Lexical Summary
el: God, god, mighty one
Original Word:אֵל
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:el
Pronunciation:āl
Phonetic Spelling:(ale)
KJV: God (god), X goodly, X great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong
NASB:God, gods, mighty, Mighty One, God's, power
Word Origin:[shortened fromH352 (אַיִל - Ram)]
1. strength
2. (as adjective) mighty
3. (especially) the Almighty (but used also of any deity)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
God, goodly, great, idol, mighty one, power, strong
Shortened from'ayil; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity) -- God (god), X goodly, X great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in "-el."
see HEBREW'ayil
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origina prim. root
DefinitionGod, in pl. gods
NASB TranslationEl-berith* (1), God (204), god (16), God's (2), gods (3), helpless* (1), mighty (3), Mighty One (3), power (1), strong (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
II.
god, , etc. see I. .
II. (also, in proper name , ; Samaritan , Phoenician , (i.e. probably ), Sabean , DHMOr. Congr. Leiden, 1883, Assyrianilu, Dlw; perhaps also Arabic, Aramaic compare Nöon the passage; ongoddess Phoenician, Palmyrene, Nabataean, Sabean (also ) DHMl. c; Arabic
(plural
) FlKl. Schr. i. 154, AssyrianAllatu Jr66, Syriac
, compare also BaeRel 58, 90, 97, 271, 207) god, but with various subordinate applications to express idea of might; — hardly ever in prose except with defining word (adjective or Genitive); its only suffix is ; —
men of might and rank,mighty one of the nationsEzekiel 31:11 (of Nebuchadnezzar; , some MSS. Co);mighty menJob 41:17 (, many MSS. Di);mighty heroesEzekiel 32:21 ( MSS. Co);Ezekiel 17:13;2 Kings 24:15 (Kt );Exodus 15:15 (probably plural of III. , q. v.) These readings are uncertain because of an effort to distinguish these forms from the divine name.mighty hero (as above) ordivine hero (as reflecting the divine majesty)Isaiah 9:6.
angels,Psalm 29:1;Psalm 89:7 = .
gods of the nations,God of gods, supreme GodDaniel 11:36;who is like thee among the godsExodus 15:11;idolsIsaiah 43:10;Isaiah 44:10,15,17;Isaiah 46:6;what God in heavenDeuteronomy 3:24;another godExodus 34:14 (J);foreign godPsalm 44:21;Psalm 81:10;Deuteronomy 32:12;Malachi 2:11;Psalm 81:10.
ElEl BerithJudges 9:46 (=Judges 8:33;Judges 9:4) compare also
(f) below
,mighty mountainsPsalm 36:7 (literallymountains of El); alsoPsalm 50:10 Ol Bi Che see below II. ;mighty cedarsPsalm 80:11;lofty starsIsaiah 14:13.
God217, the one only and true God of Israel: (a)the God, the true GodGenesis 31:13;Genesis 35:1,3;Genesis 46:3 (E)2 Samuel 22:31,33,48 (=Psalm 18:31;Psalm 18:33;Psalm 18:48)Psalm 68:20;Psalm 68:21;Psalm 77:15;the faithful GodDeuteronomy 7:9;the great GodDeuteronomy 10:17 =Jeremiah 32:18;Daniel 9:4;Nehemiah 1:5;Nehemiah 9:32;the holy GodIsaiah 5:17;the God YahwehIsaiah 42:5;Psalm 85:9. (b)my GodExodus 15:2 (poetry)Psalm 18:3;Psalm 22:2 (twice in verse);Psalm 22:11;Psalm 63:2;Psalm 68:25;Psalm 89:27;Psalm 102:25;Psalm 118:28;Psalm 140:7;Isaiah 44:17. (c) constructthe God of Bethel, who had his seat thereGenesis 35:7 (E); God of thy fathersGenesis 49:25 (poetry);Psalm 68:36;Psalm 146:5;the God of heavenPsalm 136:26;the God who is my rockPsalm 42:10;the God who is the joy of my exultationPsalm 43:4;the God who lets himself be seenGenesis 16:13 (J);the God of gloryPsalm 29:3;the all-knowing God1 Samuel 2:3 (poetry);the everlasting GodGenesis 21:33 (J);Isaiah 12:2;Psalm 42:9;Psalm 31:6 =Deuteronomy 32:4 (poetry);Psalm 94:1 (twice in verse);Jeremiah 51:56. (d)one GodMalachi 2:10;a great GodDeuteronomy 7:21;Psalm 77:14;Psalm 95:3;a God hiding himselfIsaiah 45:15;a compassionate GodExodus 34:6 (J)Deuteronomy 4:31;Psalm 86:15;a forgiving GodPsalm 99:8;a gracious GodNehemiah 9:31;Jonah 4:2;a jealous GodExodus 20:5;Exodus 34:14 (J)Deuteronomy 4:24;Deuteronomy 5:9;Deuteronomy 6:15;Joshua 24:19 (D) =Nahum 1:2;a living GodJoshua 3:10 (J)Hosea 2:1;Psalm 42:3;Psalm 84:3;Isaiah 45:21;Psalm 5:5;Deuteronomy 32:21 (poetry)Isaiah 31:3;Ezekiel 28:2 (twice in verse);Ezekiel 28:9;Micah 7:18 (compareExodus 15:11). (e) God (the only true God, needing no article or predicate to define him)Numbers 12:13 (E read Di) always in poetry,Job 5:8 + (55 t. Job),Psalm 7:12;Psalm 10:11,12;Psalm 16:1;Psalm 17:6;Psalm 19:1;Psalm 52:3,7;Psalm 55:20;Psalm 57:3;Psalm 73:11,17;Psalm 74:8;Psalm 77:10;Psalm 78:7,8,18,19,34,41;Psalm 82:1;Psalm 83:2;Psalm 90:2;Psalm 104:21;Psalm 106:14,21;Psalm 107:11;Psalm 118:27;Psalm 139:17,23;Psalm 149:6;Psalm 150:1;Isaiah 40:18;Isaiah 43:12;Isaiah 45:14,20;Isaiah 46:9;Lamentations 3:41;Hosea 11:9;Hosea 12:1;Malachi 1:9;God is with us, as name of child in predictionIsaiah 7:14; compareIsaiah 8:8,10. (f)El, a divine nameGenesis 33:20 (E);Numbers 16:22 (P =Numbers 27:16);Joshua 22:22 (P)Psalm 50:1. This is probable also in the ancient poems,Numbers 23:8,19,22,23;Numbers 24:4,8,16,23 (poetry Balaam "" & )Deuteronomy 32:18;Deuteronomy 33:26 (poetry Moses "" & )2 Samuel 22:32;2 Samuel 23:5 (poetry David "" ) and in the combinations (5 t.; see ) & (10 t.; see ).
strength, power (on connection with I. compare DiGenesis 1:1;Genesis 31:29) init is according to the power of my hand = it is in my power, etc.Genesis 31:29 (E; followed by + Infinitive);Proverbs 3:27 (followed by id.);Micah 2:1; (absolute); negativeDeuteronomy 28:32 (absolute) =thou shalt be powerless, soNehemiah 5:5. See also BrockZAW xxvi (1906). 29 ff. (meaning 'might' very dubious: rendersbelongs to the god of (my) hand, supposing phrase a survival, with original meaning forgotten, of ancient idea, found also among other nations, of spirits conferring powers upon particular members of body).
Topical Lexicon
Essential Concept‘El is the singular Hebrew word most often rendered “God” and stresses inherent power, strength, and transcendence. While it can describe false deities (for example,Exodus 15:11), in the vast majority of its approximately 248 occurrences it designates the one true God of Israel, frequently in parallel with the covenant name “the LORD” (YHWH), thereby underlining both His might and His faithfulness.
Distribution in Scripture
• Torah – foundational occurrences in Genesis and Exodus introduce ‘El as the Mighty Creator and Covenant-Keeper (Genesis 17:1;Exodus 15:2).
• Historical Books – used in prayers and covenant renewals (Joshua 22:22;2 Samuel 22:31-33).
• Wisdom & Poetic Books – especially concentrated in Job (over thirty times) and Psalms, where God’s supremacy over creation and nations is extolled (Job 5:8;Psalm 50:1).
• Prophets – proclaims judgment and salvation, culminating in messianic hope (Isaiah 9:6;Jeremiah 32:27;Joel 2:13).
Patriarchal Revelations
Genesis frames redemptive history with personal encounters:
•Genesis 14:18-22 – Melchizedek blesses Abram “by God Most High (El Elyon), Creator of heaven and earth.”
•Genesis 16:13 – Hagar confesses, “You are the God who sees me (El Roi).”
•Genesis 17:1 – “I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before Me and be blameless.”
•Genesis 21:33 – Abraham calls on “the Everlasting God (El Olam).”
These titles reveal ‘El’s omnipotence, omniscience, sufficiency, and eternity.
Compound Titles
1. El Shaddai – “God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1; 35:11); assurance of covenant power and provision.
2. El Elyon – “God Most High” (Genesis 14:20;Psalm 57:2); supremacy over all spiritual and earthly authorities.
3. El Olam – “Everlasting God” (Genesis 21:33;Isaiah 40:28); timeless, inexhaustible being.
4. El Roi – “God Who Sees” (Genesis 16:13); intimate knowledge of the marginalized.
5. El Bethel – “God of Bethel” (Genesis 35:7); memorializes God’s self-disclosure in sacred space.
6. El Gibbor – “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6); prophetic of the Messiah’s divine nature.
‘El Paired with Covenantal Name
Often ‘El stands in poetic parallel with “the LORD,” reinforcing unity of God’s attributes:
• “For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?” (Psalm 18:31).
• “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God” (Deuteronomy 7:9).
Usage in Worship and Lament
• Adoration – “The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth” (Psalm 50:1).
• Trust – “I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” (Psalm 91:2).
• Petition – “As for me, I would seek God, and I would place my cause before God” (Job 5:8).
• Contrition – “Who knows? God may turn and relent” (Jonah 3:9).
Prophetic Hope and Judgment
‘El is invoked both to warn and to comfort:
• Judgment – “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).
• Salvation – “Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate… and relents from sending disaster” (Joel 2:13).
• Messianic Promise – “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6).
Integration into Personal Names
Many Hebrew names incorporate ‘El, bearing witness to Israel’s faith:
• Israel (“God strives”), Daniel (“God is my judge”), Ezekiel (“God strengthens”), Elisha (“God is salvation”), Samuel (“Heard by God”).
Through these names, lineage and testimony merge, reminding every generation of divine strength and presence.
Christological Significance
Isaiah 9:6 and related passages assign the title ‘El to the coming Messiah, affirming His full deity while anticipating His incarnation. The New Testament writers echo this understanding when applying Old Testament “Lord” and “God” texts to Jesus Christ (for example,Hebrews 1:10-12 citingPsalm 102:25-27).
Ministry Application
1. Confidence in Prayer: Knowing God as ‘El encourages bold petitions grounded in His limitless power (Ephesians 3:20 mirrors this Old Testament theme).
2. Pastoral Comfort: ‘El Roi assures the overlooked that God sees and cares (Genesis 16:13-14; compareMatthew 6:32-33).
3. Mission Motivation: El Elyon’s universal sovereignty fuels global evangelism (Psalm 47:2;Matthew 28:18-20).
4. Ethical Accountability: El Shaddai’s almighty authority calls believers to “walk before Me and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1;Titus 2:11-14).
Summary
From the first pages of Genesis to the closing oracles of the prophets, ‘El proclaims the might, majesty, and mercy of the one true God. His power is never abstract; it is covenantal, redemptive, and ultimately revealed in the person and work of the promised Messiah. To know Him as ‘El is to bow in worship, rise in confidence, and serve in expectant hope.
Forms and Transliterations
אֵ֑ל אֵ֔ל אֵ֕ל אֵ֖ל אֵ֗ל אֵ֚ל אֵ֛ל אֵ֝֗ל אֵ֝לִ֗י אֵ֝לַ֗י אֵ֣יל אֵ֣ל אֵ֣לִי אֵ֣ל ׀ אֵ֤ל אֵ֤ל ׀ אֵ֥ל אֵ֧ל אֵ֨ל ׀ אֵ֭ל אֵ֭לִי אֵֽל־ אֵֽל׃ אֵל֙ אֵל֩ ׀ אֵל֮ אֵלִ֑ים אֵלִ֔ים אֵלִ֖י אֵלִ֗י אֵלִ֣י אֵלִ֥י אֵלִי֙ אֵלִים׃ אֵלֵ֧י אֵל־ אֶל־ אַל־ איל אל אל־ אל׃ אלי אלים בְּאֵ֣ל בָּֽאֵלִ֔ים בָּֽאֵלִם֙ באל באלים באלם הַ֭אֵל הַ֭לְאֵל הַלְאֵ֥ל הָ֘אֵ֤ל הָ֤אֵ֣ל ׀ הָ֭אֵל הָאֵ֕ל הָאֵ֖ל הָאֵ֗ל הָאֵ֣ל ׀ הָאֵ֤ל הָאֵ֥ל הָאֵ֨ל הָאֵ֪ל ׀ הָאֵל֙ הָאֵל֮ האל הלאל וְ֝אֵ֗ל וְ֭אֵל וְאֵ֣ל וְאֵ֤ל וְאֵ֥ל וְהָאֵל֙ ואל והאל כָּאֵ֖ל כָּאֵ֥ל ׀ כאל לְאֵ֖ל לְאֵ֣ל לְאֵ֥ל לְאֵ֪ל לָ֝אֵ֗ל לָ֭אֵל לָאֵ֑ל לָאֵ֞ל לָאֵ֣ל לָאֵ֥ל לָאֵֽל׃ לָאֵל֙ לאל לאל׃ מֵאֵ֣ל מֵאֵ֨ל מֵאֵֽל׃ מאל מאל׃ שֶׁ֤אֵ֣ל שאל ’ê·lay ’ê·lê ’ê·lî ’ê·lîm ’êl ’el- ’êl- ’êlay ’êlê ’êlî ’êlîm al bā’êlim bā’êlîm bā·’ê·lim bā·’ê·lîm baeLim bə’êl bə·’êl beEl eil el eLai eLei eLi eLim ha’êl hā’êl ha·’êl hā·’êl haEl hal’êl hal·’êl Halel kā’êl kā·’êl kaEl lā’êl lā·’êl laEl lə’êl lə·’êl leEl mê’êl mê·’êl meEl še’êl še·’êl sheEl veEl vehaEl wə’êl wə·’êl wə·hā·’êl wəhā’êl
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