אֵל (el)
el
God
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 186 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ’el denotes a mighty one or powerful being, serving as a fundamental title for God in the Old Testament. Its core sense is strength, which allows it to describe not only the one true God but also human leaders and false deities. This flexibility explains its frequent appearance in poetic books like Job and Psalms, where writers explore the nature of divine power against human weakness.
Etymologically, the word relates to concepts of might and strength, often functioning as a component in compound names such as Gabriel or Michael. It appears in significant titles like ’el gibbor, translated as "Mighty God" in Isaiah 9:6, highlighting the divine nature of the Messiah. The term also stands alone to emphasize God’s supreme authority, as seen when Moses describes Him as the faithful God who keeps covenant in Deuteronomy 7:9.
Translators typically render ’el as "God" or "god," depending on context. When referring to the Creator, it carries immense theological weight, affirming His sovereignty over all nations. In other instances, it identifies pagan deities or powerful human figures, demonstrating that the word itself describes the attribute of strength rather than a specific identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word el points directly to strength and power. In the Old Testament, it is used to describe the one true Creator, but it can also refer to human leaders or other spiritual beings. This distinction helps readers understand that while all authority comes from God, only He possesses ultimate sovereignty. When Scripture calls Him El, it reminds us that His power is not just physical force, but a reliable foundation for our lives.
For your daily walk, this word offers comfort in times of weakness. Knowing that the God you trust is the Almighty means you do not have to rely on your own limited strength. Whether you are facing uncertainty or seeking guidance, you can rest in the fact that His power supports you. This assurance allows you to approach Him with confidence, knowing He is both mighty and near.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 186 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- God76×
- [is] a God7×
- O God7×
- <the>/ God7×
- a god6×
- [am] God6×
- to <the>/ God5×
- and/ God5×
- a God4×
- [the] God of4×
- [are] a God4×
- El4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֵ֑ל31×
- אֵ֣ל21×
- אֵ֥ל17×
- אֵ֖ל13×
- אֵֽל\׃9×
- אֵ֭ל8×
- אֵ֔ל6×
- לְ/אֵ֣ל5×
- אֵֽל\־5×
- אֵ֤ל5×
- אֵל֙4×
- לְ/אֵ֖ל3×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 17:1
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty. Walk before me and be blameless.
God identifies Himself as Almighty to Abram, linking divine power with the call to live a blameless life.
-
Exodus 15:2
Yah is my strength and song. He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise him; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
The singer declares God is his strength and song, showing how divine power becomes personal salvation in times of crisis.
-
Genesis 35:11
God said to him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations will be from you, and kings will come out of your body.
God reiterates His identity as Almighty while promising to make Jacob fruitful, connecting His power with future blessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word el mean?
How is el different from Yahweh?
Where does el appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (186 verses across 20 books)
Genesis 18 verses
Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.
Genesis 14:19He blessed him, and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth.
Genesis 14:20Blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave him a tenth of all.
Genesis 14:22Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to Yahweh, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,
Genesis 16:13She called the name of Yahweh who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees,” for she said, “Have I even stayed alive after…
Genesis 17:1When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty. Walk before me and…
Genesis 21:33Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of Yahweh, the Everlasting God.
Genesis 28:3May God Almighty bless you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, that you may be a company of peoples,
Genesis 31:13I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you vowed a vow to me. Now arise, get out from this land,…
Genesis 31:29It is in the power of my hand to hurt you, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful that…
Genesis 33:20He erected an altar there, and called it El Elohe Israel.
Genesis 35:1God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and live there. Make there an altar to God, who appeared to you when you…
Genesis 35:3Let’s arise, and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was…
Genesis 35:11God said to him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations will be from you, and…
Genesis 43:14May God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release to you your other brother and Benjamin. If I am…
Genesis 46:3He said, “I am God, the God of your father. Don’t be afraid to go down into Egypt, for there I will make of you a great…
Genesis 48:3Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,
Genesis 49:25even by the God of your father, who will help you, by the Almighty, who will bless you, with blessings of heaven above,…