El (Hebrew)

El (אֵל, ʾĒl) is a Hebrew term found in the Old Testament that means “strength” or “might” and is commonly used as a title for God. In the Hebrew Scriptures, El is one of several terms used to refer to God. Related terms include Eloah (אֱלוֹהַּ, ʾĔlôah) and Elohim (אֱלֹהִים, ʾĔlōhîm). Both El and Eloah are singular nouns meaning “God” or “deity,” whereas Elohim is a plural form meaning “gods” or “divine beings.” Among these terms, Elohim is the most frequently used designation for God in the Hebrew Bible.

The New Strong’s Expanded Dictionary of Bible Words, James Strong, Thomas Nelson Inc., 2001: Strong’s Concordance number 410 refers to the index number assigned to a Hebrew word to facilitate the study of the Bible in its original language.

Examples of Usage

• Peniel (פְּנוּאֵל, Peniel): Meaning “face of God.”
• Immanuel (עִמָּנוּאֵל, Immanuel): A compound of Immanu (“with us”) and El (“God”), meaning “God is with us.”
• Elijah (אֵלִיָּ֨הוּ, Elijah): Meaning “My God is Yahweh.”

See also

• Elohim
• Eloah