RELIGION

God Almighty, the God of all living and nonliving things

November 16, 2024
omni

Title: “El Shaddai: A Testament to the Almighty Power of God”

In the Hebrew Bible, the divine title “El Shaddai” emerges as one of the most profound and powerful names attributed to God. Often translated as “God Almighty,” this sacred designation conveys the vast and ultimate authority of God over all creation.

The name first appears in Genesis 17:1, where God reveals Himself to Abram with the words, “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless.” From that moment, “El Shaddai” becomes a cornerstone in understanding the divine nature—representing God as omnipotent, unchallengeable, and eternal.

While scholars continue to debate the precise etymology and meaning of El Shaddai, interpretations generally agree on its reference to overwhelming strength, with possible translations including “The All-Powerful One” or “The Mighty One of Jacob,” as seen in Genesis 49:24 and Psalm 132:2,5.

Scripture richly portrays God’s limitless power and divine authority under numerous titles. He is not only the Almighty (Genesis 49:25), but also the Creator of Heaven and Earth (Genesis 14:19), Builder of Everything (Hebrews 3:4), and King of Heaven (Daniel 4:37). The prophets and apostles describe Him as the God of All Mankind (Jeremiah 32:27), the Eternal King (Jeremiah 10:10), and the Only God (Jude 1:25).

His attributes transcend time and space—He is the Eternal God (Genesis 21:33), the Everlasting God (Isaiah 40:28), and the Maker of All Things (Ecclesiastes 11:5). His capabilities surpass human comprehension, for, as Ephesians 3:20 states, He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”

In Job 9:10, God is described as performing “wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” His sovereignty is absolute and unrestricted: Psalm 115:3 proclaims, “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” He speaks the universe into existence (Genesis 1:3), and His will is unchallengeable. As declared in Daniel 4:35:

“All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’”

The name El Shaddai is more than a title; it is a declaration of faith in God’s unshakable dominion. For believers, it serves as a reminder that the One who holds the cosmos in His hand is not only powerful but also present—inviting humanity to walk with Him in trust and reverence.

In a profound moment of biblical history, the identity of God undergoes a notable shift, revealing a deeper layer of His character and intention for humanity. While early patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob knew God primarily as “God Almighty,” a title that underscored His unmatched power and sovereignty, a new name and a more intimate relationship were revealed in God’s encounter with Moses.

According to Deuteronomy 10:17, God is described as “the great, mighty, and awesome God,” a depiction that evokes awe and reverence. This portrayal firmly establishes His supreme authority over all creation—an image foundational to understanding God’s holiness and justice.

However, a pivotal moment unfolds in Exodus 6:2-3, where God tells Moses, “I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them.” This declaration signals more than a name change—it marks a shift from a distant, all-powerful deity to a God desiring closeness and covenant with His people.

“This moment is deeply significant,” says Dr. Miriam Thomas, professor of theology at Grace Seminary. “It’s as if God is saying, ‘You’ve known My power—now, know My heart.’” The use of “the LORD” (YHWH), often understood as a personal and relational name of God, reveals His desire for a deeper connection with Israel.

This revelation is seen by many theologians as a foreshadowing of the ultimate act of divine intimacy: the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that God Almighty took on human flesh and humbled Himself to die on a cross, bridging the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God.

“The idea that the Almighty would humble Himself to become like us and die for us is staggering,” notes Pastor Jonathan Reed of New Hope Church. “It makes His name not only powerful, but deeply personal.”

This evolution in how God reveals Himself—from Almighty Creator to personal Savior—continues to be a cornerstone of faith for millions, reminding believers that the all-powerful God seeks not just reverence, but relationship.

Who Is El Shaddai? Exploring One of the Most Mysterious Names of God

Have you ever heard someone refer to God as “El Shaddai” and wondered what it really means? You’re not alone. This ancient name is one of the most powerful—and mysterious—titles for God found in the Hebrew Bible, and it’s been the subject of much curiosity, debate, and devotion over thousands of years. Let’s unpack what this name means, where it came from, and why it still matters today.

The Basics: What Does “El Shaddai” Mean?

“El Shaddai” (אֵל שַׁדַּי in Hebrew) is usually translated as “God Almighty.” It’s a name used in Judaism to refer to the all-powerful, all-sufficient nature of God. But while “God Almighty” is the conventional English translation, the original meaning of the word “Shaddai” is actually not so clear-cut.

Let’s break it down:

  • “El” is the easy part. It simply means “God” and is used across many ancient Middle Eastern languages, like Ugaritic and Canaanite.
  • “Shaddai,” however, is where things get really interesting. Scholars have offered a few theories over the years, each pointing in a slightly different direction.

Theories Behind “Shaddai”

  1. The Mountain God Theory:
    One idea is that “Shaddai” comes from the Akkadian word shadû, which means “mountain.” If that’s the case, El Shaddai could mean “God of the Mountain.” In the ancient world, mountains were often associated with divine power and presence—think Mount Sinai in the Bible or Mount Olympus in Greek mythology.
  2. The Destroyer Theory:
    Others think the word comes from the Hebrew root shaddad, which means “to destroy” or “to overpower.” That would make El Shaddai something like “God the Overpowerer” or “God the Destroyer.” While that might sound harsh to modern ears, in ancient times it was a way of showing that God had unmatched power to protect, punish, or provide.
  3. The Nurturing Mother Theory:
    One of the more surprising theories is that Shaddai comes from shad, the Hebrew word for breast. That could mean “the many-breasted one” or “the one who nourishes,” portraying God as a nurturing, life-giving figure—like a mother who provides sustenance. In modern Hebrew, shaddayim still means “breasts,” and some see in El Shaddai an image of God’s care and provision, not just power.

A Name with Many Layers

What’s fascinating is that El Shaddai might mean all of these things at once—God as a towering presence, an unstoppable force, and a source of life and comfort. This kind of layered meaning was common in ancient names and titles, especially those used for deities.

In fact, El Shaddai fits a common naming pattern used across the Ancient Near East. Other divine titles like El Elyon (“God Most High”) or El Olam (“Eternal God”) follow a similar format. They emphasize not just who God is, but how God interacts with the world.

Clues from Ancient Texts

The name “Shaddai” also appears outside the Bible. In one ancient inscription found in Deir Alla (in modern-day Jordan), the word shaddayin appears along with elohin—an alternate form of elohim, another word for God. Some scholars believe these references point to a group of divine beings or spirits associated with wilderness, fertility, or natural forces—possibly older, localized deities that later merged into the biblical concept of one all-powerful God.

There’s even a mention of a deity in Ammonite texts called Šd-Yrḥ, which might be a local version of “Shaddai” connected to the moon god (Yrḥ).

Why Does This Matter Today?

Whether you’re religious or simply curious about the history of ideas, the story behind El Shaddai shows how language, culture, and spirituality are deeply intertwined. It reveals how our understanding of God—like many ancient concepts—has evolved over time, shaped by geography, language, and human experience.

For people of faith, El Shaddai remains a powerful reminder that God is more than any one image or idea. God can be strong and fierce like a mountain, protective like a fortress, and nurturing like a mother. In moments of fear, hope, or need, the name El Shaddai speaks to the heart: God is enough. God is near. God is mighty.

So the next time you hear the name El Shaddai, remember—it’s more than just a title. It’s a window into the rich, complex, and awe-inspiring ways that human beings have tried to describe the divine for millennia.

References

  1. Dewrell, Heath D. (2024). “The Etymology of Šadday“. Vetus Testamentum. 74 (2): 297–302. 10.1163/15685330-bja10132.  0042-4935.
  2.  “Hebrew Academy”.
  3.  Albright, William (December 1935). “The Names Shaddai and Abram”. Journal of Biblical Literature. 54 (4): 180.:10.2307/3259784.3259784.
  4. Biale, David (February 1982). “The God with Breasts: El Shaddai in the Bible”. History of Religions. 21 (3): 244:10.1086/462899. 162352850.
  5. Aharoni, Y. (1950). “A New Ammonite Inscription”. Israel Exploration Journal. 1 (4). Israel Exploration Society: 219–222. 
  6.  ‘the LORD’ replaced with ‘El Shaddai’ in Genesis 17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless’. English Standard Version (ESV). 2016.
  7.  “Gesenius’ Lexicon (Tregelles’ translation)”. Blue Letter Bible. Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2015.
  8.  “Shad Meaning in Bible – Old Testament Hebrew Lexicon – New American Standard”. biblestudytools.com.
  9. Biale, David (February 1982). “The God with Breasts: El Shaddai in the Bible”. History of Religions.
  10.  Chagigah 12a.1–36
  11. Sabar, Shalom (2009). “Torah and magic: The Torah scroll and its appurtenances as magical objects in traditional Jewish culture”. European Journal of Jewish Studies. 3: 154–156. 10.1163/102599909X12471170467448.
  12. Kosior, Wojciech (2016). “The apotropaic potential of the name “Shadday” in the Hebrew Bible and the early rabbinic literature”. Word in the Cultures of the East: Sound, language, book.

Bibliography