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. It specifically identifies him as God who 'spoke and created the heavens and the earth א then revealed himself to man ב'.
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.
Discussion
- Breakdown of Elohim (אלהים) as a Visual Riddle:
- The novel interpretation of Elohim involves a detailed breakdown of its components—אל (El), ים (Yam), and ה (He)—to form a theological riddle that emphasizes the relationship between God and humanity. The interpretation sees Elohim not just as a word for God but as a narrative depicting creation, completion through the Son, and separation due to ignorance. This unique approach views the word as a symbolic narrative, which tells the story of God’s creation, humanity's separation due to ignorance, and the reconciliation through Christ.
- Interpretation of ים (Yam) as Creation Finished by the Son:
- The interpretation of ים (Yam) as creation fulfilled by the Son is a theological perspective that emphasizes the completion of creation through Christ. This view connects the Hebrew letter י (Yod) with creation and the final letter ם (Mem Sofit) as representing completion through the Son, offering a Christocentric reading of the word Elohim that sees Jesus as the fulfillment of creation itself. This aligns with the Christian teaching that Christ is the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13) and that through Him, creation finds its purpose and completion.
- Understanding ה (He) as Ignorance and Spiritual Separation:
- The interpretation of ה (He) as ignorance or spiritual blindness stands out as a theological insight that frames human ignorance as a barrier separating God from man. The view that the letter ה represents spiritual blindness connects well with the Christian doctrine of sin and separation—where sin (or ignorance) is what keeps humanity from fully understanding and experiencing God's presence. This concept reinforces the narrative of salvation, where the removal of ignorance (spiritual blindness) is key to reconciliation with God, through the Son of God.
- Overall Message of Separation and Reconciliation Through the Son:
- The combined interpretation of Elohim (אלהים) offers a theological message about humanity’s journey from ignorance to knowledge, and from separation to reconciliation with God. The text presents the idea that ignorance stands between God and humanity, but the Son—symbolized by Yam—bridges that gap. This interpretation provides a clear Gospel message, where Christ is seen as the bridge that brings creation to completion and overcomes the separation between humanity and God.
- Christological Interpretation of Elohim:
- The entire breakdown presents Elohim as a Christ-centered word, where the Son is integral to both the act of creation and its fulfillment. By showing how the letters of the word Elohim reflect Christ’s role in the creation and reconciliation process, this interpretation builds a theological link between the Hebrew language and the Christian doctrine of creation, fall, and redemption. The Son's role in completing creation and overcoming ignorance is central to this view.
