What Are Different Names Of God? 45+ Names
Names of God in the Bible
Have you ever read through the Bible and noticed that there are different names for God? Have you thought of why God has so many different names?
So, what are different names of God? Names are important in the Bible. They tell us of the character and the nature of the person or thing. God reveals Himself using many different names. In doing so, He is revealing to His creation who He is! By revealing Himself with different names, we get to see various aspects of God’s character prominently displayed. Each name helps us to understand God better. Since God is different and greater than His creation, we must understand all of God’s names and attributes in order to understand Him fully and truly.
Below is a list of more than 40 different names of God with Scripture verses associated with the name. Let’s look at His names revealed to us in Scripture. By knowing these names, we can better know the true and living God. You may also enjoy our video with 45+ Names of God which is linked here and embedded at the bottom of this article.
45+ Names of God
Each name will be presented with the English transliteration of the original Hebrew and Greek forms. Many of these names are translated simply as “God” in some English translations. To best understand the meaning these names communicate, each should be read in its context.
God (Elohim)
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)
He added, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. (Exodus 3:6)
I will walk among you, and I will be your God and you will be My people. (Leviticus 26:12)
The Bible begins with this name of God in Genesis 1:1. It is used about 2,600 times throughout the Old Testament. This term can also be used of false gods in Scripture.
God (Eloah)
“Is a mortal man righteous before God? Or a man pure before his Creator?” (Job 4:17)
Now in this, you are not right– I answer you, for God is greater than a human being. (Job 33:12)
Every word of God is purified; He is like a shield for those who take refuge in Him. (Proverbs 30:5)
Eloah is the singular form of Elohim. The majority of the occurrences of this name of God are found in Job.
God (El, Theos)
The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays His handiwork. (Psalm 19:1)
“I decreed and delivered and proclaimed, and there was no other god among you. You are my witnesses,” says the LORD, “that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:12)
For there is one God and one intermediary between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, Himself human. (1 Timothy 2:5)
The name El in the Old Testament is frequently combined with other terms to create compound names. For example, El Shaddai, translated as God Almighty.
Almighty (Shaddai, Pantokrator)
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.” (Genesis 17:1)
I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by My name ‘the LORD’ I was not known to them. (Exodus 6:3)
As for the LORD God Almighty, the LORD is the name by which He is remembered! (Hosea 12:5)
This name of God emphasizes the exalted status of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Nothing and no one in all of creation possess more might and power than God. He is supremely mighty.
Most High (Elyon)
For You, O LORD, are the sovereign King over the whole earth; You are elevated high above all gods. (Psalm 97:9)
Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (Now he was the priest of the Most High God.) He blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by the Most High God, Creator of heaven and earth. Worthy of praise is the Most High God, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything. (Genesis 14:18-20)
She followed behind Paul and us and kept crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation." (Acts 16:17)
For more on God Most High, see our article: Who Is The One True God? You may also enjoy our video on Christ and Melchizedek, over on our YouTube page (click this link to check it out).
Lord (Adonai, Kurios)
And he said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, O Lord, let my Lord go among us, for we are a stiff-necked people; pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.” (Exodus 34:9)
“O, Lord GOD, you have begun to show me your greatness and strength. (What god in heaven or earth can rival your works and mighty deeds?)” (Deuteronomy 3:24)
For more on what it means that Jesus is “Lord,” you may want to check out our article available here.
Master (Despotes)
So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. (2 Timothy 2:21)
But false prophets arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. These false teachers will infiltrate your midst with destructive heresies, even to the point of denying the Master who bought them. As a result, they will bring swift destruction on themselves. (2 Peter 2:1)
For certain men have secretly slipped in among you– men who long ago were marked out for the condemnation I am about to describe– ungodly men who have turned the grace of our God into a license for evil and who deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:4)
They cried out with a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Master, holy and true, before you judge those who live on the earth and avenge our blood?" (Revelation 6:10)
The concepts of denying the Master and turning the grace of God into licentiousness are important to understand. For more on this, don’t miss our videos:
The Word (Ho Logos)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
He is dressed in clothing dipped in blood, and He is called the Word of God. (Revelation 19:13)
For more, don’t miss our article on the eternal nature of Jesus as the Word: In the Beginning.
LORD (YHWH, Kurios)
God also said to Moses, “You must say this to the Israelites, ‘The LORD– the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob– has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial from generation to generation.’” (Exodus 3:15)
Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD. They said, “I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously, the horse and its rider he has thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him. The LORD is a warrior, the LORD is His name.” (Exodus 15:1-3)
Sing to God! Sing praises to His name! Exalt the one who rides on the clouds! For the LORD is His name! Rejoice before Him! (Psalm 68:4)
This name, LORD, in all or small caps, is the Divine Name YHWH. Over time, this name was not spoken (to avoid accidental blasphemy) so when it was read it was substituted with “lord” (adonai). Our translators distinguish between the Divine Name and the more generic term, lord, by printing the Divine Name in all or small caps.
The Name (Ha Shem, To Onoma)
The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name and cursed. (Leviticus 24:11a)
“If you are not careful to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 28:58)
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in The Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Understanding the importance God placed upon His name being honored and feared in all the earth will help followers of Christ today to understand why the Israelites eventually stopped speaking His name for fear of accidentally using it in vain.
I AM WHO I AM (Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh, Egw Eimi Ho Wn)
God said to Moses, “I AM that I AM.” And He said, “You must say this to the Israelites, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14)
Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, before Abraham came into existence, I am!” (John 8:58)
They replied, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He told them, “I am.” (Now Judas, the one who betrayed Him, was standing there with them.) So when Jesus said to them, “I am,” they retreated and fell to the ground. Then Jesus asked them again, “Who are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.” Jesus replied, “I told you that I am. If you are looking for Me, let these men go.” (John 18:5-8)
This name of God reveals God’s essential and eternal nature. God simply is. Theologians refer to this characteristic as God’s aseity. We discuss this attribute of God in much more detail in our article, What Does it Mean that God is Independent?
In John 18, we read a reference to Judas. You may also enjoy our article: Why Did Jesus Choose Judas? The Betrayer.
The LORD of Hosts (YHWH Sabaoth)
But David replied to the Philistine, “You are coming against me with sword and spear and javelin. But I am coming against you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel's armies, whom you have defied!” (1 Samuel 17:45)
David and all the men who were with him traveled to Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim that are on it. (2 Samuel 6:2)
Look, the pay you have held back from the workers who mowed your fields cries out against you, and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. (James 5:4)
This name describes God’s sovereignty and power with vivid terms. God is the commander of the armies of heaven. Psalm 2:4 describes God laughing at the assembled might of all the other armies of earth against Him.
The LORD Will Provide (YHWH Yireh)
And Abraham called the name of that place “The LORD provides.” It is said to this day, “In the mountain of the LORD provision will be made.” (Genesis 22:14)
On the next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
We have a video on how Christ fulfilled this passage in Genesis 22. Many use this in a “health and prosperity” context. In its biblical context, this passage gives us an illustration of the Virgin Birth, as well as the death, burial, and resurrection of the coming Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. You can watch our video here.
The LORD Is My Banner (YHWH Nissi)
So Joshua destroyed Amalek and his army with the sword. The LORD said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in the book, and rehearse it in Joshua's hearing; for I will surely wipe out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. Moses built an altar, and he called it ‘The LORD is my Banner,’ for he said, “For a hand was lifted up to the throne of the LORD– that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” (Exodus 17:13-16)
Many Americans are familiar with the iconic Marine Corps War Memorial. This statue depicts six United States Marines raising the American Flag during the World War II battle of Iwo Jima.
A flag, or a banner, is a powerful symbol of national pride. It represents who and what they are fighting for. YHWH being the banner of His people represents their pride, unity, and allegiance to YHWH their God.
The LORD Our Righteousness (YHWH Tsidqenu)
“In His days Judah will be saved,
And Israel will dwell securely;
And this is His name by which He will be called,
‘The Lord our righteousness.’” (Jeremiah 23:6)
In context, this is a prophecy of the coming Messiah, Jesus. This passage is a powerful declaration that both the Old and New Covenants relied upon the imputed righteousness of God by faith in His promises.
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promise to save a people for Himself by grace through faith, taking away our sins and clothing us in the perfect righteousness of Christ.
The LORD Who Sanctifies You (YHWH Meqaddishechem)
“Tell the Israelites, ‘Surely you must keep My Sabbaths, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.’” (Exodus 31:13)
You must be sure to obey My statutes. I am the LORD who sanctifies you. (Leviticus 20:8)
You shall sanctify him, for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you, for I, the Lord, who sanctify you, am holy. (Leviticus 21:8)
You must not profane My holy name, and I will be sanctified in the midst of the Israelites. I am the LORD who sanctifies you. (Leviticus 22:32)
God Himself uses this name to describe Himself to His people. God is holy. He is also able to make His people holy.
Shepherd (Ra’ah, Poimen)
A psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd,
I lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1)“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
This name and imagery is used to describe God in both the Old and New Testaments. It is found is two of the most beloved passages of all time: Psalm 23 and John 10.
This name beautifully describes God care and oversight of His people.
The LORD Your Healer (YHWH Ropheka)
He said, “If you will diligently obey the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and pay attention to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, then all the diseases that I brought on the Egyptians I will not bring on you, for I, the LORD, am your Healer.” (Exodus 15:26)
This name speaks of God’s sovereignty over all creation in His ability to both deliver from disease and also to inflict it.
The LORD Is Peace (YHWH Shalom, Ho Theos Tes Eirenes)
When Gideon saw that he was the angel of the LORD, he said, “Alas, O Lord GOD! For now I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face.” The LORD said to him, “Peace to you, do not fear; you shall not die.” Then Gideon built an altar there to the LORD and named it The LORD is Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. (Judges 6:22-24)
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
The equivalent of this name also appears in Hebrews 13:20; Philippians 4:9; and 1 Thessalonians 5:23. This name is a strong encouragement to God’s people.
The LORD is a Man of War (YHWH Ish Milchamah)
The Lord is a man of war;
the Lord is his name. (Exodus 15:3)
This name does not contradict the previous name, The LORD is Peace. Instead, it provides insight into how the LORD brings peace for His people through overcoming on their behalf.
This imagery is used of the Messiah in Psalm 110 and Revelation 19—22. The peace of God’s kingdom is ushered in only after God crushes His adversaries under His feet. See also 1 Corinthians 15:20-28.
(For more on The Kingdom of God, don’t miss our six article series linked here!)
The LORD Is There (YHWH Shammah)
The circumference of the city will be six miles. The name of the city from that day forward will be: ‘The LORD Is There.’ (Ezekiel 48:35)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had ceased to exist, and the sea existed no more. And I saw the holy city– the new Jerusalem– descending out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Look! The residence of God is among human beings. He will live among them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them.” (Revelation 21:1-3)
The theme of God’s presence amongst His people is emphasized in Scripture from beginning to end. Moses understood this well. We can learn much from Moses’s prayer recorded in Exodus 33. Click the link to watch our short video about it.
The Fear of Isaac (Pachad Yitschaq)
“Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.” (Genesis 31:42)
“The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. (Genesis 31:53)
This vivid name tells us about Isaac and the God Isaac served. Isaac feared the LORD and walked before Him (see also Genesis 48:15).
Jealous (Qanna)
“Watch yourself that you make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, or it will become a snare in your midst. But rather, you are to tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and cut down their Asherim—for you shall not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God—otherwise you might make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land and they would play the harlot with their gods and sacrifice to their gods, and someone might invite you to eat of his sacrifice, and you might take some of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters might play the harlot with their gods and cause your sons also to play the harlot with their gods.” (Exodus 34:12-16)
In humans, this characteristic is virtually always viewed as a negative trait. So, some are ashamed of God’s revelation of Himself with this name.
However, God is not ashamed. This is an important name for us to understand. God is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. God never looks favorably upon His glory being given to another.
The Ancient of Days (Attiyq Yomiyn)
“I kept looking
Until thrones were set up,
And the Ancient of Days took His seat;
His vesture was like white snow
And the hair of His head like pure wool.
His throne was ablaze with flames,
Its wheels were a burning fire.
A river of fire was flowing
And coming out from before Him;
Thousands upon thousands were attending Him,
And myriads upon myriads were standing before Him;
The court sat,
And the books were opened.” (Daniel 7:9-10)
This astonishing vision recorded by Daniel declares God’s eternal nature. God has ruled over all Creation from the beginning. He rule and reign will never come to an end.
The Son of Man (Bar Enash, Ho Huios Tou Anthropou)
“I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14)
Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64)
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
The phrase “son of man” appears 195 times in the NASB. More than 90% of these are found in Ezekiel and the four Gospels. In Ezekiel, this phrase refers to the prophet and emphasizes his humanity. In the Gospels, this title is applied to Jesus. However, it is not an emphasis of Christ’s humanity.
Instead, Jesus used this terminology to declare that He is the fulfillment of the Son of Man vision recorded in Daniel 7. This fulfillment points to Christ as a divine figure. When combined with the name Jealous, we understand that God the Father (The Ancient of Days) is sharing glory and dominion with God the Son (The Son of Man).
Jesus is the Son of Man. He is worthy of receiving all glory, honor, and praise!
The Alpha and Omega (Rioshon Yeeth Acharonim, To Alpha Kai To Omega)
Who acts and carries out decrees? Who summons the successive generations from the beginning? I, the LORD, am present at the very beginning, and at the very end– I am the one. (Isaiah 41:4)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God– the one who is, and who was, and who is still to come– the All-Powerful! (Revelation 1:8)
He also said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the one who is thirsty I will give water free of charge from the spring of the water of life.” (Revelation 21:6)
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end! (Revelation 22:13)
This name also declares God’s eternal nature. The names alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
Consuming Fire (Esh Oklah, Pur Katanaliskon)
For the LORD your God is a consuming fire; he is a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 4:24)
Know therefore today that he who goes over before you as a consuming fire is the Lord your God. He will destroy them and subdue them before you. So you shall drive them out and make them perish quickly, as the Lord has promised you. (Deuteronomy 9:3)
For our God is indeed a devouring fire. (Hebrews 12:29)
God is worthy of fear, honor, and obedience from His people. God is also able to defeat their enemies before them. This name encourages both reverence and awe.
The Potter (Ha Yotser, Ho Kerameus)
One who argues with his creator is in grave danger, one who is like a mere shard among the other shards on the ground! The clay should not say to the potter, “What in the world are you doing? Your work lacks skill!” (Isaiah 45:9)
Yet, LORD, you are our father. We are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the product of Your labor. (Isaiah 64:8)
“I, the LORD, say: ‘O nation of Israel, can I not deal with you as this potter deals with the clay? In My hands, you, O nation of Israel, are just like the clay in this potter's hand.’” (Jeremiah 18:6)
Has the potter no right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special use and another for ordinary use? (Romans 9:21)
This vividly describes the sovereignty of God over His creation. He is able to form and fashion as He pleases. It is inappropriate and foolish to think that which is formed would be able to talk back and criticize the One who forms it.
Father (Ab, Pater)
Yet, LORD, You are our Father. We are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the product of Your labor. (Isaiah 64:8)
Jesus replied, “Do not touch me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father. Go to My brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’” (John 20:17)
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery leading again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15)
This name can cause stumbling for those who think that God is just like our earthly fathers. God is perfect. It is a mistake to project the imperfections of our earthly fathers upon our heavenly Father.
Properly understood, this imagery emphasizes God’s care and authority over His people. It is a strong term of both relationship and identity.
My Husband (Ishi)
“And in that day, declares the Lord, you will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer will you call me ‘My Baal.’” (Hosea 2:16)
Like “Father,” this name is easily misunderstood. For those who are single, have had difficult experiences with marriage, and for males, this name may evoke confusion and even anxiety.
Context is always important. God declares this in the midst of Hosea’s prophetic ministry. The imagery of faithfulness in the marriage covenant is being used to depict God’s unwavering faithfulness toward Israel despite their continual unfaithfulness to Him.
This terminology is both relational and intimate. However, it is in no way romantic. It is declaring a coming time of restoration in contrast to their current cold and unfaithful context. God is pointing to a time of true, faithful relationship and is emphasizing His promise of protection, provision, justice, and compassion for His people.
Rock (Tsur, Petra)
As for the Rock, his work is perfect, for all His ways are just. He is a reliable God who is never unjust, He is fair and upright. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. (Psalm 62:6-7)Are You not from everlasting, O LORD, my God, my Holy One? We will not die. You, O LORD, have appointed them to judge; And You, O Rock, have established them to correct.(Habakkuk 1:12)
And all drank the same spiritual drink. For they were all drinking from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4)
This name speaks of the strength and enduring character of our God.
Savior (Yasha, Soter)
My God is my rocky summit where I take shelter, my shield, the horn that saves me, my stronghold, my refuge, my Savior. You save me from violence! (2 Samuel 22:3)
Declare and set forth your case; Indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me. (Isaiah 45:21)
In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers. (1 Timothy 4:10)
This name is perhaps the most well-known. However, the truth is more profound than many realize at first. For more, check out our related article (Jesus is THE Savor: What Does This Mean?) and video (Christ Died For OUR Sins - This Truth is Bigger Than Most People Think).
Everlasting God (El Olam)
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. (Genesis 21:33)
This name speaks of God’s timeless nature.
God With Us (Immanuel, Emmanuel)
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel” (Matthew 1:23)
This glorious promise was fulfilled perfectly and fully in the Incarnation of Jesus of Nazareth. This is the greatest miracle recorded in Scripture. Don’t miss our video about this astonishing miraculous act of God.
Wonderful Counselor (Pele Yoets), Mighty God (El Gibbor), Eternal Father (Abi Yad), Prince of Peace (Sar Shalom)
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
The major English translations do not all agree on how to properly translate these names. It seems best to render them the way we see here in the ESV (so also NASB).
These names are all speaking of the coming Messiah. They refer to His knowledge and wisdom, might and power, everlasting sovereignty, and His authority and compassionate care for His own.
The Holy One of Israel (Qedosh Yisrael)
“Whom have you mocked and reviled?
Against whom have you raised your voice
and lifted your eyes to the heights?
Against the Holy One of Israel!” (2 Kings 19:22)They tested God again and again
and provoked the Holy One of Israel. (Psalm 78:41)Ah, sinful nation,
a people laden with iniquity,
offspring of evildoers,
children who deal corruptly!
They have forsaken the Lord,
they have despised the Holy One of Israel,
they are utterly estranged. (Isaiah 1:4)
This name of God appears more than 30 times in the Old Testament. Twenty-five of these are found in Isaiah.
This name refers both to God’s holiness and also His identification with the people of Israel. God chose Israel and caused His name to dwell in their midst.
King (Melek, Basileus)
Thus the LORD became king in Jeshurun,
when the heads of the people were gathered,
all the tribes of Israel together. (Deuteronomy 33:5)To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)
Other words are sometimes used to define this title even further for God. While kings are often the highest rank in human terms, this title (on its own) is often too low for YHWH. These other terms often elevate king to new heights.
Malachi 1:14 tells us that God is a great King. The Apostles Paul and John in the New Testament make it clear that Christ is the King of all other kings.
King of kings, Lord of lords (Basileus Basileon Kai Kurios Kurion)
I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:13-16)
He has a name written on His clothing and on his thigh: “King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:16)
As discussed above, neither title of king or lord is fully sufficient for God. There is no one in all of creation that is not subject to His rule, authority, and judgment. This exalted title is rightly applied to Jesus.
The Living God (Elohim Chay, Theo Zonti)
Incline your ear, O LORD, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. (Isaiah 37:17)
For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:10)
The God of the Bible is the living God. All other “gods” are idols. There is only one living God.
My Refuge and My Fortress (Machshi Umetsudathi)
I will say to the LORD,
“My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:2)
This comforting name demonstrates that God is able to protect and defend His people who take refuge in Him. Interestingly, Satan quoted this Psalm when tempting Christ in the wilderness. The truth is not the issue — Satan was attempting to lure Christ beyond trusting in the LORD to testing Him. Jesus was wise not to take the bait.
The comforting promise of God as a shelter and fortress are for those who trust in Him, not for those who are testing Him.
The Judge (Ha Shophet)
“Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Genesis 18:25)
A similar form of this name is found in Psalm 9:4, Psalm 94:2, and Jeremiah 11:20. These passages declare God’s sovereignty as the judge of all the earth.
The same concepts of God judging, bringing recompense, and exercising vengeance are applied to God in New Testament passages such as 2 Corinthians 5:10, Ephesians 6:8, Colossians 3:25, and Revelation 22:12.
The Father of Mercies and God of All Comfort (Ho Pater Ton Oiktirmon Kai Theos Pases Parakleseos)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3)
This beautiful and comforting name is especially important for those who have mistakenly believed that God the Father is mean and cold, in comparison to the warmer and friendlier Son, Jesus.
In both Old and New Testaments, God’s abounding compassion, kindness, and comfort are on display. Jonah did not want to preach to his enemies because he believed God was too gracious and compassionate! Jonah knew that if he preached to them, God would save his enemies (Jonah 4:2).
The Apostle Paul rightly speaks of the Father in these glowing terms. We should, too.
The God of All Grace (Ho Theos Pases Charitos)
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10)
The Apostle Peter likewise speaks of the Father in beautiful, vivid, and comforting terms.
The Father gave His Son for our redemption. As a result of this lavish display of love and grace, God the Father is rightfully referred to as the God of all grace.
