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Adonai Definition
Adonai is an Old Testament name for the God of Israel that translators converted to Lord in most English Bibles. The letters after the capital L are in lower case to differentiate the word Adonai from the word Yahweh, written as LORD in English Bibles. Yahweh is God’s personal Name and only refers to God:
‘Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “[g]I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘[I]I AM has sent me to you (Exodus 3:14-15).’”
Elohim
Elohim is another Hebrew word commonly used to refer to God. It’s basic meaning is mighty one. This word, like Adonai, can also refer to men or angels. The Bible writer used Elohim to refer to God in the first verse of the Bible: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
The basic thought behind the word Adonai is that of ruler or master.
This word denotes God but can also refer to humans. In Genesis 18:12 Sarah applies it to her husband Abraham when she’s told she’ll give birth to a son, Isaac, at the age of ninety: “Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”
Abraham’s slave also used Adonai to refer to his master: “So the servant placed his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter (Genesis 24:9).”
In the New Testament the Greek word Kurios is the word translated Lord. It means someone who has control over someone. In the Old Testament translated into Greek, the LXX (the Old Testament translated into Greek circa 200 BC), Kurios translated both the words Adonai and Yahweh.
What Does Adonai Mean?
So, Adonai is the Hebrew word used sometimes of God and sometimes to refer to humans who are in some way their ruler or master.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Adonai:
- What is Adonai? Adonai is an Old Testament name for the God of Israel. It is a Hebrew word that means “ruler” or “master.”
- How is Adonai different from Yahweh? Yahweh is God’s personal name, while Adonai is a title that denotes a position of power or authority. Yahweh is used only to refer to God, whereas Adonai can also be used to refer to humans who are in a position of power or authority.
- What does Elohim mean? Elohim is another Hebrew word commonly used to refer to God. It means “mighty one” and can also refer to men or angels.
- Who else can Adonai refer to? While Adonai is primarily used to refer to God, it can also be used to refer to humans who are in a position of power or authority.
- What is the Greek word for Lord in the New Testament? In the New Testament, the Greek word for Lord is Kurios. It means someone who has control over someone else. In the Old Testament translated into Greek, the LXX, Kurios translated both Adonai and Yahweh.
- Why is Adonai sometimes translated as “Lord” in English Bibles? Adonai is often translated to “Lord” in English Bibles to differentiate it from Yahweh, which is written as “LORD” in English Bibles.
- How can understanding Adonai and other Hebrew and Greek words deepen one’s understanding of the Bible? Understanding the meanings of Adonai and other Hebrew and Greek words used to refer to God can help deepen one’s understanding of the Bible and its teachings. It can provide greater insight into the character and nature of God, as well as the relationships between humans and God.
What Does Adonai Mean?
Adonai is a Hebrew word used to refer to the God of Israel, as well as to humans who hold positions of power or authority. It denotes a position of rulership or mastery. Understanding the meanings of Adonai and other Hebrew and Greek words used to refer to God can help deepen one’s understanding of the Bible and its teachings.
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