The question of whether God has a first name is an interesting theological debate. Many people assume God’s name is simply “God” and do not think much beyond that. However, the Judeo-Christian tradition reveals that God has multiple names and titles that provide insight into His nature and character. Though the Bible does not explicitly state God’s “first” name, exploring the various names used for Him in Scripture can help us understand who He is.
The Name of God in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, the most common Hebrew name used for God is YHWH. This name is comprised of four Hebrew letters called the Tetragrammaton. Many scholars interpret YHWH as meaning something along the lines of “I am who I am” or “I will be what I will be” based on God identifying Himself to Moses using that phrase in Exodus 3:14. This name conveys God’s eternal, self-existent nature.
YHWH is also referred to as the proper name of God, as it is viewed as too sacred to be spoken aloud. For this reason, when reading Scripture aloud, many Jewish people will substitute other titles for YHWH such as Adonai (“Lord”) or occasionally Elohim (“God”).
In addition to YHWH, other common Old Testament names and titles for God include:
Elohim
Elohim is the generic Hebrew word for “God” used over 2,500 times in Scripture. It is frequently paired with possessive pronouns like “our Elohim” or “your Elohim.” Elohim is plural, likely pointing to God’s triune nature with the persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
El
El is translated as “God” in English and is another name used frequently from the oldest books of the Old Testament onward. It often appears in conjunction with other words, such as El Elyon (“God Most High”), El Roi (“God Who Sees”), and El Olam (“Everlasting God”).
Adonai
Adonai means “Lord” or “Master” in Hebrew. It carries a sense of God’s sovereignty and reminds people of the covenantal relationship God desires with His creation. This name is closely tied to and sometimes used as a substitute for the name YHWH.
Yah/Jah
Yah or Jah is a shortened form of YHWH used in praise and songs of worship, such as Hallelujah (“Praise Yah”). It is incorporated into many Hebrew names like Zechariah (“Yah Remembers”) and Elijah (“My God is Yah”).
| Name of God | Meaning |
|---|---|
| YHWH | I AM WHO I AM |
| Elohim | God |
| El | God |
| Adonai | Lord |
| Yah/Jah | Shortened form of YHWH |
This table summarizes some of the major names used for God in the Old Testament and their meanings.
The Name of God in the New Testament
In the New Testament, God is most commonly referred to simply as “God” using the Greek word Theos. Jesus frequently calls God pater (“Father”), highlighting the intimate relationship He shares with God. Other names and titles used include:
Kyrios
Kyrios is the Greek word for “Lord” that appears over 700 times. It refers to God’s sovereignty and is applied to both God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Despotes
Despotes means “Master” and conveys God’s absolute ownership and authority.
Pantokrator
Pantokrator literally translates as “Almighty” or “All Powerful.” This name emphasizes God’s supreme power and sovereignty over all creation.
The New Testament authors drew on terminology familiar to Greek-speaking cultures to present a high view of God while also connecting back to Hebrew names and themes from the Old Testament revelation.
The Significance of God’s Names
Though Scripture contains many different names and titles for God, He is still fundamentally one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). The variety of names speak to the multifaceted nature of His identity, character, and relate to humanity in different ways. Here are some key points to understand about the names of God:
They reveal aspects of God’s nature
Each name expresses attributes that help us understand who God is, such as His majesty, sovereignty, holiness, and goodness. His names draw attention to salient aspects of His being that Scriptures teaches humanity to worship and trust.
They remind people of God’s covenant promises
Names like YHWH and some formulations of El point back to the covenant relationships God initiated with His people and the promises attached to those covenants. His names reinforce His faithfulness and commitment to keeping covenant.
They illustrate God’s relationship to humanity
Titles like Father and Shepherd emphasize the personal, nurturing relationship God desires with His creation. Jesus calling God “Abba Father” models God’s fatherly compassion toward those who trust in Christ (Mark 14:36).
They protect the mystery of God’s full identity
While God’s names reveal many aspects of who He is, they do not fully encompass or define Him. God remains far above human comprehension or quantification. His names and titles provide a portrait without violating the ineffable mystery of His full being.
Does God Have a Personal, Human-like First Name?
Given the seriousness and sanctity with which Scripture treats the names of God, it seems unlikely He has some sort of casual, human-style first name in the way we use personal names. God is exceedingly holy, eternal, and transcendent. While He relates to humanity out of gracious love, a flippant or familiar first name would not appropriately reflect His majesty. Additionally, no clear biblical evidence supports God having a first name in the traditional human sense.
However, a few conjectures have been made about potential “names” God could possess:
YHWH as a “first” name
Since YHWH is God’s personal, proper name, some consider it a potential (though not literal) first name. It is intimately tied to God’s nature and used exclusively for Him.
The Angel of the LORD
Some propose this mysterious angelic figure who often speaks for God and is sometimes addressed as God could hypothetically be considered God’s name prior to becoming incarnate in Jesus. However, this connection is speculative.
Jesus as name above all names
Philippians 2 teaches that God the Father highly exalted Jesus and gave Him the name above all other names. Some interpret this to mean that “Jesus” is actually God’s supreme name in the New Testament era.
In the end, the idea of God having a singular first name in the way humans do does not clearly align with how Scripture presents God’s identity and names. His names certainly carry enormous weight and significance, but function differently than human personal names.
Conclusion
While the Bible uses many important names and titles for God that reveal His attributes and relationship to humanity, it does not indicate He has a casual first name in the modern human sense. God’s names are treated with reverence throughout Scripture, pointing to His unfathomable majesty, not familiarity. However, names like YHWH, Jesus, and the Angel of the LORD give glimpses into His character and close relationship with His creation. The names of God ultimately serve to help believers know, worship, and commune with their Creator and Redeemer without violating the mystery of His infinite being. By exploring and calling upon the names found in Scripture, we can grow deeper in our knowledge of who God is and what He has done for us.