The Bible uses several different names and titles to refer to God. Some of the most common ones are LORD, GOD, Lord, and God. While these words refer to the same divine being, they carry slightly different meanings and connotations.
LORD
The word “LORD” in all capital letters is used in English Bible translations to represent the Hebrew name YHWH or Yahweh. This name comes from the Hebrew verb “to be” and essentially means “the eternal one” or “the self-existing one.” YHWH is God’s personal name revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). It stresses God’s eternal, self-existent nature and his covenant faithfulness to his people.
Since ancient Hebrew didn’t use vowels, we don’t know the precise pronunciation of this name. Out of reverence, Jews began substituting Adonai (“Lord”) when reading the name YHWH. Following this tradition, English Bibles render YHWH as LORD. So whenever you see LORD in the Bible, understand it as referring to YHWH, the personal covenant name of God.
GOD
The word God translates the Hebrew Elohim. While YHWH speaks of God’s personal name and close relationship with his people, Elohim refers more to his supreme power and deity. Elohim comes from a root word meaning “strength” or “power,” highlighting God’s mighty authority over all creation. This title emphasizes God’s role as the sovereign creator and supreme ruler of the universe.
Though a generic word for “God,” Elohim in the Bible uniquely refers to YHWH, the one true God. It highlights his supreme divinity and authority. Translating Elohim as GOD (all caps) distinguishes it from false gods or idols.
Lord
“Lord” translates several Hebrew and Greek words associated with authority and rulership. Key ones include:
- Adonai – Like substituting it for YHWH, Jews used this title meaning “master” or “ruler” to show reverence to God.
- Adon – Root for Adonai, it means “ruler” or “sovereign one” and highlights God’s authority.
- Kyrios – The main Greek title for deity, stressing authority.
Unlike LORD or GOD, these words aren’t unique names of Israel’s God. They were used in the biblical world for human rulers and pagan deities. But scripture applies them to YHWH to emphasize his sovereignty as the true Lord of all.
God
With a lowercase g, “God” translates the Hebrew Elohim and Greek Theos. These communicate deity but are less about God’s personal name (LORD) or unique status as the one true God (GOD). They identify YHWH as divine without further distinction.
Also, the uppercase “God” refers to the unique biblical God, while “god” can refer to pagan deities or idols. This maintains an important distinction in the text. Though subtle, the different forms highlight either the supreme God of Israel or generic ideas of deity.
Significance
This overview shows how the Bible uses these divine titles and names interchangeably, but each highlights something important about God’s nature and relationship to humanity:
- LORD – God’s personal name, covenant loyalty, and faithfulness to his people
- GOD – His supreme power, divinity, and status as sole ruler of the universe
- Lord – His sovereign authority and right to rule as master over all
- God – His general status as deity without further distinction
No single name fully encompasses God’s identity and being. Each reveals something about who God is, providing a fuller picture of his character and actions. The different usages reflect a complex biblical view of the one God who relates intimately with his people yet reigns supreme over all creation.
Old Testament Usage
The Old Testament primarily uses YHWH and Elohim for God. YHWH occurs over 6,800 times, making it by far God’s most common designation. The Jews considered it God’s personal name. Scripture often combines it with other titles for emphasis, like YHWH-Jireh (“The LORD will provide,” Genesis 22:14).
Elohim appears over 2,600 times in a variety of contexts. It can refer to pagan gods (e.g. Exodus 18:11), but usually designates the one true deity. It’s the name used for God in the very first verse of the Bible (Genesis 1:1).
Adonai substitutes for YHWH nearly 450 times. Jews said Adonai instead of the divine name out of reverence. The terms Adon/Adonai also appear over 200 times in reference to human lords. Scripture applies the title to God to convey his sovereignty.
Examples:
- “Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD [YHWH], the everlasting God [Elohim].” (Genesis 21:33)
- “I am the LORD [YHWH]: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8)
- “The Lord [Adonai] is my strength and my shield…” (Psalm 28:7)
These key titles form the predominant Old Testament vocabulary for referring to Israel’s God. Usage emphasizes God’s covenant faithfulness, supreme power, and sovereignty.
New Testament Usage
The New Testament continues to use these titles for God, but focuses mainly on Greek terms. Key ones include:
- Theos – Generic Greek word for “God,” used over 1,000 times.
- Kyrios – Greek word for Lord/Master translating Adonai, used over 700 times.
- Pater – Greek for Father, a favorite title of Jesus.
Theos simply means “God” but specifically applies to YHWH. Kyrios expresses Lordship and sovereign authority. Christ frequently uses Pater, highlighting God’s intimate, loving relationship with his children.
Examples:
- “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God [Theos], and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
- “…no one comes to the Father [Pater] except through me.” (John 14:6)
- “God [Theos] highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord [Kyrios], to the glory of God the Father [Pater].” (Philippians 2:9-11)
These key terms establish that Jesus reveals YHWH of the Old Testament. New Testament authors apply Old Testament theology about the one true God to Jesus Christ.
Divine Name Controversies
Scholars debate the original pronunciation and meaning of God’s personal name YHWH. Since ancient Hebrew lacked vowels, uncertainty exists about exactly how to say the name. Suggestions include Yahweh, Yahveh, Jehovah, and more.
The exact meaning of YHWH is also unclear. While many connect it to the Hebrew verb “to be,” linkages to other Semitic roots have been proposed. These include:
- “He who creates or gives life”
- “He who sustains or leads”
- “He who brings into being”
So while we can’t be certain of the original pronunciation or precise meaning of YHWH, key points emerge from scripture:
- It’s God’s personal name, revealed to Moses at the burning bush
- It represents his eternal, self-sustaining existence
- It highlights his covenant faithfulness and presence with his people
Some groups, like the Jehovah’s Witnesses, treat the pronunciation Jehovah as uniquely sacred. But most scholars emphasize YHWH’s definition and meaning over particular vowels or pronunciations.
Significance for Christianity
These divine titles tell us much about the God worshipped in the Bible and Christian faith:
- As YHWH and Father, he enters into personal relationship and covenant with his people.
- As Elohim and Theos, he is the all-powerful creator and supreme deity.
- As Adonai and Kyrios, he deserves full allegiance as sovereign Lord.
Scripture uses these titles and names interchangeably for the same God. Each reveals different aspects of his being, character, and relationship to humanity. Together, they proclaim the one true eternal God who desires us to know him, trust in him, and live for him.
By applying divine titles to Jesus, the New Testament equates him with YHWH. As Emmanuel (“God with us”), Jesus is YHWH come personally to dwell among his people (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23). Through Christ, God’s Old Testament redemptive mission reaches its long-anticipated climax.
Implications
Recognizing what scripture means by LORD, GOD, Lord, and God has several key implications:
- God is personal – His names reflect relationship, not philosophical concepts.
- God is supreme – All reality derives from and belongs to him.
- God is sovereign – He rightfully rules creation as King and Lord.
- God is savior – His names emphasize promises and salvation.
- Jesus reveals God – Christ bears and reveals God’s true name and nature.
This understanding guards against mistaken views of God. He is not some detached force or abstract concept. He relates, speaks, promises, saves, judges, and rules. And Jesus supremely embodies these truths, displaying God’s character and kingdom in action.
Practical Application
Here are some ways these truths can transform how we live and relate to God:
- Pray to God using his biblical names like YHWH, Elohim, and Pater. Let these guide your prayers.
- Thank Jesus for bringing deeper revelation of God’s character as his incarnate Son.
- Ask God daily to rule your life as your sovereign King and Lord.
- Rest in his covenant promises, fulfilled ultimately through Christ.
- Proclaim God’s name and nature to others who need true knowledge of him.
The meaning of biblical titles for God has profound relevance for how we think of him, pray to him, and represent him to the world. They shape our theology and spirituality in critical ways. As Scripture’s central subject, grasping what the Bible means by God, LORD, Lord, and other key names opens up infinite possibilities for knowing, loving, and enjoying God more.