Although not core to theology, a knowledge of the names of God used in the Bible can provide insight on how God was viewed in ancient times. The following are the names of God used in the OT and the NT.
Elohim (אֱלֹהִים). This title for God is most likely a combination of el, which means strong and mighty, and alah, which means to be smitten with fear. Therefore, Elohim refers to a strong and mighty God who is to be feared. A similar name with a similar meaning is Elyon. These names are not used exclusively in the OT for God. They are also used to refer to idols (e.g., Ps. 95:3; 96:5) and human rulers (e.g., Ex 21:6; Jgs 5:8; Ps. 82:1).
Adonai (אֲדֹנָי). This title for God is most likely derived from either dun or adan, both of which refer to a judge or a ruler. Therefore, Adonai is a name for God than emphasizes Him as the almighty Ruler of all things.
El Shaddai (אל שדי). This title for God is derived from shadad, which means powerful. It differs from Elohim in that it stresses the all-powerful nature of God but not in a fearful way. Rather, God’s power is a source of peace and comfort.
Yahweh (יהוה). Yahweh is typically understood as meaning “I am that I am,” or “I shall be what I shall be.” It is known as the tetragrammaton due to its four-letter representation: YHWH. This title emphasizes God’s covenant faithfulness and is therefore specifically associated with the God of the Hebrews and no other God. The predominant modern view is that this word is pronounced Yahweh, but the pronunciation Jehovah also has wide usage.
Theos (θεός). Theos is the most common name used for God in the NT. It is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Elohim. Therefore, it refers to a strong and mighty God who is to be feared, although OT references to El Shaddai are also translated into Theos.
Kurios (Kύριος). The Septuagint translates YHWH into kurios about 7000 times which results in a close association between these two terms. However, kurios simply means lord. In the NT, kurios is used over 700 times. This NT usage is not identical to the OT Yahweh in that it emphasizes the role of God as Lord and Ruler. Kurios in the NT is used both to refer to God generally and to refer to Christ.
Pater (Πατήρ). Pater simply means father. In the NT, Pater is variously used to refer to God as the Creator (e.g., Eph 3:15; Heb 12:9; Jas 1:18), specifically as the Father of Christ, and as the spiritual Father of His adopted human children.
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