Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The Names of God, I of XVI


"Let them praise the name of the LORD:
for his name alone is excellent;
his glory [is] above the earth and heaven."
Psalm 148:13

El Shaddai
(el shad-di')
All-Sufficient One, Lord God Almighty

Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament El Shaddai occurs 7 times. El Shaddai is first used in Gen 17:1. 

El Shaddai in the Septuagint: theou saddai — God Shaddai;pantokratôr (for Shaddai) — the Almighty


Meaning and Derivation: El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. Another word much like Shaddai, and from which many believe it derived, is shad meaning "breast" in Hebrew (some other scholars believe that the name is derived from an Akkadian word Šadu, meaning "mountain," suggesting strength and power). This refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying His people with all their needs as a mother would her child. Connected with the word for God, El, this denotes a God who freely gives nourishment and blessing, He is our sustainer.

Further references of the name El Shaddai in the Old Testament: Gen 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; 43:14; 48:3

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