שַׁדַּי (shad.day)
shad.day
Almighty
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 45 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The name Shaddai, meaning "Almighty," is a powerful title for God found primarily in Genesis, Job, and Ruth. It emphasizes supreme strength and sufficiency, portraying a deity who is more than capable of fulfilling His promises or executing judgment. In the Old Testament, it often appears with the word for God (El), forming El Shaddai, as when God establishes His covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17:1.
Etymologically, the term likely derives from a root meaning "power" or "strength," suggesting a plurality of excellence rather than multiple gods. This nuance highlights overwhelming might. While translators sometimes render it simply as "Almighty," the Hebrew carries a weight of self-sufficiency and unchallengeable authority that defines God's relationship with humanity in these texts.
This name appears frequently in Job, where characters question God’s justice using titles like "the Almighty" (Job 5:17). It also surfaces in Ruth, where Naomi describes her hardships as coming from the hand of Shaddai (Ruth 1:20-21). The consistent use across these diverse books shows a belief in a God whose power is both creative and sovereign over all circumstances.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shaddai carries a weight of overwhelming strength and self-sufficiency. It appears most often in Genesis, Job, and Ruth, reminding us that God is more than capable of fulfilling His promises or managing difficult circumstances. When you encounter this title, it points to a deity who holds supreme authority over all events.
In Genesis 17:1, God identifies Himself as "God Almighty" when establishing His covenant with Abraham. This moment shows that His power is not just about force but also about faithful commitment to His people. Even in seasons of hardship, like those Naomi faced in Ruth, the name reminds us that no situation is beyond His reach.
This title invites trust rather than fear. It assures us that the One who created the heavens and earth is personally involved in our lives. Whether you are facing great joy or deep sorrow, Shaddai signifies a God who is both powerful enough to help and close enough to care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 45 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] Almighty26×
- Almighty7×
- and/ [the] Almighty6×
- from/ [the] Almighty3×
- [which] from/ [the] Almighty1×
- [is the] Almighty1×
- [belong] to/ [the] Almighty1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׁדַּ֣י12×
- שַׁ֝דַּ֗י7×
- שַׁדַּי֙5×
- וְ֝/שַׁדַּ֗י4×
- שַׁדַּ֥י2×
- שַׁדַּ֛י2×
- שַׁ֭דַּי2×
- מִ/שַּׁדַּ֥י2×
- שַׁדָּ֑י1×
- שַׁדַּ֡י1×
- שַׁדַּ֗י1×
- שַׁדַּ֔י1×
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 uses this title to anchor His covenant promise with Abraham, linking supreme power directly to faithfulness.
-
Ruth 1:20
She said to them, “Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.
Naomi applies this name to her suffering, showing that believers acknowledge God's sovereignty even in bitter seasons.
-
Job 5:17
“Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects. Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
Eliphaz connects the Almighty's corrective discipline with the blessing of a happy life, highlighting His role as a righteous teacher.
-
Exodus 6:3
I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty; but by my name Yahweh I was not known to them.
Moses clarifies that while the patriarchs knew God as Shaddai, the full revelation of His personal name Yahweh came later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Shaddai mean?
Where does Shaddai appear most often?
How is Shaddai different from Yahweh?
Why is this title important for faith?
Every Occurrence (45 verses across 8 books)
Genesis 6 verses
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty. Walk before me and…
Genesis 28:3May God Almighty bless you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, that you may be a company of peoples,
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 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,…