The Bible contains many different names and titles that refer to God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Here is an overview of some of the major ones found in Scripture:
Names of God
Yahweh – The most common name used for God in the Old Testament, translated as “LORD” in most English translations. It comes from the Hebrew word meaning “to be” and refers to God’s eternal, self-existent nature (Exodus 3:14).
Elohim – A Hebrew name for God that emphasizes His power and sovereignty. It’s used over 2,500 times in the Old Testament (Genesis 1:1).
El, Eloah – These Hebrew names portray God as mighty and strong. El is often combined with other words like El Shaddai (Genesis 17:1).
Adonai – Used over 400 times in the Old Testament, it means “Lord” or “Master” and expresses reverence for God’s authority (Joshua 5:14).
El Elyon – Meaning “Most High God,” this name emphasizes God’s exalted position as the sovereign Ruler over all creation (Genesis 14:18).
El Roi – Translated “God who sees,” a name ascribed to God by Hagar in Genesis 16:13. It speaks of God’s omniscience and personal care.
El Olam – Meaning “Everlasting God,” it depicts God’s eternal nature, unfettered by time (Genesis 21:33).
Jehovah Jireh – Translated “The Lord Will Provide,” a name given to honor God’s faithfulness to provide for His people (Genesis 22:14).
Titles of God
Lord – The primary title used for God in the Old Testament, translated from Adonai or Yahweh. It expresses God’s sovereignty and covenant relationship with His people.
Almighty – Portrays God as all-powerful. The Hebrew term is El Shaddai (Genesis 17:1, Revelation 1:8).
Most High – Again emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty and authority over all creation as the supreme Ruler (Psalm 9:2, 92:1).
Father – Jesus revealed God as Father in a unique way, depicting His loving, protecting, and providing relationship with His children (Matthew 6:9, John 14:9).
Shepherd – Illustrates God’s tender care and guidance for His people, as a shepherd cares for his sheep (Psalm 23:1, John 10:11).
Bridegroom – Shows the intimacy and love between God and His people, like that of a groom for his bride (Isaiah 62:5, Revelation 21:2).
Names and Titles of Jesus Christ
Jesus – The name selected by God and given through the angel Gabriel to Mary for the Son of God (Luke 1:31). It’s a Greek form of Joshua, meaning “the Lord saves.”
Christ – The title given to Jesus to identify Him as the Messiah (John 1:41). It’s the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Messiah.
Lord – The most common title for Jesus in the New Testament. It’s an affirmation of His deity and total authority (Luke 2:11, Romans 10:9).
Lamb of God – Portrays Christ’s sacrifice for sin. He is the ultimate, perfect Passover sacrifice (John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7).
Son of Man – Jesus frequently called Himself by this title, emphasizing His humanity and suffering (Matthew 20:28, Luke 19:10).
Son of God – Affirms Christ’s divine nature and unique relationship to the Father. The Jews considered it blasphemy (Matthew 26:63, John 10:36).
Only Begotten Son – Emphasizes Jesus’ unique, eternal relationship with the Father as His “one and only” Son (John 3:16, 1 John 4:9).
The Word – Identifies Jesus as the revelation of God Himself, the living Word of God incarnate (John 1:1, 14).
Immanuel – Meaning “God with us,” it celebrates Christ’s coming to dwell among His people (Matthew 1:23).
Alpha and Omega – The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, emphasizing Christ’s eternality and divine nature (Revelation 22:13).
King of kings & Lord of lords – Asserts Christ’s reign over all earthly and heavenly rulers, His supreme sovereignty (Revelation 19:16).
Cornerstone – Just as a cornerstone aligns and supports an entire building, so Christ holds together the whole Church (Ephesians 2:20, 1 Peter 2:7).
High Priest – As High Priest, Jesus is the mediator between God and man and offered the perfect sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 3:1, 8:1).
Good Shepherd – In contrast with bad shepherds who exploit the sheep, Jesus is the ideal shepherd who nurtures, protects, and saves the sheep (John 10:11).
Names and Titles of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit – The name used frequently in Scripture, including the formal names “Spirit of God” and “Spirit of the Lord” (Luke 4:18, 2 Corinthians 3:17).
Counselor – Jesus used this title, meaning one who guides, advises, and consoles (John 14:16). The Greek word is Paraclete.
Spirit of Truth – Emphasizing the Spirit’s role in teaching and guiding in truth, keeping believers from error (John 14:17, 15:26).
Spirit of Wisdom – Affirms the Spirit’s imparting of insight, judgment, and wisdom to believers (Ephesians 1:17, Isaiah 11:2).
Spirit of Power – Declares the Spirit’s impartation of courage, boldness, and confidence in place of fear and weakness (2 Timothy 1:7, Romans 8:26).
Helper – Alongside Counselor, Jesus called the Spirit the Helper who supports, encourages, and comforts believers (John 14:16).
Spirit of Holiness – As the Spirit of Holiness, He guides believers into greater Christlikeness and purity (Romans 1:4).
Spirit of Adoption – The Spirit confirms believers’ status as adopted children of God and empowers them to call God “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15-16).
Spirit of Life – Called the Spirit of Life because He gives new life to those who believe and dwells within every born-again believer (Romans 8:2).
Spirit of Glory – His presence brings glory to God. He also transforms believers from glory to glory to radiate Christ (1 Peter 4:14, 2 Corinthians 3:18).
In summary, Scripture contains a multitude of rich names and titles for the three Persons of the Trinity, each revealing distinct attributes about God’s nature and relationship with His people. These names unlock greater theological depth for believers as they enhance our knowledge of who God is and what He has done for us.