from the Hebrew root "El," which means "god" or "deity." It is worth noting that "Elohim" is a plural form, suggesting multiple gods. However, in Hebrew grammar, plural forms can also be used to denote majesty, intensity, or greatness. In the case of "Elohim," it is commonly understood as a plural of majesty, emphasizing the greatness and power of God.
Usage: "Elohim" is one of the primary names used for God in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). It appears over 2,500 times throughout the Hebrew scriptures. It is often employed in conjunction with other divine names, such as "Yahweh," to reveal different aspects of God's character.
Meaning: The precise meaning of "Elohim" is a subject of interpretation and debate among scholars. Some proposed meanings include:
God: "Elohim" is generally understood as a term for God, emphasizing His authority, power, and divine nature. It highlights God's role as the supreme being and creator of the universe.
Gods: As mentioned earlier, "Elohim" can be interpreted as a plural form of majesty, suggesting the greatness and sovereignty of God. However, within the context of monotheistic Judaism, it does not indicate the belief in multiple gods but rather emphasizes the singular God's exalted nature.
Divine Council: In certain instances in the Hebrew Bible, "Elohim" refers to a divine council or assembly of heavenly beings. This understanding views "Elohim" as encompassing God and other spiritual beings in His presence.
It is important to note that the interpretation of "Elohim" depends on the context in which it is used. In some instances, it may refer to God, while in others, it can denote heavenly beings or spiritual forces. The overall meaning of the term is deeply connected to the religious and theological beliefs of Judaism.
In summary, "Elohim" is a Hebrew term used to refer to God in the Hebrew Bible. It highlights God's authority, power, and divine nature. While it is a plural form, it is understood as a plural of majesty, emphasizing the greatness of the singular God. The precise meaning of "Elohim" depends on its contextual usage within the scriptures.
🔶 Me: Thank you! I appreciate the thoroughness of your response. Can you now quote for me half a dozen real (verifiable) Hebrew texts with English translations and interpretations, as notable and telling examples of the use of Elohim in various books of the Pentateuch?
🔷 Bot: Certainly! Here are six examples of the use of the word "Elohim" in various books of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible), along with their English translations and brief interpretations:
Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
Interpretation: This verse from the opening of the Book of Genesis highlights the creative power and authority of God (Elohim) as the sole creator of the universe.
Exodus 20:1-2 "And God spoke all these words: 'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.'"
Interpretation: In this passage, Elohim is used to emphasize God's covenant relationship with the Israelites. God identifies Himself as the one who delivered them from Egypt and establishes His authority as their God.
Leviticus 19:2 "Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'"
Interpretation: Here, Elohim is employed to emphasize the moral and ethical standards that God expects His people to uphold. It underscores His divine nature and sets the standard for holiness.
Numbers 23:19 "God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?"
Interpretation: Elohim is used in this verse to contrast the unchanging nature of God with the unpredictability and fallibility of human beings. It highlights God's trustworthiness and faithfulness.
Deuteronomy 4:35 "You were shown these things so that you might know that the LORD is God; besides him, there is no other."
Interpretation: Elohim is utilized here to reinforce the monotheistic belief in the exclusive worship of Yahweh as God. It emphasizes the uniqueness and incomparability of the one true God.
Genesis 1:26 "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.'"
Interpretation: In this verse, the plural form of Elohim ("us") has sparked scholarly debate. Some interpret it as an indication of God addressing the divine council or heavenly beings, while others see it as a majestic plural, highlighting God's greatness. It is important to note that within the context of monotheistic Judaism, this verse is not seen as evidence of multiple gods but rather as an expression of God's grandeur.
These examples showcase the diverse ways in which the word "Elohim" is employed in the Pentateuch, emphasizing God's creative power, covenant relationship, holiness, trustworthiness, exclusivity, and divine nature.
🔶 Me: Wonderful can you also give me half a dozen examples from the Book of Psalms?
🔷 Bot: Certainly! Here are six examples of the use of the word "Elohim" in the Book of Psalms, along with their English translations and brief interpretations:
Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Interpretation: This verse highlights Elohim as a source of protection, strength, and assistance during times of trouble. It emphasizes God's reliability and constant presence.
Psalm 82:1 "God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the 'gods.'"
Interpretation: Here, Elohim is used in a unique context where it refers to other divine beings or judges in a heavenly assembly. It portrays God as the ultimate authority and judge, surpassing all other beings.
Psalm 68:7 "O God, when you went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness..."
Interpretation: Elohim is invoked as the God who led the Israelites through the wilderness during the exodus. It highlights God's guidance, protection, and leadership.
Psalm 62:11 "One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: 'Power belongs to you, God.'"
Interpretation: Elohim is acknowledged as the possessor of power and strength. This verse emphasizes the sovereignty and might of God.
Psalm 50:1 "The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets."
Interpretation: This verse employs Elohim to emphasize God's might and authority. It portrays Him as the summoner and ruler of the entire earth.
Psalm 95:3 "For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods."
Interpretation: Elohim is used to highlight the supreme nature of God (Yahweh) as the greatest deity, surpassing all other gods. It underscores God's exalted position and superiority.
These examples from the Book of Psalms showcase the varied ways in which Elohim is employed to express different aspects of God's character and relationship with His people, including protection, judgment, guidance, power, sovereignty, and supremacy.
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🔶 Me: Regarding this passage -- Psalm 62:11 "One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: 'Power belongs to you, God.’"
Can you clarify & elaborate on the "two things" that the poet indicate he hears as two aspects of the "one thing" that was spoken?
🔷 Bot: In Psalm 62:11, the poet expresses hearing "two things" after God has spoken "one thing." This poetic expression highlights a contrast or emphasis on the significance of what God has communicated. While the text does not explicitly mention the specific content of the "one thing" God has spoken, the following verse provides some context:
"and that you, Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what they have done." (Psalm 62:12)
Based on this verse, we can infer that the "one thing" God has spoken is related to His love and the principle of divine justice. It indicates that God is not only powerful but also loving, and that He will reward individuals according to their deeds.
The phrase "two things I have heard" can be understood as emphasizing two important aspects that the psalmist has understood from what God has spoken. These two aspects might be:
Power: The psalmist acknowledges that power belongs to God. This highlights the omnipotence and sovereignty of God, emphasizing His ability to act, accomplish His purposes, and bring about justice and deliverance.
Love and Reward: The psalmist affirms that God is loving and will reward individuals based on their actions. This emphasizes God's benevolence, His care for His people, and the assurance that He will justly respond to their actions.
In summary, while the exact content of the "one thing" God has spoken is not explicitly mentioned, it likely relates to God’s love and the principle of divine justice. The "two things" that the poet hears after this statement highlight God’s power and His loving nature, particularly in relation to His rewarding people according to their deeds.
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🔶 My afterthought:
Thus suggesting a relationship between Karma (action & its consequences) & Karuna (compassion).
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🔶 p.s. —
When I posted a link to the above essay on Facebook a wise friend offered a correction, as follows:
Correction. "Yahweh" is not a word in the Hebrew Bible. It is commonly used by Christians who don’t respect the Jewish practice of not pronouncing the letters yud-he-vav-he, or YHVH. I believe it is not even known definitely by religious scholars how the holiest of names was pronounced in ancient times by the high priest. When it appears in biblical or prayer book text, the name Adonai is substituted. When used outside of a religious context such as prayer, observant Jews call God "Ha-Shem," meaning the Name.
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🔶 I replied:
A valuable correction! thank you very much!
That Ha-Shem business is especially interesting. It reminds me how Guru Nanak & his flock refer to God under the term Sat Nam ["the true name" or "the name of divine existence"].