ELTBefore Elohim אלהים
Understanding the Word Elohim (אלהים)
The word Elohim (אלהים) is often talked about by people who wonder if it means "one God" or "many gods." To understand it better, we can look at the parts of the word and what they mean.
- אל (El) – "God" The first part of Elohim, אל ('El'), means "God." It refers to God as the Creator, the One who made everything. God is the source of all things, and this part of the word reminds us that God created the world and everything in it.
- ים (Yam) – "Creation Finished by the Son" The second part, ים ('Yam'), can be thought of as "creation finished by the Son." The letter י ('Yod') stands for "creation," and the letter ם ('Mem Sofit') shows that creation is complete. This shows how God’s creation was made complete by the Son (Jesus). It tells us that creation is not finished without the Son.
- ה (He) – "Ignorance" and Separation The last part of the word, ה ('He'), represents "ignorance." Ignorance means not understanding something. In this case, it stands for the separation between God and people. Even though God has shown Himself through creation, ignorance (spiritual blindness) keeps us from fully knowing Him.
Putting It All Together:
When we put all these parts together, Elohim (אלהים) tells a story:
- אל ('El') – God, the Creator of everything.
- ים ('Yam') – Creation, which is finished through the Son (Jesus).
- ה ('He') – Ignorance, which creates a barrier between God and people.
The word Elohim tells us that God created the world, and this creation is completed through Jesus. But ignorance (not understanding) stands in the way of fully knowing God. Jesus is the one who helps us understand and removes that barrier of ignorance.
The word Elohim is like a riddle that shows how we start separated from God because of ignorance, but Jesus helps bring us back to God. He bridges the gap between us and God by revealing the truth.
Discussion:
- What do the letters אל ('El'), ים ('Yam'), and ה ('He') teach us about God and creation?
- The word shows that God created everything, that creation is made complete through Jesus, and that ignorance separates us from knowing God.
- How does ה ('He') represent ignorance and separation?
- ה stands for ignorance, which keeps people from fully understanding God. It shows that people are separated from God by not knowing Him completely.
- What does it mean that Yam is "creation finished by the Son"?
- It means that Jesus is the one who completes creation and gives it meaning. Without Him, creation is incomplete.
- How does the word Elohim show the relationship between God, creation, and Jesus?
- The word Elohim shows that God created everything, that creation is finished through Jesus, and that ignorance separates us from fully understanding God, but Jesus helps us overcome that separation.
