EL-SHADDAI - GOD ALMIGHTY
Genesis 17:1-8
17 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
1. The Meaning And Derivation Of El-Shaddai
- El Shaddai is a compound name of ‘El’ and ‘Shaddai.’
What does it mean? God Almighty is how it is translated, but it has a more proper meaning of the Strong One Who Nourishes, Blesses, and Satisfies.
1) El
- El is the root name of Elohim. El means the strong one, the mighty one, etc. El carries with it the meaning of might, power, omnipotence. The name is connected especially with the creation in terms of the power to create.
- It is clear with regard to this name, God Almighty, or El-Shaddai, that the idea of all might and power is expressed in the name
- Quite honestly, EL could be translated as God Almighty all by itself, (i.e. The Strong One = God Almighty).
2) Shaddai
The word “Shaddai” occurs
Shaddai is derived from the Hebrew word “shad” which means breast, in particular a woman’s breast. El Shaddai, hence, means the Strong Breasted One, The All Powerful & All Bountiful One.
- The word “Shaddai” carries with it the idea of bountifulness, nourishment, and blessing.
Scofield Notes from reference Bible
- The etymological signification of Almighty God (El Shaddai) is both interesting and touching. God (El) signifies the “Strong One” The qualifying word Shaddai is formed from the Hebrew word “shad,” the breast. Invariably used in Scripture for a woman’s breast. Shaddai therefore means primarily “the breasted.” God is “Shaddai” because He is the Nourisher, the Strength-giver, and so, in a secondary sense, the Satisfier, who pours Himself into believing lives. As a fretful, unsatisfied babe is not only strengthened and nourished from the mother’s breast, but also is quieted, rested, and satisfied, so El Shaddai is that name of God which sets Him forth as the Strength giver and Satisfier of His people. It is on every account regretted that “Shaddai” was translated “Almighty.” The primary name El or Elohim sufficiently signifies almightiness. “All-sufficient” would far better express both the Hebrew meaning and the characteristic use of the name in Scripture.
- El Shaddai - God Almighty = God All-sufficient
- Yet it is because of His power that He is sufficient for all things. And the fact that He is our sufficiency shows Him to be all powerful in our lives and to us.
2. The Use Of The Name El-Shaddai
- In verses 1-8 God is reaffirming the covenant and the promise of a son.
- v. 1 –When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Jehovah appeared to him and revealed himself as El Shaddai (the Almighty God). He then tells Abram to walk before Him and be blameless (perfect).
- God revealed Himself to Abram with a new name so that he would know that He was able to give him a son although his wife was past child-bearing age.
Abram was being taught what Jesus declared in Mt. 19:26 – with God all things are
Before God reminded Abram of the promise He made a command: walk before me and be blameless.
- The word walk means that God wanted Abram to live in the knowledge that he was never out of God’s sight.
The word blameless means
v. 2 – I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.
At this point Abram falls on his face in worship and reverence and respect.
v. 5 – God changes the name of Abram to Abraham, from exalted father to father of multitudes which suggests that he is a man who would change history by creating a nation. This name focused on his descendants.
vv. 6-8 – God reiterates his promise to Abraham with such phrases as exceeding fruitful…everlasting covenant, and everlasting possession.
The covenant is everlasting with everlasting benefits.
Sarai has her name changed to Sarah which means princess. (v. 15)
- Sarah, a princess, would be the mother of kings.
vs. 16 – I will give you a son of her; yes I will bless her, she shall be a mother of nations and kings shall be of her (i.e. King David, King Solomon, etc. King Jesus!!!)
With his faith faltering, Abram resigns himself to God’s promise and circumcises himself at the age of 99.
- One year later God brought forth a son from two people who were as good as dead.
- God needed no help to keep his promise. He took this long to reveal His character to Abraham to show that God is not only the supplier of needs but also the One who makes fruitful.
- Elohim is the God who creates nature so that it is and supports it so that it continues. El-Shaddai is the God who compels nature to do what is contrary to itself, (i.e. make a child come forth from a dead womb).
3. The Lessons For Today In The Name El-Shaddai
1) Salvation can never come by the
2) We can accomplish
3) God has an
4) We must learn to