Within the Bible, we find many different names of God. You may be familiar with Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides, or Jehovah El Roi, the God who sees. Each name of God is reflective of the nature of who God really is. However, if we were to rank them, it is possible there is one name that stands apart and that name is El Shaddai. El Shaddai means God Almighty.
Meaning of El Shaddai in Hebrew
The reason the meaning of the name El Shaddai is so important is because there is an all-inclusive aspect attached to that name. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, one of the definitions of the word almighty is having absolute power over all. This one definition alone causes the name of El Shaddai to stand out among many of the other names of God.
The term is a compound of two words: "El," which is a generic term for God in Hebrew, and "Shaddai," which is derived from the root word meaning "breast" or "mountain."
The significance of El Shaddai lies in its portrayal of God's might and power. The imagery of a mountain and the nurturing aspect of a breast convey a sense of God's strength, sustenance, and provision. In the biblical context, it is used to emphasize God's ability to fulfill His promises and to provide for His people in a powerful and nurturing manner.
El Shaddai expresses God as the Almighty and all-sufficient One.
El Shaddai in the Bible
Since El Shaddai is a Hebrew word we find it used in the Old Testament first appearing within the book of Genesis. Here are two occurrences.
"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." – Genesis 17:1
"May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and increase your numbers until you become a community of peoples." – Genesis 28:3
"God also said to Moses, 'I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself fully known to them.'" – Exodus 6:2-3
When you understand this truth and understand the meaning of El Shaddai, applying its meaning will help bring revelation to certain scriptures when you view them through that lens. Let me give you three examples to demonstrate what I mean. As you read these verses, read them with the understanding that God is El Shaddai. Please note the word El Shaddai is not the word used for God in these scriptures, but you can still read them with the understanding that he is God Almighty.
1. "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" – Romans 8:31
When El Shaddai, God Almighty is on your side there is nothing or no one who can come against you and succeed. If you let that sink in this should give you great confidence especially when you know God is for you.
2. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." – Isaiah 41:10
How awesome and amazing it is to know the one who is God Almighty. He is the one who holds all power in his hand. He is the one who is going to walk with you, strengthen you, help you, and uphold you. It is truths like these that we should spend time meditating on. When you do then you will not be fearful or dismayed because you understand who God really is.
3. “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;’” - Isaiah 43:1-3a
As with the first two, there is great truth and encouragement in these verses. The one who is God Almighty, who created you, formed you, redeemed you, and called you by name has just said that no matter what happens in your life, I will be with you. There is nothing in this life that you will ever go through alone because El Shaddai will go with you and will make sure that no trial of life will ever overcome you. This is a reason to rejoice and a great reason to shout. Especially when you understand the meaning of El Shaddai and the promises he has made that come along with this. If there was ever a moment to stop and give God praise that moment is right now. From this moment forward let every promise of Scripture you read be read through the eyes of El Shaddai, God Almighty. Because he is the one who said it and he is the one who has the power to bring it to pass.
Importance of the Name El Shaddai
The reason the meaning of the name El Shaddai is so important is because there is an all-inclusive aspect attached to that name. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, one of the definitions of the word almighty is having absolute power over all. This one definition alone causes the name of El Shaddai to stand out among many of the other names of God.
Let me explain why this is so all-encompassing. This meaning of the name El Shaddai within it tells us that God has absolute power over sickness, death, sin, Satan, and any demonic power or influence, basically over anything or anyone. There is no one greater or more powerful than El Shaddai, our God Almighty. Because this name reflects God’s power over all, that is why you could possibly make the argument it could stand apart from all the others.
Jesus as El Shaddai
Perhaps one thing we don’t often do is to look at Jesus as El Shaddai. While Jesus walked the earth he demonstrated power over sickness, over death, over sin, over demonic power, everything was under his control. He was demonstrating his power as God Almighty. Remember what the disciples said after being marveled when he calmed the storm.
“The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!’” – Matthew 8:27
Jesus walked in the power of El Shaddai because that is who he was. Because Jesus was completely God in bodily form, we can simply make the conclusion that he was El Shaddai in the flesh. He was God Almighty in human form. That’s why this verse in Matthew also makes more sense when seen through the lens of God Almighty.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’” – Matthew 28:18
Jesus is not only all-powerful, but he also has the authority to exercise that power as he sees fit. This means he will step in and exert his power in your situation whenever you invite him or whenever he needs to. Let your hope, faith, trust, and confidence be found in knowing you are walking with and serving God Almighty, El Shaddai, and no one is greater than our God.
El Shaddai Adonai
"Adonai" is a Hebrew word meaning "Lord" or "Master." It is used as a title for God, expressing reverence and submission to His authority. When the tetragrammaton YHWH (Yahweh) appears in the Hebrew Scriptures, it is often pronounced as "Adonai" out of deep respect. This usage emphasizes God's lordship and sovereign rule over all creation.
When both names for God are used together, it shows our understanding of God's authority, power, and lordship. It combines the idea of God as the Almighty, who provides and cares for us (El Shaddai), with the recognition of His supreme authority and rulership (Adonai). Together, they represent a profound acknowledgment of God's nature as both a powerful provider and the ultimate Lord. Because of their similar pronunciations in English, and a popular worship song, these words have become linked, but they are just two of the many incredible and descriptive names of God.
When you are writing about God there are so many different directions in which you can go because of the vastness of who he is. While you can focus on many different aspects of God’s character and nature, for today I want you to focus on only one, God is El Shaddai. God Almighty is everything you need to face every situation in life. Notice I didn’t say God has everything you need I said God is everything you need. When you are under God’s covering you are safe, you are secure, you are provided for, and you have nothing to fear or worry about. El Shaddai, God Almighty is watching over you and when he is for you, there is nothing or no one who will ever overtake you. I pray this truth and revelation of who God is will illuminate your heart and mind today and if you are tempted to be fearful or worried that you would remember El Shaddai is with you and there is no safer place to be. I leave you with this verse to further encourage you.
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2
Photo credit: Unsplash.com/Carolyn V
