Moses at the burning bush plus 600 names for God

Moses encountered God in the Sinai wilderness at a burning bush where God said He was sending him to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.
Afraid that the Israelites might not be receptive to his leadership, Moses asked God who he should say had sent him. "Tell them, 'I am who I am,'" was the reply.
This name for God -- I am who I am -- is one of 600 names, titles and descriptions of God used in the Bible.

Reflections on God's statement, "I am who I am"

What lessons can be learned from Moses' encounter with God at a burning bush

Exodus 3:1-10, 13-15

3 ¹ Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. ² There the angel of the Lord, appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire, it did not burn up. ³ So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight -- why the bush does not burn up."

⁴ When the Lord, saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!"

And Moses said, "Here I am."

⁵ "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." ⁶ Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.

⁷ The Lord, said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. ⁸ So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. ⁹ And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. ¹⁰ So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt." . . .

. . . ¹³ Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?"

¹⁴ God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I am has sent me to you.'"

¹⁵ God also said to Moses, "Say 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,
the name you shall call me
from generation to generation."

Moses: The three periods of his life

First 40 years:: Moses thought he was somebody (he lived as a grandson of the Pharaoh)
Second 40 years:: Moses discovered he was a nobody (he had fled to the desert where he lived with nomadic shepherds)
Third 40 years:: Moses found out what God can do with a nobody

"Though the bush was on fire, it did not burn up" -- Exodus 3:2

Week 38 (September) -- The call of Moses

The sight of a bush on fire leads us to a remarkable account of God's revelation of Himself to Moses and -- through him -- to Israel. The burning bush episode in Exodus three provides us with one of the clearest biblical descriptions of who God is. (Note: Speaking of fire, see the section below on the instances of fire being mentioned in Scripture in connection with God)

When Moses realized what the Lord was calling him to do, he began to ask for confirmation for himself and for the children of Israel.

In reply to Moses' question, "Suppose . . . they ask me, `What is his name? Then what shall I tell them?" God responds, "I am who I am" (Exodus 3:13-14).

The answer is brief, but it is far more than just a name. In fact, Moses' question and God's answer have far deeper implications than we 21st-century Westerners realize.

In both Egyptian and Hebrew cultures, it was believed that a person's name revealed the very essence of one bearing it. For that reason, the Bible will sometimes explain a name (such as that of Moses, for example) or recount the changing of a name to reflect a person better (such as when Jacob became Israel and Abram became Abraham).

The ancient Egyptians and Hebrews took their belief that a name was to be the exact representation of the person one step further. They believed that to know a person's name was to know that person wholly and utterly, even to the extent of sometimes having power and authority over that person.

For this reason, while the Egyptian Pharaohs had a public name, they carefully kept their real names secret to protect their power and authority.

It's against this cultural backdrop that Moses asked for God's name. In making such a request, Moses wasn't asking for a label to distinguish Yahweh from pagan gods. Moses was asking for a description of God's very essence. That's what God gave to him. Eheyeh asher Eheyeh is a Hebrew phrase that has been variously translated as "I am who I am," "I am He who exists," "I become what I will become," or even "He shall cause to be." It is one of those little phrases that wraps up volumes of rich meaning.

This name phrase that God revealed to Moses speaks of a timeless existence. What the Lord proclaimed to Moses from the midst of a burning bush was His self-sufficiency and eternal unchangeableness.

This phrase which God spoke, taken in context with the whole experience, could be rendered, "I will become with you." As the Eternal One spoke to Moses out of a burning bush, He offered to initiate a living relationship with the people of Israel. God was offering to go forward with this group of former slaves into the unknown future in a relationship that would unfold His nature and purposes.

Indeed, all that "I am" contains is revealed in the following centuries, culminating in the incarnation of the Messiah-Emmanuel. The revelation to Moses from that burning bush was only the beginning of the "emptying" of God Himself before His people.

The great I am continues to call people to Himself today. As they come, He asks that they follow the pattern of Moses in living a life of obedient service to Him.

Discussion questions

What significance should we attach to the burning bush episode in Exodus 3 regarding God's revelation of Himself to Moses and Israel?
How can the ancient Egyptian and Hebrew beliefs in the power of a name help us understand why Moses asked God for His name?
What might the phrase "I am who I am" reveal about God's nature and His relationship with the people of Israel?
In what ways do you think the call of Moses can resonate with people today? What can we learn from his example of obedient service to God?
Why do you think some people say that the revelation to Moses from the burning bush set the stage for the coming of the Messiah-Emmanuel and the unfolding of God's nature and purposes through the ages?

-- Howard Culbertson

I wrote these devotional thoughts while Barbara and I were serving as missionaries in Italy. It originally appeared in Standard, a weekly Faith Connections take-home curriculum piece for adult Sunday school classes published by The Foundry.

Fire as a divine symbol

In addition to the burning bush episode in Exodus 3, fire appears in connection with God's workings a number of times in the Bible. These include:

A pillar of fire guided the Israelites by night in the Sinai wilderness (Exodus 13)
The Lord descended on Mount Sinai in fire (Exodus 19, 24)
Fire was kept continuously burning on the altar of the Tabernacle (Leviticus 6)
The challenge on Mt. Carmel between Elijah and the prophets of Baal involved fire from heaven consuming a sacrifice. A similar thing happened at an altar built by King David and when Solomon dedicated the newly-constructed Jerusalem Temple (1 Kings 18, 1 Chronicles 21, 2 Chronicles 7)
A chariot of fire took Elijah to Heaven. A little later, chariots of fire protected Elisha (2 Kings 2, 6)
God's judgment is described as a consuming or devouring fire (Isaiah 33, 66)
God's word or message is described as fire (Jeremiah 23)
In Daniel's vision, the throne of the Ancient of Days was blazing with fire (Daniel 7)
John the Baptist spoke of the Messiah baptizing with fire (Matthew 3)
On the Day of Pentecost, tongues of fire came to rest on the 120 who had been in the Upper Room (Acts 2)
In Revelation, John describes the Son of God as having eyes like blazing fire (Revelation 2, 19)

Names and descriptions of God

600 ways the Bible identifies and describes God

Note: One Scripture reference is given for each name or description. Several of them can, of course, be found in more than one place in the Bible. The wording used is from the New International Version.

More than fifty of these names and titles were used in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament that are traditionally said to have been written by Moses

A consuming fire -- Deuteronomy 4:24
A crown of shining greatness, a beautiful crown -- Isaiah 28:5
A defender of widows -- Psalm 68:5
A deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession (Holy Spirit) Ephesians 1:14
A father to His people Exodus 4:22
A fighter -- Exodus 15:3
A God full of compassion -- Psalm 86:15
A God who hides Himself -- Isaiah 45:15
A great high priest (Jesus) -- Hebrews 4:14
A great priest over the house of God (Jesus) -- Hebrews 10:21
A holy God -- Leviticus 19:2
A jealous God -- Exodus 20:5
A hiding place -- Psalm 32:7
A holy place -- Isaiah 8:14
A life-giving spirit (Jesus) -- 1 Corinthians 15:45
A light for revelation to the Gentiles (Jesus) -- Luke 2:32
A man of suffering, and familiar with pain (Jesus) -- Isaiah 53:3
A Master in heaven -- Colossians 4:1
A merciful and faithful high priest (Jesus) -- Hebrews 2:17
A merciful God -- Deuteronomy 4:31
A mighty warrior -- Jeremiah 20:11
A place of broad rivers and streams -- Isaiah 33:21
A precious cornerstone for a sure foundation -- Isaiah 28:16
A priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek (Jesus) -- Psalm 110:4
A priest upon his throne (Jesus) -- Zechariah 6:13
A refuge for his people -- Joel 3:16
A refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat -- Isaiah 25:4
A rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him -- Hebrews 11:6
A righteous branch (Jesus) -- Jeremiah 33:15
A righteous God and a Savior -- Isaiah 45:21
A ruler will come out of Jacob (Jesus) -- Numbers 24:19
A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. (Jesus) -- 1 Peter 2:8
A shoot from the stump of Jesse (Jesus) -- Isaiah 11:1
A seat of honor for the house of his father -- Isaiah 22:23
A Scepter (Jesus) -- Numbers 24:17
A shelter and shade from the heat of the day -- Isaiah 4:6
A son over his own house; whose house are we (Christ) -- Hebrews 3:6
A Star out of Jacob (Jesus) -- Numbers 24:17
A strong Lord -- Psalm 89:8
A sun and shield -- Psalm 84:1
A tested stone -- Isaiah 28:16
A wall of fire around [Jerusalem] -- Zechariah 2:5
A witness to us (Holy Spirit) -- Hebrews 10:15
Abba, Father -- Romans 8:15
Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous -- 1 John 2:1
Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End -- Revelation 22:13
An ever-present help in trouble -- Psalm 46:1
Ancient of Days -- Daniel 7:9
Author of eternal salvation (Jesus) -- Hebrews 5:9
Author of life (Jesus) -- Acts 3:15
Author of peace -- 1 Corinthians 14:33
Beside Him, there is no other -- Deuteronomy 4:35
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! (crowd on Palm Sunday) -- Matthew 21:9
Bread of God (Jesus) -- John 6:33
Bread of life (Jesus) -- John 6:35
Builder of everything -- Hebrews 3:4
Christ Jesus our Lord -- Romans 8:39
Christ in you, the hope of glory -- Colossians 1:27
Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God -- 1 Corinthians 1:24
Clothed in splendor and majesty -- Psalm 104:1
Compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness -- Exodus 34:6
Consolation of Israel (Jesus) -- Luke 2:245
Creator of heaven and earth -- Genesis 14:19
Crowned with glory and honor -- Hebrews 2:9
Do I not fill heaven and earth? -- Jeremiah 23:24
Dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations¹ -- Psalm 22:28
Everlasting Father -- Isaiah 9:6
Everything he does is right, and all his ways are just (Nebuchadnezzar's description of the God of Daniel) -- Daniel 4:37
Faithful Creator -- 1 Peter 4:19
Father of the heavenly lights -- James 1:17
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ -- Romans 15:6
Father of Spirits -- Hebrews 12:9
Father to the fatherless -- Psalm 68:5
Firstborn among many brothers and sisters (Jesus) -- Romans 8:29
Give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins -- Matthew 1:21
Gives food to every creature -- Psalm 136:25
Gives power and strength to his people -- Psalm 68:35
Glory of your people Israel -- Luke 2:32
God Almighty -- Genesis 17:1
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power -- Acts 10:38
God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah -- Acts 2:36
God is truthful -- John 3:33
God Most High -- Psalm 57:2
God Most High was their Redeemer -- Psalm 78:35
God of Abraham -- Genesis 31:42
God of all mankind -- Jeremiah 32:27
God of all the earth -- Isaiah 54:5
God of all the families of Israel -- Jeremiah 31:1
God of glory -- Acts 7:2
God of gods -- Daniel 2:47
God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments -- Nehemiah 1:5
God of heaven and earth -- Ezra 5:11
God of hope -- Romans 15:13
God of Israel -- Exodus 224:10
God of Jacob -- 2 Samuel 23:1
God of Jeshurun -- Deuteronomy 33:26
God of knowledge -- 1 Samuel 2:3
God of love and peace -- 2 Corinthians 13:11
God of my father -- Genesis 31:5
God of my life -- Psalm 42:8
God of peace -- Romans 15:33
God of the armies of Israel -- 1 Samuel 17:45
God of the Hebrews -- Exodus 3:18
God of the living -- Mark 12:27
God of your ancestors -- Deuteronomy 1:21
God our Savior -- Psalm 79:9
God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne -- Psalm 47:8
God, the Judge of all -- Hebrews 12:23
God's Messiah -- Luke 9:20
God's one and only Son -- John 3:18
Great and mighty God, whose name is the Lord Almighty -- Jeremiah 32:18
Great King above all gods -- Psalm 95:3
Great King over all the Earth -- Psalm 47:2
Great Shepherd of the Sheep (Jesus) -- Hebrews 13:20
He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come -- 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
He builds his lofty palace in the heavens and sets its foundation on the earth; he calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land; the Lord is his name. -- Amos 9:6
He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ -- 1 Corinthians 15:57
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves -- Colossians 1:13
He has saved us and called us to a holy life -- 2 Timothy 1:9
He holds success in store for the upright -- Proverbs 2:7
He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold . . . my shield, in whom I take refuge -- Psalm 144:2
He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword -- Deuteronomy 33:29
He lives with you and will be in you (Holy Spirit) -- John 14:17
He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins -- 1 John 4:10
He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind -- Psalm 104:3
He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants -- Psalm 104:4
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted -- Job 5:9
He provides rain for the earth; he sends water on the countryside -- Job 5:10
He set the earth on its foundation -- Psalm 104:5
He remembered us in our low estate and freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever. -- Psalm 136:23-24
He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless -- Proverbs 2:7
He wants all people to be saved from the punishment of sin. He wants them to come to know the truth -- 1 Timothy 2:4
He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification (Jesus) -- Romans 4:25
[Jesus] was faithful to the one who appointed him -- Hebrews3:2
He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things -- Jeremiah 10:16
He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you -- Romans 8:11
He who watches over you will not slumber -- Psalm 121:3
Head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way -- Ephesians 1:23
Heir of all things (Jesus) -- Hebrews 1:2
Helper of the fatherless -- Psalm 10:14
Him to whom we must give account -- Hebrews 4:13
High priest of the good things that are now already here (Jesus) -- Hebrews 9:11
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life 2 Peter 1:3
His Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead -- Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath -- 1 Thessalonians 1:10
His indescribable gift (Jesus) -- 2 Corinthians 9:15
Holy One of Israel -- 2 Kings 19:22
Hope of Israel (Jesus) -- Acts 28:20
Hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress -- Jeremiah 14:8
God's "I Am" Statements. They remind us of the I Am statement God made to Moses at the burning bush in the Sinai wilderness.
He who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited -- he says: "I am the Lord, and there is no other" -- Isaiah 45:18
I Am Who I Am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: "I Am has sent me to you." -- Exodus 3:14
I am Israel's father -- Jeremiah 31:9
"I am a great king," says the Lord Almighty, "and my name is to be feared among the nations." -- Malachi 1:14
I am Alpha and Omega (Jesus) -- Revelation 1:8
I am compassionate -- Exodus 22:27
I am concerned for you and will look on you with favor -- Ezekiel 36:9
I am from above. . . . I am not of this world. (Jesus) -- John 8:23
I am God -- Psalm 46:10
I am he -- Isaiah 41:4
I, even I, am He who comforts you -- Isaiah 51:12
I am he who searches hearts and minds (Jesus) -- Revelation 2:23
I am holy -- Leviticus 11:44
I am faithful -- Jeremiah 3:12
I am gentle and do not have pride (Jesus) -- Matthew 11:29
I am God Almighty -- Genesis 17:1
I am in Israel -- Joel 2:27
I am the bread of life (Jesus) -- John 6:35
I am the First and the Last -- Revelation 1:17
I am the gate (Jesus) -- John 10:9
I am the gate for the sheep (Jesus) -- John 10:7
I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob -- Matthew 22:32
I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob -- Acts 7:32
I am the good shepherd (Jesus) -- John 10:11
I am the light of the world (Jesus) -- John 8:12
I am the living bread that came down from heaven (Jesus) -- John 6:51
I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades -- Revelation 1:18
I am the Lord -- Exodus 6:2
I am the Sovereign Lord -- Ezekiel 13:9
I am the Lord who makes you holy -- Exodus 31:13
I am the Lord the God of all mankind -- Jeremiah 32:27
I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself -- Isaiah 44:24
I am the Lord their God -- Exodus 29:4
I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight -- Jeremiah 9:24
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery -- Exodus 20:2
I am the Lord your God who stirs up the sea -- Isaiah 51:15
I am the Lord your God who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go -- Isaiah 48:17
I am the Lord who heals you -- Exodus 15:26
I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel's Creator, your King -- Isaiah 42:15
I am the resurrection, and the life (Jesus) -- John 11:25
I am the Root and the Offspring of David (Jesus) -- Revelation 22:16
I am the Son of God (Jesus) -- Matthew 27:43
I am the true vine (Jesus) -- John 15:1
I am the way and the truth and the life (Jesus) -- John 14:6
I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. . . . I will be their possession. -- Ezekiel 44:28
I am your husband -- Jeremiah 3:14
I am your shield, your very great reward (said to Abraham) -- Genesis 15:1
I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites.(said to Aaron) -- Nehemiah 18:20
I am your salvation -- Psalm 35:3
I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob -- Isaiah 49:26
I am with you . . . I am your God -- Isaiah 41:10
I am with you and will rescue you -- Jeremiah 1:8
I am with you to rescue and save you -- Jeremiah 15:20
I am with you always (Jesus) -- Matthew 28:20
I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -- Isaiah 41:10
I, even I, am he who comforts you -- Isaiah 52:12
I, the Lord, am in the land -- Exodus 8:22
I will be its glory within (God, speaking of Jerusalem) -- Zechariah 2:5
I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble -- Psalm 59:16
Image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation (Jesus) -- Colossians 1:15
Immanuel or Emmanuel (which means "God with us") -- Matthew 1:23 and Isaiah 7:14
It is I, proclaiming victory, mighty to save -- Isaiah 63:1
Jesus the Christ -- Matthew 16:20
Jesus Christ our Lord -- Romans 1:4
Jesus of Nazareth -- Matthew 26:71
Jesus, Son of the Most High God -- Mark 5:7
Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee -- Matthew 21:11
Judge of all the earth -- Genesis 18:25
King forever and ever -- Psalm 10:16
King of all the earth -- Psalm 47:7
King of heaven -- Daniel 4:37
King of kings and Lord of lords
King of the nations -- Revelation 15:3
King of the Jews (a title given to Jesus by the wise men, Pontius Pilate, and the mockers at His crucifixion) -- Matthew 2:2, John 19:3, 19-21
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world -- John 1:29
Like a peg into a firm place (Jesus) -- Isaiah 22:23
Lion of the tribe of Judah (Jesus) -- Revelation 5:5
Lord, even of the Sabbath -- Mark 2:28
Lord Almighty, God of Israel -- 2 Samuel 7:27
Lord God -- Genesis 2:4
Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come -- Revelation 4:8
Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel -- 2 Chronicles 30:6
Lord God of Almighty -- 2 Samuel 5:10
Our Lord God Almighty reigns -- Revelation 19:6
Lord Jesus -- Luke 24:3
Lord Most High -- Psalm 7:17
Lord of all (Jesus) -- Acts 10:36
Lord of glory -- 1 Corinthians 2:8
Lord of kings -- Daniel 2:47
Lord of lords -- Deuteronomy 10:17
Lord of peace -- 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Lord of all the earth -- Psalm 97:5
Lord on high -- Psalm 93:4
Lord our God -- Exodus 3:18
Lord, our Lord -- Psalm 8:9
Maker of all things -- Jeremiah 10:16
Mediator of a new covenant -- Hebrews 12:24
Mighty God -- Isaiah 9:6
Mighty One -- Psalm 45:3
Mighty One of Jacob -- Genesis 49:24
Mighty One of Israel -- Isaiah 1:24
My beloved Son (Jesus) -- Matthew 3:17
My chosen one in whom I delight (Jesus) -- Isaiah 42:1
My confidence since my youth -- Psalm 71:5
My father' God -- Exodus 15:2
[God's] firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth (Jesus)
My friend from my youth -- Jeremiah 3:4
My Holy One -- Habakkuk 1:12
My God, whom I praise -- Psalm 109:1
My help and deliverer -- Psalm 40:17
My hope -- Psalm 71:5
My joy and my delight -- Psalm 43:4
My King -- Psalm 5:2
My lamp -- 2 Samuel 22:29
My loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge -- Psalm 144:2
My maker --Job 35:10
My mighty rock -- Psalm 62:7
My Redeemer lives -- Job 19:25
My refuge, a strong tower against the foe -- Psalm 61:3
My refuge in the day of disaster -- Jeremiah 17:17
My refuge in time of distress -- Jeremiah 16:19
My righteous God -- Psalm 4:1
My righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities (Jesus) -- Isaiah 53:11
My salvation and my glory -- Psalm 62:7
My Savior -- Luke 1:47
My shepherd -- Psalm 23:1
My strength and my defense -- Psalm 118:14
My strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle -- Psalm 140:7
My support -- Psalm 18:18
My rock of refuge, to which I can always go -- Psalm 71:3
My strong refuge -- Psalm 71:7
My rock of strength -- Psalm 31:2
One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all -- Ephesians 4:6
One God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live -- 1 Corinthians 8:6
One mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus -- 1 Timothy 2:5
Our Apostle and High Priest (Jesus) -- Hebrews 3:1
Our leader -- 2 Chronicles 13:12
Our dwelling place throughout all generations -- Psalm 90:1
Our Father -- Isaiah 6b3:16
Our Father in Heaven -- Matthew 6:9
Our guide even to the very end -- Psalm 48:14
Our judge -- Isaiah 33:22
Our king -- Isaiah 33:22
Our lawgiver -- Isaiah 33:22
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ -- 2 Peter 1:11
Our Lord Jesus Christ -- Acts 15:26
Our mighty one -- Isaiah 33:21
Our only Sovereign and Lord -- Jude 4
Our peace -- Ephesians 2:14
Our Savior, Christ Jesus -- 2 Timothy 1:10
Pioneer and perfecter of faith (Jesus) -- Hebrews 12:2
My food and drink, my highest joy -- Psalm 16:5 (The Living Bible wording)
Prince and Savior -- Acts 5:31
Prince of Peace -- Isaiah 9:6
Prince of princes -- Daniel 8:25
Redeemer and Holy One of Israel -- Isaiah 49:7
Refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble -- Psalm 9:9
Righteous Father -- Jonah 17:25
Rock of Israel -- Genesis 49:24
Root of David (Jesus) -- Revelation 5:5
Root of Jesse (Jesus) -- Romans 15:12
Ruler over Israel -- Micah 5:2
Salvation of Israel -- Jeremiah 3:23
Savior of all people -- 1 Timothy 4:10
Savior of the world (Jesus) -- 1 John 4:14
Shepherd and Overseer of your souls -- 1 Peter 2:25
Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You Who sit on Your throne above the angels. -- Psalm 80:1
Son of David (Jesus) -- Matthew 9:27
Son of God (Jesus) -- Matthew 8:29
Son of man (Jesus) -- Matthew 8:20
Son of the Highest (Jesus)
Son of the living God (Jesus)
Sovereign Lord -- Psalm 71:5
Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer -- Psalm 140:7
Spirit of Christ -- 1 Peter 1:11
Spirit of glory and of God -- 1 Peter 4:14
Spirit of God -- Numbers 24:2
Spirit of grace -- Hebrews 10:29
Spirit of holiness -- Romans 1:4
Spirit of life from God -- Revelation 11:11
Spirit of the living God -- 2 Corinthians 3:3
Spirit of truth -- John 14:17
Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord -- Isaiah 11:2
Spring of living water -- Jeremiah 17:13
Teacher -- Matthew 19:16
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit John 14:26
The Almighty -- Genesis 49:25
The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation -- Revelation 3:14
The Anointed One (Jesus) Daniel 9:26
The Anointed One, the ruler (Jesus) -- Daniel 9:25
The atoning sacrifice for our sins (Jesus) -- 1 John 2:2
The beginning and the firstborn from among the dead -- Colossians 1:18
The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords -- 1 Timothy 6:15
The Branch of God (Jesus, the Messiah) -- Isaiah 4:2
The bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (Jesus) -- John 6:33
The bridegroom (Jesus) -- Luke 5:3
The bright Morning Star -- Revelation 22:16
The chief cornerstone (Jesus) -- Ephesians 2:20
The Chief Shepherd (Jesus) -- 1 Peter 5:4
The Christ -- 1 John 2:2
The covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises -- Hebrews 8:6
The Deliverer (Jesus) -- Romans 11:26
The Eternal God -- Genesis 21:33
The eternal Spirit -Hebrews 9;14-
The everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth -- Isaiah 40:28
The exalted God -- Micah 6:6
The faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments -- Deuteronomy 7:9
The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort -- 2 Corinthians 1:3
The Father's Son (Jesus) -- 2 John 1:3
The Fear of Isaac -- Genesis 31:42
The firstborn over all creation (Jesus) -- Colossians 1:15
The gardener (the Father) -- John 15:1
The gift my Father promised -- Acts 1:4
The glorious Father -- Ephesians 1:17
The glory of Israel -- Luke 2:32
The God of all grace -- 1 Peter 5:10
The great God, mighty and awesome -- Nehemiah 9:32
The high and exalted One . . . he who lives forever, whose name is holy-- Isaiah 57:15
The Holy One -- Job 6:10
The Holy and Righteous One (Jesus) -- Acts 3:14
The Holy One among you -- Hosea 11:9
The Holy One of God (Jesus) -- Mark 1:24
The hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas-- Psalm 65:5
The horn of my salvation, my stronghold -- Psalm 18:2
The immortal God -- Romans 1:23
The life appeared . . . the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us -- 1 John 1:2
The living God, the eternal King -- Jeremiah 10:10
The King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God -- 1 Timothy 1:17
The Lamb (Jesus) -- Revelation 5:8
the Lamb of God -- John 1:29
The Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world (Jesus) -- Revelation 13:8
The last Adam (Jesus) -- 1 Corinthians 15:45
The living Father -- John 6:57
The Living God -- Joshua 3:10
The living stone (Jesus) -- 1 Peter 2:4
The Lord Almighty -- he is the King of glory -- Psalm 242:10
The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. -- Isaiah 8:13
The Lord God Almighty -- Amos 4:13
The Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel -- Jeremiah 44:7
The Lord, God of our ancestors -- Deuteronomy 26:7
The Lord God of the Hebrews -- Exodus 3:18
The Lord, mighty in battle -- Psalm 24:8
The Lord is a God of retribution -- Jeremiah 51:56
The Lord is my banner -- Exodus 17:15
The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one -- 2 Thessalonians 3:3
The Lord is righteous; He loves justice -- Psalm 11:7
The Lord our God is one Lord -- Deuteronomy 6:4
The Lord, our Maker -- Psalm 95:6
The Lord our Righteous Savior -- Jeremiah 23:6
The Lord, strong and mighty -- Psalm 24:8
The Lord, the God of Israel -- Exodus 5:1
The Lord, the hope of their ancestors -- Jeremiah 50:7
The Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth -- Genesis 24:3
The Lord who is faithful Isaiah 49:7
The Lord your God -- Deuteronomy 7:6
The Lord, the Judge -- Judges 11:27
The Lord, their God (Pharoah's words) -- Exodus 10:7
The Lord, your God -- Exodus 15:26
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves -- Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord watches over you -- Psalm 121:5
The Lord will be your everlasting light -- Isaiah 60:20
The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent. and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. -- Psalm 104:2- 3
The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt -- Deuteronomy 1:30
The Lord's Messiah (Jesus) -- Luke 2:26
The man he has appointed (Jesus) -- Acts 17:31
The Majesty in heaven -- Hebrews 8:1
The Messiah -- Mark 8:29
The Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One (Jesus) -- Mark 14:61
The Messiah, the Son of the living God -- Matthew 16:16
The Mighty God -- Isaiah 10:21
The Most High -- Numbers 24:16
The Most High God -- Daniel 3:26
The Most High over all the earth -- Psalm 83:18
The one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth -- John 1:14
The One enthroned in heaven laughs -- Psalm 2:4
The One to be feared -- Psalm 76:11
The One who calls you is faithful -- 1 Thessalonians 5:24
The one who comes from above is above all . . . The one who comes from heaven is above all (Jesus) -- John 3:31
The only God our Savior -- Jude 25
The only true God -- John 17:3
The only wise God -- Romans 16:27
The promised Holy Spirit -- Ephesians 1:13
The Prophet who is to come into the world (said about Jesus) -- John 6:14
The resurrection, and the life (Jesus) -- John 11:25
The righteous judge -- 2 Timothy 4:8
The Righteous One (Jesus Christ)-- 1 John 2:1
The rising sun (Jesus) -- Luke 1:78
The Rock -- Deuteronomy 32:4
The rock that is higher than I -- Psalm 61:2
The Root and the Offspring of David (Jesus) -- Revelation 22:16
The seven Spirits of God (possibly indicating the divine fullness of the Holy Spirit) -- Revelation 5:6
The Son (Jesus) -- Matthew 28:19
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven -- Hebrews 1:3
The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays -- Malachi 4:2
The Spirit of his Son (Holy Spirit) -- Galatians 4:6
The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue -- 2 Samuel 23:2
The Spirit of your Father speaking through you -- Matthew 10:20
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone (Jesus) -- 1 Peter 2:7
The strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one -- Psalm 28:8
The strength of my heart and my portion forever -- Psalm 73:26
The true God -- 1 John 5:20
The true light that gives light to everyone (Jesus) -- John 1:9
The Word (Jesus) -- John 1:1
The Word of God (Jesus)-- Revelation 19:13
The Word of Life (Jesus) -- 1 John 1:1
Their glory and strength -- Psalm 89:17
There is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below -- you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. -- 1 Kings 8:23
This Messiah, the King of Israel-- Mark 15:3
This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations" (Matthew, speaking of Jesus) -- Matthew 12:17-18
Watcher of men -- Job 7:20
What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open -- Revelation 3:7
What is desired by all nations (the Messiah) -- Haggai 2:7

"Who/Whom/Whose" Names, Titles, ad Characteristics of God
Who alone does great wonders -- Psalm 136:4li>
Who alone does marvelous deeds -- Psalm 72:18
Who alone is immortal -- 1 Timothy 6:16
Who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere -- 2 Corinthians 2:14
Who answered me in the day of my distress -- Genesis 35:3
Who answers by fire -- 1 Kings 18:24
Who answer(s) prayer -- Psalm 65:2
Who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure -- 2 Samuel 22:33
Who blesses you with blessings of the skies above, blessings of the deep springs below, blessings of the breast and womb -- Genesis 49:25
Who breaks open the way -- Micah 2:13
Who by his understanding made the heavens -- Psalm 136:5
Who called us by his own glory and goodness -- 2 Peter 1:3
Who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light -- 1 Peter 2:9
Who called you to his eternal glory in Christ -- 1 Peter 5:10
Who called you to live in the grace of Christ -- Galatians 1:6
Who calls you into his kingdom and glory -- 1 Thessalonians 2:12
Who comforts the downcast -- 2 Corinthians 7:6
Who comforts us in all our troubles -- 2 Corinthians 1:4
Who counsels me -- Psalm 16:7
Who daily bears our burdens -- Psalm 68:19
Who defends His people -- Isaiah 51:22
Who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all -- Romans 8:32
Who divided the Red Sea asunder -- Psalm 136:13
Who does no wrong, upright and just is He -- Deuteronomy 32:4
Who does not lie -- Titus 1:7
Who endured such opposition from sinners -- Hebrews 12:3
Who fathered you . . . who gave you birth -- Deuteronomy 32:18
Who foretold it -- Isaiah 52:6
Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases -- Psalm 103:3
Who formed you in the womb -- Isaiah 44:24
Who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth -- Amos 4:13
Who gathers the exiles of Israel -- Isaiah 56:8
Who gave himself as a ransom for all people (Jesus) -- 1 Timothy 2:6
Who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age (Jesus) Galatians 1:4
Who gives breath to all living things -- Numbers 16:22
Who gives endurance and encouragement -- Romans 15:5
Who gives generously to all without finding fault -- James 1:5
Who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not -- Romans 4:17
Who gives life to everything -- 1 Timothy 6:13
Who gives songs in the night -- Job 35:10
Who gives you the true bread from heaven -- John 6:32
Who guards your life -- Proverbs 24:12
Who has been my shepherd all my life to this day -- Genesis 48:15
Who has been with me wherever I have gone -- Genesis 35:3
Who has compassion -- Isaiah 49:10
Who has delivered me out of every trouble -- 2 Samuel 4:9
Who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (Jesus) -- 2 Timothy 1:10
Who has established all the ends of the earth -- Proverbs 30:4
Who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! -- Psalm 66:20
Who has perfect knowledge -- Job 37:16
Who has the sharp, double-edged sword -- Revelation 2:12
Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak -- Proverbs 30:4
Who have done great things -- Psalm 71:19
Who helps you -- Genesis 49:25
Who holds in His hand your life and all your ways -- Daniel 5:23
Who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands -- Revelation 2:1
Who inspires the prophets -- Revelation 22:6
Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us -- Ephesians 3:20
Who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus -- Romans 16:25
Who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy -- Jude 24
Who . . . is also interceding for us (Jesus) -- Romans 8:34
Who is coming (Jesus) -- Hebrews 10:37
Who is enthroned from of old, who does not change -- Psalm 55:19
Who is from the beginning -- 1 John 2:13
Who is holy and true, who holds the key of David (Jesus) -- Revelation 3:7
Who is rich in mercy -- Ephesians 2:4
Who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth (Jesus) -- Revelation 1:5
Who is to be praised forever -- 2 Corinthians 11:31
Who is worthy of praise -- 2 Samuel 22:4
Who is your life -- Colossians 3:4
Who judges justly -- 1 Peter 2:23
Who judges me -- 1 Corinthians 4:4
Who judges the earth -- Psalm 58:11
Who justifies those who have faith in Jesus -- Romans 3:26
Who keeps his covenant of love -- Nehemiah 9:32
Who led his people through the wilderness -- Psalm 137:16
Who lifts my head up high -- Psalm 3:3
Who lives in unapproachable light -- 1 Timothy 6:16
Who loved me and gave himself for me. (Jesus) -- Galatians 2:20
Who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, (Jesus) -- Revelation 1:5
Who made the great lights (sun, moon, and stars) -- Psalm 136:7
Who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns midnight into dawn and darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land -- Amos 5:8
Who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands -- Acts 17:24
Who makes people holy -- Hebrews 2:11
Who made you holy -- Leviticus 22:32
Who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ -- 2 Corinthians 1:21
Who makes you holy -- Exodus 31:13
Who performs miracles -- Psalm 77:14
Who raises the dead -- 2 Corinthians 1:9
Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion -- Psalm 103:4
Who reveals mysteries -- Daniel 2:28
Who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment -- 1 Timothy 6:17
Who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in His majesty -- Deuteronomy 33:26
Who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice - - Psalm 68:33
Who said, "Let light shine out of darkness" -- 2 Corinthians 4:65
Who satisfies your desires with good things -- Psalm 103:5
Who saves by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes -- Psalm 17:7
Who saves me -- Psalm 88:1
Who searches our hearts -- Romans 8:27
Who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord (Jesus) -- Hebrews 8:2
[Who] shields all who take refuge in Him -- 2 Samuel 22:31
Who sit(s) enthroned in heaven -- Psalm 123:1
Who sits enthroned on high -- Psalm 113:5
Who sits on the throne above the earth -- Isaiah 40:22
Who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever -- Revelation 4:9
Who spread out the earth upon the waters -- Psalm 136:6
Who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it -- Isaiah 42:5
Who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth -- Psalm 113:6
Who struck down great kings -- Psalm 136:17
Who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you -- Isaiah 41:13
Who tests our hearts -- 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle -- Psalm 144:1
Who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty -- Revelation 1:8
Who vindicates me -- Psalm 57:2
Who warns us from heaven -- Hebrews 12:25
Who weighs the heart -- Proverbs 24:12
Who will baptize with the Holy Spirit (Jesus) -- John 1:33
Who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will -- Ephesians 1:11
Whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead (Jesus) -- Acts 10:42
Whom God has sent (Jesus) -- John 3:34
Whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze -- Revelation 2:18
Whose hands have gathered up the wind -- Proverbs 30:4
With a blinding flash, he destroys the stronghold and brings the fortified city to ruin -- Amos 5:9
Wonderful Counselor -- Isaiah 9:6
Worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself (Jesus) -- Hebrews 3:3
You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love Nehemiah 9:17
You are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises-- Psalm 22:3
You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living -- Psalm 142:5
"You are the God who sees me," for she [Hagar] said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." -- Genesis 16:13
You brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you -- Psalm 22:9
You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst -- Nehemiah 9:20
You have set your glory in the heavens -- Psalm 8:1
You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. -- Isaiah 64:8
You, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth -- Isaiah 26:7
Your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you -- Deuteronomy 32:6
Your heavenly Father -- Matthew 6:14
Your heavenly Father is perfect -- Matthew 5:48
Your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed -- Acts 4:27
Your life -- Deuteronomy 30:20
Your Maker -- Psalm 51:13
Your Maker is your husband -- Isaiah 54:5
Your shade at your right hand -- Psalm 121:5
Your Redeemer -- Isaiah 54:8
Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens -- Psalm 7l:19
Your shield and helper and your glorious sword -- Deuteronomy 33:29

Did I miss one? Are there biblical titles, phrases, or descriptions missing from this long list? If so, email me so I can add them!

Some Hebrew names for God and their meanings with the passage where each is first used

Note: Because the following words are transliterated from Hebrew orthography, spellings may vary from what is used in other sources.

Non-Hebrew speakers are sometimes tempted to think that these words in themselvers carry some kind of special power. They think that, by using them, we call evoke a special sense of awe and mystery. That is misleading. These are not exotic and magical words that are any more spiritual than their English (or any other language) equivalents. God speaks the heart language of every single person on earth. Descriptions of God in every language should elicit a sense of awe and thanksgiving.

Adonai -- The Lord our Sovereign, our Ruler -- Genesis 15:2
El-Elyon -- The Lord or God Most High -- Genesis 14:18
El-Olam -- The Everlasting One, God of Eternity -- Genesis 21:33
El-Shaddai -- The All-Sufficient, God Almighty -- Genesis 17:1
Yahweh -- Self-existent; often translated as "Lord" -- Genesis 2:4
Elohim -- God or the Eternal Creator -- Genesis 1:1
Jehovah-Jireh -- The Lord, our Provider -- Genesis 26:14
Jehovah-Nissi -- The Lord, our Banner -- Exodus 17:15
Jehovah-Rapha -- The Lord, our Healer, the Physician -- Exodus 15:26
Qanna -- Jealous or zealous in terms of a marriage relationship -- Exodus 20:5
Jehovah-Shalom -- The Lord, our Peace -- Judges 6:24
Jehovah-Tsidkenu -- The Lord, our Righteousness -- Jeremiah 23:6
Jehovah-Mekaddishkem -- The Lord, our Sanctifier -- Exodus 31:13
Jehovah-Sabaoth -- The Lord of Hosts -- 1 Samuel 1:3
Jehovah-Shammah -- The Lord is Present -- Ezekiel 48:35
Jehovah-Rohi -- The Lord our Shepherd -- Psalm 23
Jehovah-Hoseenu -- The Lord our Maker -- Psalm 95:7
Jehovah-Eloheenu -- The Lord our God -- Psalm 99:5

¹In the Bible, the word "nations" does not mean political entities like China, India and the USA. Rather, it means people groups or societies in which people speak the same language, have the same culture, and live in or have originated in the same area. "Nations" is synonymous with the plural word "peoples." In other words, nations in the Bible means all of the people groups of the world other than the people of Israel.

-- compiled by Howard Culbertson,

Why so many different names and titles for God?

The multitude of names and titles for Yahweh in the Bible reflects the multifaceted nature of the divine. They are also representative of the diverse ways in which people in Bible times experienced and understood God. Each name or title carries its own nuances. The names, titles and descriptions revealing different aspects of Yahweh's character, His relationship with humanity, and His divine attributes. From "El Shaddai" that emphasizes emphasizing God's power and sustenance to "Jehovah Jireh" that highlights His provision, and from the word "Adonai" that signifies His lordship to "Elohim" that represents His creative authority, these designations offer a rich tapestry of meanings. Together, they deepen our understanding of the divine. Moreover, the use of various names and titles across different contexts within the Bible reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of the ancient Near East, where the biblical texts were composed and compiled. In summary, this plethora of names and titles serves to emphasize the depth and complexity of humanity's relationship with the divine. Together, they invite believers to contemplate and explore the manifold facets of Yahweh's being.