ELTBefore Elohim אלהים
People often debate the meaning of *Elohim* (אלהים), with some thinking it is singular and others seeing it as plural. When we are uncertain about the meaning of a word, we can examine its components to gain clarity.
The word Elohim (אלהים) can be broken down into its component parts to reveal a visual riddle about the relationship between God and man, especially focusing on how ignorance separates the two. Here's the breakdown:
1. אל (El) – "God"
The first part of the word, אל (El), is God. This is a direct reference to the Creator, the Divine, the One who is the source of all things. The name El is often used to signify God in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible. As the first part of the word, it establishes that the origin of everything, including creation and mankind, is found in God alone.
2. ים (Yam) – "Creation י finished by the Son ם"
The second part of the word, ים (Yam), can be interpreted as "creation finished by the son, or 'man'." The י (Yod) is "creation". The ם (Mem Sofit) represents the final stage or the completion of that process by the Son according to the law. Therefore, ים can signify man
3. ה (He) – "Ignorance" and by position in the word... which separates God אל from man ים."
The final part of the word, ה (He), represents ignorance or misunderstanding. This letter is often associated with a lack of comprehension, or an openness that is incomplete. In this context, He symbolizes the spiritual blindness and ignorance that separates man from God. While God has revealed Himself through creation and His Word, ignorance (the 'he' ה) acts as a barrier that prevents mankind from fully understanding and knowing God.
Putting It All Together:
When combined, Elohim (אלהים) reflects the relationship between God and humanity:
אל (El) – God, the Creator, the Divine. ים (Yam) – Creation, which is finished or fulfilled by the Son. ה (He) – Ignorance, which creates the separation between God and man.
The overall message conveyed by the word Elohim is that God (El) created the world, and this creation is ultimately brought to completion through the Son (Yam). However, ignorance ('he' ה) stands as a barrier, separating man from fully understanding or knowing God. This separation due to ignorance is what keeps humanity from a complete relationship with God, though the fullness of creation and redemption is found in Christ, who bridges that gap.
The riddle of Elohim thus highlights the spiritual journey from ignorance to knowledge, from separation to reconciliation, which is made possible through the Son of God. The word itself tells a story: God (El) created everything (Yam), but ignorance (He) prevents man from fully knowing God until the revelation of the Son.
