El Shaddai: “God Almighty” or “The All-Sufficient One.” is one of the names used for God in the Bible,
Understanding the names of God is crucial for deepening our relationship with Him. Each name reveals a unique aspect of His character and nature. One of the most profound names of God in the Bible is El Shaddai. This name emphasizes God’s sufficiency and almighty power, assuring us of His ability to provide, sustain, and bless abundantly.
Etymology and Translation of El Shaddai
El Shaddai is derived from two Hebrew root words: “El” and “Shaddai.”
El means “God” or “mighty one,” highlighting strength, power, and might. Shaddai has several interpretations:
1. All-sufficient one almighty: This interpretation, based on Exodus 6:3, underscores God’s unlimited power and sufficiency. God says, “I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself fully known to them.”
2. Lord/Master of the mountains: Derived from the Akkadian word “shadu” meaning mountain, it signifies God’s supreme authority over all creation.
3. Nourisher/Sustainer/Blesser: From the Hebrew word “shad” meaning breast, it portrays God as a nurturer who sustains and provides abundantly.
Combining these, El Shaddai translates to “God Almighty” or “The All-Sufficient God,” highlighting His ultimate power and ability to meet every need.
Usage of El Shaddai in the Bible
1. First Mention to Abram (Genesis 17:1)
In Genesis 17:1, God introduces Himself as El Shaddai to Abram, promising to make him exceedingly fruitful. “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.'”
2. God as El Shaddai to Jacob (Genesis 35:11, Genesis 48:3)
Jacob’s encounters with El Shaddai highlight God’s provision and blessing despite hardship. In Genesis 35:11, God reaffirms His promise of fruitfulness and nations coming from Jacob, emphasizing His sustaining power and faithfulness. “And God said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants.'”
Genesis 48:3, Jacob recalls, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there he blessed me.”
3. Job’s References to El Shaddai (Job 5:17, Job 6:4, Job 8:3, Job 8:5)
The book of Job frequently references El Shaddai, underscoring God’s discipline, power, and justice. Despite Job’s suffering, these references reveal God’s sovereign power and the complexity of His care, even through adversity.
– Job 5:17: “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.”
– Job 6:4: “The arrows of the Almighty are in me, my spirit drinks in their poison; God’s terrors are marshaled against me.”
– Job 8:3: “Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?”
– Job 8:5: “But if you will seek God earnestly and plead with the Almighty.”
Attributes of El Shaddai
1. The All-Powerful and All-Mighty
El Shaddai encapsulates God’s omnipotence. Scriptural examples abound, showcasing His unmatched power and authority over creation, nature, and human affairs.
– Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
– Jeremiah 32:17: “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
2. The Completely Self-Sufficient and Inexhaustible Source
El Shaddai is the inexhaustible source that meets all our needs. Philippians 4:19 reassures us that God supplies all our needs from His boundless riches, emphasizing His self-sufficiency. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
3. The Faithful Sustainer and Nourisher
El Shaddai is also our faithful sustainer and nourisher. Psalm 91:1-2 depicts God as a protective and nurturing figure, providing safety and abundant care. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”
Applying El Shaddai in Our Life
1. Complete Dependence on God’s All-Sufficient Grace
Recognizing El Shaddai means acknowledging our need for His grace in every aspect of life. It’s an invitation to rely wholly on His sufficiency.
2. Resting in God’s Faithfulness as Our El Shaddai
Trusting in El Shaddai’s consistent and unfailing provision allows us to rest in His faithfulness. He is always enough, no matter the circumstances.
3. Drawing Strength and Nourishment from the Almighty Source
Finding our sustenance and strength in God alone, we draw from His inexhaustible resources. El Shaddai provides abundantly, sustaining us through every challenge.
In Conclusion
El Shaddai reveals God as the all-sufficient, almighty provider and sustainer. Understanding this name enriches our faith and trust in God’s ability to meet all our needs. Embrace the fullness of God’s provision and care, finding rest and assurance in His sufficiency.
We’d love to hear from you! Write about a time you felt God’s power and love. Share your thoughts and stories with us!
Reference:
Brown, F., Driver, S. R., & Briggs, C. A. (1907). Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (p. 994). Clarendon Press.
