Elohim
/ˌɛloʊˈhiːm/noun
A Hebrew word used in the Bible to denote God or gods.
Did you know?The term 'Elohim' is grammatically plural, hinting at ancient polytheistic roots before its evolution into a singular deity concept in monotheistic traditions.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
ʾilū
“A deity or god.”
Ancient Hebrew
Hebrew
אֱלֹהִيم (Elohim)
“Plural form of God, indicating majesty or divinity.”
Biblical Period
Hebrew
אֵל (El)
“A singular term for God, often associated with the chief deity.”
2nd Century BCE
Hebrew
אֱלֹהִים (Elohim)
“Used in the Hebrew Bible, representing the God of Israel.”
Modern Hebrew
Hebrew
אֱלֹהִים (Elohim)
“Continued use as the formal name for God in Jewish liturgy and texts.”