This article is part of a series on the Names of God. Below are links to the rest of the series.
Names of God
Yahweh
Adonai
El
El Elohe Israel
Elyon
Elohim
El Olam
El Roi
El Shaddai
Definition
Hebrew. אָדוֹן ‘adown {aw-done’} or (shortened) אָדֹן ‘adon {aw-done’}
From an unused root (meaning to rule); sovereign, that is, controller (human or divine):—lord, master, owner. (Lexiconcordance.com)
Adonai occurs 331 times in the Old Testament. The word is used both for God and for human rulers.
Give thanks to the Lord (Adonai) of lords (adonai),
for his steadfast love endures forever;
Psalm 136:3
Adonai is the plural form of ‘adon. The plural form is usually used when referring to God. The plural is used as a form of emphasis. God is more than a ruler. He is “ruler” multiplied – thus the majestic plural form is used.
It was common in later practice not to speak God’s sacred covenant name, YHWH, so they would not mistakenly use it in vain. The Masorete scribes put the vowel marks for Adonai under the letters for YHWH as a reminder to say Adonai when they saw the word YHWH. This was mistaken by early translators to be the actual vowels for God’s name and led them to translate YHWH as Jehovah. So the word Jehovah is actually a mistaken combination of Adonai and YHWH.
Application
What can we learn from all these details about a name used in the Old Testament for God? Here are two thoughts that stand out to me:
- Sovereignty. God is Lord over everything. There is no higher authority or power in all of creation. Although we are told to call Him “Father”, we should never forget that He is also the King. All things are His to command. This is much easier to say than to live. Do I obey God without question? Do I live as if His Word and His call are more important than anything else?
- Respect. Do I respect the name of God and Jesus enough to worry about how I use it? Do I fear using it in vain?
Take time now to talk to God about His rule in your life and your respect for His name.
by Jerry Wyrick