Exodus 3:13-14 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Three primary names:
There are multiple names for God but they are usually a combination of the three primary names for God. Those names are: Elohim, Jehovah and Adonai.
Elohim -- means “Mighty One” and is a uni-plural name. It is plural in form but singular in meaning and verb usage, suggesting the uni-plural nature of the triune Godhead, appearing in most English translations as “God”. It is most often used when worldwide events or attributes are discussed, including creation, judgment, sovereignty, transcendence and salvation.
Jehovah – means “the self-existing One”, and appears as LORD in English translations. It stresses God’s holiness, nearness, and concern for man, hatred of sin, love of sinners and His revelatory nature and communication.
Adonai – is a more general term meaning “master” and is used of both men and God. It appears as “Lord” in English Bibles.
Some examples:
The name Elohim (the uni-plural, Creator God) is used exclusively in Gen 1:1-2:3 the account of creation from God’s perspective; from then on the account is from man’s perspective and Jehovah-Elohim is used. Man, at this point, was without sin and in full accord with his Creator, experiencing the fullness of His love and communication. After man sinned and the curse was pronounced, things changed forever and in chapter 4, Adam and his offspring had broken God-established relationships now relates better to Jehovah, the Savior.
Noah and God – In Gen 7:16 we see the account of Noah and his obedience to God’s command to build and enter the ark. Noah was obeying the command of Elohim the Creator God, the triune Godhead, the sovereign judge that was about to bring judgment upon the earth by building and now entering the ark. But it was Jehovah the loving Savior that shut the door thus making them all safe within the ark.
Compound names of God:
There are seven compound names of Jehovah in Scripture which give insight into the person and work of the Lord.
The first we looked at in the creative work of God – Jehovah-Elohim.
The second is in Gen 22:14 which show God as our Provider – Jehovah-jireh.
The third is Jehovah-rapha meaning the Lord our healer Ex 15:26
The fourth is one born out of Israel’s first victory over their enemies in the wilderness. It is Jehovah-nissi meaning Jehovah the Victor (also the Lord my banner) Ex 17:15.
The fifth is Jehovah-shalom meaning Jehovah send peace and was named thus after Gideon’s victory Jud 6:24.
The sixth is from Jer 23:6 Jehovah-tsidkenu meaning the “Lord our righteousness” which relates to the future re-gathering and conversion of Israel.
The seventh is Jehovah-shama meaning “the Lord is there, Jehovah the indweller” and comes from Ezekiel and the prophecy of the coming city of Jerusalem Eze 48:35.
All these names are wonderful and He is all seven to us.
Name above every name:
Jesus was His human name meaning “Jehovah saves or Jehovah is Savior”. This name is used by itself on 22 times in the epistles, most usually emphasizing His humanity. It was a common name used repeatedly in the gospel narratives; the disciples and other believers almost always addressed Him as Lord (Adonai), never simply Jesus. Unbelievers and demons never addressed Him as Lord.
The name Christ means “anointed one” and is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Messiah. So Christ is His divine title as God’s anointed prophet, priest and king; Jesus is His human name as our example and Savior; Lord is his title of spiritual relationship to those whom He has saved. All three names are very important, therefore Peter said, (Acts 2:36) “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
His full name would be “Lord Jesus Christ” and is used over 100 times with “Christ” and “Lord” being used even more often. So Paul says about Christ’s exaltation He has been given the name above every name and at this “name of Jesus” the name now belonging to the man Jesus who died on the cross, every knee shall bow and every tongue must someday confess “that Jesus Christ is Lord”.